The UK Association of Letting Agents (UKALA) is a member-owned professional body that offers advice and guidance on all issues surrounding letting property and how to achieve best practice. UKALA helps its letting and management agent members keep up to date with the latest regulations, in addition to providing opportunities for training and industry accreditation. The association currently has over 1100 members in the UK – including Thomas H Wood. As well as valuable support, affiliation automatically enrols members into a government-approved Client Money Protection (CMP) scheme and an independent redress scheme.
CMP protects landlords’ and contract holders’ money held by letting and property management agents and has been mandatory in Wales since November 2015. UKALA CMP means landlords and contract holders are completely protected and can claim back all losses should an incident occur.
Meanwhile, the independent redress scheme provides a government-approved impartial dispute resolution platform for the agent and members of the public. This, again, is compulsory for all property agents in the UK.
UKALA is a respected body which strives to achieve the best outcomes for its members. As part of this mission, it works closely with the government to establish new legislation for the private rented sector and ensures its members’ voices are heard.
By choosing an agent that is UKALA affiliated, landlords can rest easy that they are fully compliant with all industry standards and have access to industry insights into the latest developments. Agents also have a wide range of commercial services at their disposal which they can then pass onto their landlords. Additional provisions include deposit protection, tenant checks, housing law and eviction specialists, and a dedicated facilities management team to ensure adherence to all safety legislation.
Connection is also a key benefit of UKALA membership as the association reports that contract holders are more likely to choose a landlord that is linked with a professional trade body.
If you would like to find out more about our membership with UKALA and how it helps us to support you as a landlord or contract holder, get in touch today.