Association of Residential Letting Agents
The Association of Residential Lettings Agents (ARLA) is a professional membership and regulatory body for letting agents and letting agencies in the UK. ARLA recognised the requirements of the residential lettings market were so detailed and specific that a separate organisation was required to promote standards in this important sector of the property industry.
ARLA are the only professional self-regulating body to be solely concerned with lettings and letting agents.
Underwoods Town and County are proud to be an ARLA Licensed member.
Why use an ARLA Licensed Agent? 
Every year, unlicensed agents cause Britain's homebuyers and sellers unnecessary stress and hassle - and sometimes loss of money - by giving incorrect or misleading advice or offering poor standards of customer service.
By using a Licensed ARLA agent you are guaranteed:
That the agency is covered by our Client Money Protection (CMP) Scheme.
The ARLA have the ability to make discretionary grants (up to pre-set limits) if you suffer financial loss due to the bankruptcy or dishonesty of the member and/or their firm.
That the agency has Professional Indemnity Insurance.
This ensures you are financially covered for successfull claims relating to members' negligence, bad advice or mishandling of data.
To be consulting with a qualified and trained agent who can give you professional up-to-date advice and guidance.
All our members are required to carry out at least a minimum level of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) each year and many do more.
That you are dealing with an agent who voluntarily follows the Code of Practice and Rules of Conduct laid down by their professional body.
If an agent does not follow the code, they can be fined or in the worst cases expelled from membership of ARLA.
That you have a route to redress should something go wrong.
It is a mandatory requirement that all ARLA members belong to an independent redress scheme, the choice being either the Ombudsman Services: Property or the Property Ombudsman Scheme. This gives you the consumer an added level of protection.
As a member of the public:
You can be sure you are dealing with an experienced and professional agent, by choosing an ARLA member.
Membership of the Association is through formal qualification ensuring that ARLA member agents have the knowledge and experience to guide you through your property transaction as smoothly and painlessly as possible. Operating under strict rules of conduct, members must meet certain standards relating to professional and ethical practice. Under the rules, agents are required to protect and promote their client's interests, while at all times acting in a fair and proper manner. If you are unfortunate enough to suffer at the hands of malpractice by an ARLA letting agent, the Association can take disciplinary action on your behalf.
Underwoods Town and County are proud to be long standing members of ARLA and continue to strive to work at the highest of levels at all times. For further details please contact us on 01604 232400 or 01933 270360 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it