Watsons is delighted to announce that we have been granted membership of ARMA, the professional body for residential managing agents.
Watsons is one of only two, accredited ARMA members in Norwich and only three in Norfolk.
Watsons is now the only managing agent in Norfolk to hold both RICS and ARMA membership, along with membership of IRPM (The Institute of Residential Property Management).
Who are ARMA?
ARMA (The Association of Residential Managing Agents) are the leading professional body for residential managing agents in England and Wales.
They represent 340 managing agent member and associate firms which represent 40% of the market.
This equates to 1.5 million homes under management, approximately 50% of the private sector leasehold properties, and 3.4 million people.
The organisation exists to promote the highest standards of leasehold management and professionalism through annual events, tools, training, and support.
Why is ARMA Important to Leaseholders and Freeholders?
In a word.
Regulation.
As ARMA points out ‘it’s worth remembering that the residential leasehold sector is unregulated’ so anyone can set themselves up as a managing agent and start collecting service charges’.
‘it’s worth remembering that the residential leasehold sector is unregulated’ so anyone can set themselves up as a managing agent and start collecting service charges’.
So, as an ARMA member, you can have increased confidence when appointing Watsons to be your managing agent.
To achieve ARMA accreditation Watsons was required to:
- Prove that we are experienced managing agents
- Demonstrate that service charge monies are held in the correct way
- Have professional indemnity insurance
- Agree to comply with the RICS Service Charge Management Code
- Belong to an independent redress scheme
Lobbying and Campaigning
ARMA also lobbies the government about issues that are hugely important to leaseholders and freeholders including more than thirty meetings during 2021 with the Government and cladding action groups.
ARMA Provides Information for Leaseholders
If you are a leaseholder there are a few resources on the ARMA website that may be of use to you including:
- Living in a leasehold property
- Managing your block
- The Right to Manage
What Does Watsons Have to Do Now That We Are a Member of ARMA?
Watsons is required to comply with ARMA Byelaws, adhere to the RICS Code, and the ARMA Consumer Charter & Standards plus any other relevant legislation.
Emily Ransome-Farmer, Head of Block & Estate Management at Watsons said:
“We are delighted to become members of ARMA and look forward to delivering continued high-levels of service to freeholders, leaseholders, and clients everywhere. This accolade provides our clients with renewed confidence that the Block & Estate Management team are striving to work to the highest possible standards”.
Emily Ransome-Farmer, Head of Block & Estate Management
At Watsons, we understand the commitment required to maintain buildings and developments. We are one of East Anglia’s leading property firms and pride ourselves on the reputation that we have achieved amongst the freeholders and leaseholders of our residential sites.
To learn more about our Block & Estate Management services, or to request a quote please get in touch using our contact form.
