Principles Of Professional Conduct
The ARLA Principles of Professional Conduct and Code of Practice is currently being revised and redrafted. A pdf file of the new version will be available here in due course.
- Summary - some of the key points:
To disclose all relevant facts to the client.
To withdraw where there is a conflict of interest unless the conflict has been disclosed to the client
Not to act dishonestly or deceitfully or otherwise in a manner which shows moral unfitness or brings the Association into disrepute.
Not to discriminate against a client or tenant on grounds of race, colour, creed or disability.
Not to tout for business on property currently under the instruction of another agent. General mail shots and mailing to previous clients is accepted.
- Being a member
Members must:
Provide an annual audit confirming compliance with the Association's Bye Laws which include mandatory reconciliations between the client bank account and ledger balances
Ensure that at least one person in each branch has passed an exam or qualification approved by ARLA
Make it clear to the landlord that it is his duty to establish that he has the right to let the property
Provide and agree their terms and conditions to their client before the commencement of the tenancy
Take up references on prospective tenants
Draw up an appropriate Tenancy Agreement
Have a secure system for retaining the keys to the property
Collect an appropriate deposit (or letter of guarantee as appropriate) and notify the tenant who is holding it and in what capacity
- Members should advise their client of:
The benefits of an inventory
The costs to be incurred
Their obligations with regard to taxation
All relevant legislation and regulatory requirements (eg safety)
The late or non-payment of rent
All sensible offers which have been made
- Complaints
Members should deal with all complaints promptly, politely and efficiently via our internal complaints process.
ARLA has a complaints procedure which involves the consideration of complaints against members (but not tenancy disputes between landlords and tenants) by a committee of the Association which has the power to:
Fine a member
Suspend a member
Expel a member
The Principles of Professional Conduct and Code of Practice include obligations on members.
