Letting out a property has always carried legal and financial responsibility — but in today’s climate, it’s more demanding than ever. With over 170 different laws affecting landlords in England and Wales, keeping up with compliance while ensuring profitability is no small feat.
That’s why many landlords turn to professional letting agents. But it’s not just about choosing any agent — it’s about working with one who is accredited by ARLA Propertymark.
In this post, we break down what ARLA Propertymark is, and why using an ARLA-accredited letting agent is a smart decision for landlords who want reassurance, regulatory confidence, and maximum return on their rental investment.
What is ARLA Propertymark?
ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents) is the UK’s foremost professional body for letting agents. Today it forms part of Propertymark, which represents various property disciplines including sales, lettings and commercial sectors.
Letting agents who are ARLA Propertymark members must:
- Adhere to a strict code of professional conduct
- Complete ongoing training and CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
- Hold client money protection insurance
- Be regularly audited to ensure compliance with standards
- Stay up-to-date with new legislation and best practice
Simply put, they are held to higher professional and ethical standards than non-accredited agents.
At Digs, we are proud to be part of ARLA Propertymark and were ARLA approved for many years, even before the new brand was formed in 2017. Our commitment to a quality service means we not only abide by but also aim to excel the high standard required to retain ARLA Propertymark membership.
Why Does ARLA Accreditation Matter for Landlords and Tenants?
Choosing an ARLA-approved letting agent provides benefits that go beyond basic property management. Here’s how it protects and supports you:
1. Legal Confidence and Compliance
With legal requirements changing frequently — from Renters Reform Bill updates to new energy efficiency rules — ARLA agents stay ahead of the curve. This ensures your tenancy agreements, safety certificates, deposit handling, and eviction notices are fully compliant.
As Propertymark members, we ensure we are always up to date with the latest property law and legislation. Coupled with our extensive in-house knowledge and commitment to staff development, we are well placed to give our landlords expert guidance on the latest industry updates.
2. Financial Security
All ARLA members are required to have the Propertymark Client Money Protection (CMP) Scheme in place. this protection means that landlords, tenants and other clients are able to claim compensation should an agent misappropriate their rent, deposit or other funds.
Members are also required to submit independently audited accounts annually to ensure compliance. At Abode, we work extensively with accredited accountants to ensure that all our accounts are compliant with best practice and latest standards.
3. Extensively Trained Teams
As ARLA Property Mark approved agents, our members of staff that have taken the relevant exams must complete 12 hours of Continuing Professional Development each year.
A minimum of 4 hours of this CPC must be undertaken at educational events, such as courses and conferences, with the remaining 8 hours being spent on private study including reading industry blogs, peer to peer training and other independent learning.
This ensures that our staff are highly trained in the latest updates in the industry such as legislation changes, new schemes and initiates and best practices for compliance.
4. Ethical Standards & Accountability
All ARLA agents follow a strict code of practice and are subject to disciplinary action if they fail to uphold it.
As a Propertymark member, we belong to a government approved independent redress scheme; this is a legal requirement for all letting agents who are members. This independent redress scheme gives tenants and landlords the peace of mind that, should they be unhappy, they can choose to have their dispute resolved by an impartial and professional 3rd party.
5. Better Tenant Management
From professional vetting and referencing to managing disputes, repairs and rent arrears, ARLA-approved agents offer efficient systems and tried-and-tested procedures to protect your investment and reputation.
Is Your Letting Agent ARLA Propertymark-Approved?
Not all agents are created equal. If your current agent isn’t ARLA-accredited, you may be leaving yourself open to legal risks, poor tenant experiences, and financial exposure.
At Bristol Digs, we’re proud ARLA Propertymark members. We stay on top of every regulatory change so you don’t have to — and offer a tailored service designed around your property goals.
ARLA Property Mark Accredited Agents Bristol
Whether you are a landlord renting out a property or a tenant currently renting one, using an ARLA Propertymark member holds a number of benefits for you.
To find out more about our landlord services and how our Propertymark membership can help maximise your investment, give one of our expert team a call today on 0117 930 8750 or fill out a contact form and we’ll get back to you.
