Licensed Agents

Stories are all too common of landlords and tenants suffering distress and losing money when dealing with estate agents who are inexperienced and do not handle client money in a professional manner. At Richardson we are governed by the Property Industries highest professional standards and regulation giving you the peace of mind that you are in safe hands whether you are a landlord or tenant.

Why should you insist on an RICS member agent?

• We hold your money in a designated client account which are regularly subject to independent inspection.
• As RICS members, we have a stringent set of best practice guidance which we must adhere to - RICS UK Residential Property;
• We act professionally and give clear, impartial and expert advice;
• We are strictly regulated and must follow detailed Rules of Conduct – which include “Client Money Protection” schemes and appropriate insurance;
• We have to update our knowledge and skills embracing changes to Lettings Legislation as they happen so that we are always at the forefront of technical and legal advice;
• You are fully protected by a stringent complaints procedure and will have access to independent redress, for example through an Ombudsman scheme. 

In addition to the RICS we are also Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) licensed agents. ARLA are a professional body solely concerned with the regulation of Letting Agents.  They provide us with regular training and updates on best practice and legislative changes. As an ARLA member firm we are required to work to robust Codes of Practice, which covers all the key stages of letting and managing property.

From April 2007 all deposits taken for Assured Shorthold Tenancies must be covered by a Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme. At Richardson all our deposits are lodged with The Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS). TDS arbitrate on the release of the deposit at the end of the tenancy with a third party, impartial decision.