ARLA

[GPEL]

Some may be interested to know that the National Assoc of Estate Agents has now merged (taken-over?) with ARLA. Often, much maligned letting services are those offered by estate agents that do a bit of lettings on the side with consequential poor service. This model is now mirrored by the NAEA/ARLA body in so much that a predominantly estate agent/sales based body now has lettings regulation under its wing, with lettings treated in all probability as a poorer cousin. Consequently, ARLA is no longer a truly independant organization in the lettings sector but is part of a less focused body. Therefore, questions have to be asked if this will filter down to the level of service offered to and provided by ARLA member companies. Letting agents do not have to be regulated therefore if choosing an agent, a point for consideration is what safeguards they have in place to help minimize risks to landlords and tenants. For my money, membership of a less focused professional body isn't one of them.

This amalgamation has more to do with NAEA/ARLA protecting self interests than the quality of service provided by its members. Controversial? Possibly...

[Melboy]

Owng to a couple of bad experiences with the services of a letting agent person within the confines of an established estate agency I now only would ever use a specific LA whose sole business is in the letting and management of property for landlords and tenants.

[SPEEDTWIN]

So does that mean an estate agent who only does a few letting can join NAEA but start advertising as being a member of ARLA without having to go thro all the checks that ARLA require to become a member????