Cost of Property Management Services
across the UK

# Property Management Services Trade Body Accreditation

The main UK trade bodies and regulatory schemes for property management services include the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA), and the Property Ombudsman. RICS membership indicates that a surveyor or managing agent has met stringent professional standards and holds relevant qualifications in surveying or property management. ARMA accreditation specifically covers residential managing agents and requires members to follow a strict code of practice, maintain client money protection, and carry professional indemnity insurance. The Property Ombudsman provides an alternative dispute resolution service and its members must adhere to set standards of conduct. These schemes exist to protect consumers and ensure that professionals manage properties competently and ethically. Additionally, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates certain aspects of property management if client funds are held, and lettings agents in England must comply with the Lettings and Property Management (Unit 4) Code of Practice when handling deposits.

Verifying a provider's credentials is straightforward and important before engaging their services. You can check RICS membership directly on their website using their search function, which shows whether an agent is fully qualified and whether there are any disciplinary records. ARMA similarly maintains a public directory of accredited members, and checking this register confirms that an agent operates to their standards and has appropriate insurance. When contacting a property manager, ask directly for proof of accreditation and their scheme membership number, and do not hesitate to verify independently online. It also matters to check whether they hold professional indemnity insurance and client money protection, as these safeguards mean you have recourse if something goes wrong. Taking time to verify credentials protects you from unqualified operators and gives you confidence that your property will be managed to professional standards.

Accredited property managers typically charge higher