On the left hand side of this page you will find
details of links to Associations, Trade
Bodies, Interest Groups in the areas of property, tenants and
accommodation....
In the United Kingdom there are quite a few
established trade bodies and the associations that look after the
interests of its members such as landlords, letting agents and estate
agents A trade association may have many functions including the
creation, management and overseeing of professional standards, standard
processes and ethics of its members. This may also include encouraging
non members to become authorised to as a member of the association by
undertaking professional training or exams. Property buyers or tenants
will have a greater degree of confidence if they can see that the agent
that they are dealing with is a member of a recognized professional
association by trade body.
Associations have also look after the interests of its
members with regards to national regulatory issues. In particular the
lobbying of government with regards to any issues that may increase the
cost of doing business as an agent or policies impacting on the selling
process or public perception of members. For instance, the home
information pack has been a divisive and contentious issue amongst
agents in the UK. As a result, associations have consulted with
government of regards to the best way to implement this government
policy. Another example is in the area of of tenancy deposits and the
changes in law with regards to the responsibilities of landlords. By
developing professional standards and continually providing information
and a good quality service to end users, associations provide an
invaluable service. These standards are required in a mature property
market and needed to maintain a sense of price stability as well as
prevent sharp practice or unprofessional behaviour. Examples of the
major of associations of are shown in the link section on the left hand
side of this page.