Frequently Asked Questions

• I've heard that ARLA is a bit elitist - more like an exclusive club?

   Not true! Perhaps a perception encouraged by some others but not by us!

  • It is true - that becoming an ARLA Member is not just a case of ticking a few boxes in a form and sending in a cheque; we are not in the numbers game. ARLA has a reasonable but rigorous and robust application process that helps sustain the recognition, the integrity and respect which membership brings.
  • It is true - that ARLA sets, monitors and regulates the highest standards in the industry, and expects certain levels of professionalism and commitment to customer service from its membership - that helps us, and our members, differentiate ourselves from others in the marketplace.
  • It is true - that because of ARLA's position, recognised by government, consumer groups and the media as the leading voice in the industry, our members are seen as being at the forefront of the sector; ready, willing and able to comply with existing and anticipated government legislation.

  It is true - that it doesn't matter if you are letting property at rents of a few hundred pounds a month or a few thousand pounds a week! We are all doing basically the same job and if you are committed to doing it properly and professionally ARLA are keen to hear from you and you should be keen to join ARLA - and become part of the leading voice in the industry.

• Who else are Members of ARLA?

  Most of your main competitors probably already are! ARLA membership encompasses a broad range of High Street names  - all benefit equally - membership ranges from smaller one or two office members through to those with regional representation and national coverage. We have members who deal mainly with Housing Benefit and/or Asylum Seeking tenants; we have members who specialise in the exclusive top end corporate market.

• Why I need to belong to ARLA? What are some of the benefits and services I will gain from belonging to ARLA?

   Over the last twenty-five years the ARLA name has grown to be recognised as the leading kite mark or benchmark symbol of accreditation in the lettings industry representing high standards and good practice.

  Here are a few more of the ARLA benefits and services: -

  • Latest Guidance and Interpretation on Legislation & Regulations
  • Cover under the unique ARLA Client Money Protection Bonding Scheme
  • Consultation with, and lobbying of, Government on existing and forthcoming legislation
  • Exerting influence in the Private Rented Sector through involvement with Industry Commissions, Forums, Steering Committees, Working Groups etc
  • Customer recognition and consumer confidence leading to increased business opportunities.
  • National, Regional & Local media coverage - every month of the year ARLA and its members get a mention on hundreds of occasions in newspapers and magazines across the UK, on TV and Radio.
  • Access to a wide range of topical Training Courses - supporting and developing Education & Qualifications in the industry
  • A national network of member offices supported by a local regional structure providing excellent networking and feedback opportunities
  • A preferential rate for membership of the Dispute Service to encompass Tenancy Deposit Protection
  • The ARLA website - a source of information and business referrals; including the members only section for up to date news, information and links to legislation etc.
  • Access to a members only legal help on line help desk
  • Lettingcareers.com - the jobsite for people in property - discounts for ARLA members
  • ARLA Conference & Exhibition, Seminars
  • Agreement Magazine - the bi-monthly ARLA member's journal full of useful information
  • Promotional/Information Brochures & Leaflets
  • Buy to Let - the initiative invented by ARLA that has helped galvanise investment in the Private Rented sector over the last ten years. Free copies of the 224 page glossy A4 Buy to Let magazine for distribution to your clients.

  Quarterly member surveys - your opportunity to provide feedback and statistics to help us promote and protect your interests

• We operate lettings from more than one office; does each office have to join individually?

  No as a Principal Partner or Director you would bring your offices into membership. An employee who has undertaken certain qualifications is also eligible for an employee status of membership. Full details can be found by clicking the  "Join" section where details of costs and relevant criteria can be found.

• How long does the application procedure take from submission to completion and what is the process for applying for ARLA membership?

  The timescale will depend on how quickly all the various bits of information can be provided by you; checked and collated by us and the process, completed.

• My lettings business operates from home, can I join?

  Yes subject to meeting all other criteria

• What about franchised lettings operations?

  Because of their slightly different business model and the varying relationships with their head franchisor we consider such applications on a case-by-case basis but it will depend on the following main factors:

  1. The ability and/or degree of each franchisee to meet the application requirements and criteria for full Member status, including ongoing requirements and obligations.
  2. The links and/or control and monitoring of the franchisor over the training, paperwork, processes and procedures of the franchisee.
  3. Specifically, the role, relationship and responsibility between the parties to the franchise agreement for the monitoring and compliance with the Association's Client Accounting Byelaw (3).

  Specifically, the arrangements relating to the ending or termination or the reallocation of a local franchise and particularly the controls and processes relating to informing clients and customers of such changes to ensure that all client monies are properly accounted for and transferred as appropriate.