ARMA-Q Changing The Game In Leasehold Property Management

WANSTEAD, U.K. - May 23, 2013 - PRLog -- Launched on 15th May 2013, ARMA-Q, is a bold, new initiative aimed at improving the reputation of services provided to leaseholders in England and Wales. It looks set be a game changer.

The leasehold Property Management sector in England and Wales has suffered with poor reputation. In recent years the number of complaints has been increasing. A quick trawl of the web finds numerous sites dedicated to putting pressure on legislators and winning justice from leasehold managing agents and landlords.

Consumer programmes like Channel Four’s Despatches and BBC’s Watchdog have featured leaseholders alleging unreasonable service charges and poor service delivery.

Leaseholders describe managing agents as “money grabbing” and anti-customer in their approach. The websites invite leaseholders to write down their experiences: “in case anyone feels moved to share their tales of woe”. The negative comments and the burgeoning complaints have made for grim reading for the sector’s main trade body the Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA).

ARMA’s Response

In response ARMA has come up with a new and striking, consumer focused initiative called ARMA-Q. ARMA-Q is supported by the Government and the opposition, has widespread backing from its member base, and the block management sector at large.  

ARMA-Q recognises the important role housing plays in our lives, that the residential leasehold sector needs a customer focused culture, and that with 2 million leaseholders in the UK many people are affected.    

What Is ARMA-Q?

Essentially it’s a commitment to quality service. It’s perhaps best summed up in the Consumer Charter on ARMA's home page but the really important bit is the strong stance ARMA have made on compliance. ARMA is signalling to its members to sign up or risk losing membership.

“Stay up to scratch” is the unequivocal  message. Sir Keith Hill, the newly appointed independent regulator of ARMA-Q, made a tough stance saying in interview “it may involve penalties for those [members] who don’t comply”. Ben Jordan Chairman of ARMA sees the initiative as hugely positive for leaseholders “a set of Standards that will guarantee consumers a good and fair service from ARMA members”.

Here at www.yourhomepm.co.uk/block-management/ we are proud to support the ARMA-Q initiative and aim to qualify as Associate Members as we continue to work towards full membership. (We don't yet meet the requirement of two years trading in block management). Not long now though. Find out more about our highly customer focused block management www.yourhomepm.co.uk/

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