Swetenhams Estate Agents

Association of Residential Letting Agents

The Association of Residential Lettings Agents (ARLA) was formed in 1981 as the professional and regulatory body for letting agents in the UK. Members are governed by a Code of Practice providing a framework of ethical and professional standards and are required to have professional indemnity insurance cover.

ARLA members are covered by a bonding scheme which provides financial protection for client monies which have been misappropriated and the Association has its own complaints and disciplinary procedures so that any dispute is dealt with efficiently and fairly. Where necessary, suitable sanctions are imposed on the member.

Ombudsman for Estate Agents - Residential Lettings & Property Management

The Ombudsman for Estate Agents (OEA) Scheme provides an independent service for dealing with disputes between registered agents and consumers relating to the letting of residential property in the UK. The Ombudsman is independent and will provide a free, fair and speedy review of complaints falling within his terms of reference.

This firm is registered with the OEA’s Scheme for Lettings and has agreed to follow the OEA’s Code of Practice for Letting Agents.

Ombudsman for Estate Agents - Residential Sales Redress Scheme and OFT Approved Code

The law requires estate agents involved in the buying and selling of property in the UK to register with an Estate Agents Redress Scheme approved by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). The Ombudsman for Estate Agents (OEA) is one of the schemes approved by the OFT and will investigate complaints against registered estate agents relating to property sales, including any disputes related to HIPs. (Every home put on the market must have a Home Information Pack (HIP) at the start of the process, including information such as a sale statement, local searches, evidence of title and an Energy Performance Certificate. For more information see: www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk.)

Estate agents involved in the buying and selling of property in the UK may provide consumers with additional protection by signing up to the OEA Code of Practice for Residential Estate Agents. This Code has also been approved by the OFT, under its Consumer Codes Approval Scheme.

This agent is registered with the OEA’s Redress scheme and has also signed up for the Code of Practice for Residential Estate Agents.