Cost of Serviced Accommodation Management
across the UK

# Serviced Accommodation Management Accreditation

Several UK trade bodies oversee serviced accommodation management, though the sector remains less regulated than some alternatives like hotels. The most relevant schemes include membership with the Association of Serviced Apartment Providers (ASAP), recognition from the Property Codes Authority for dispute resolution compliance, and certifications such as ISO 9001 for quality management systems. Some providers also hold membership with the Short Term Rental Association (STRA) or comply with the lettings industry standards set by the Property Portal and Associated Lettings Industry Bodies. Understanding which accreditations a provider holds matters because each signals different commitments: membership with ASAP typically indicates professional standards and peer accountability, whilst ISO certification demonstrates documented quality processes. The absence of a single mandatory regulator means accreditation acts as a voluntary marker of professionalism, making it especially important for customers to check credentials before engaging a management company.

To verify a provider's credentials, start by asking for written evidence of any claimed accreditations and check the relevant trade body's website directly using their public register or members directory. ASAP, for instance, maintains a searchable list of accredited providers, and you can cross-reference claims independently rather than relying on company assertions alone. Request copies of current certificates, and do not accept vague statements such as "approved" without specific proof. It also helps to ask how long they have held accreditation and whether they have faced any complaints to their regulator. Checking reviews on independent platforms and asking for references from current clients provides additional context. This verification process matters because accreditation fraud occasionally occurs, and a provider operating without claimed credentials may lack the professional standards or insurance you expect. Taking ten minutes to verify credentials protects you from disputes over service quality or financial security later on.

Accredited serviced accommodation management providers typically charge between ten and twenty percent more than non-