Bristol property management agency BNS Property Management is one of the first firms in the country to receive a new accreditation by ARMA, the leading trade association for residential leasehold management.
The accreditation gives peace of mind to people living in leasehold properties when choosing a managing agent.
Based in Downend, BNS is one of the first members of the new ARMA-Q regulatory regime, designed by ARMA to protect consumers and provide clear good practice standards for managing agents. 
ARMA-Q is only awarded to companies that meet the best industry standards and levels of customer care. Each member organisation must be approved by the independent regulatory panel before gaining certification.
BNS managing director Andrew Simmonds, pictured, said: “The leasehold management industry is currently unregulated so anyone can start up an agency and trade. This has led to huge variations in service levels and has meant consumer confidence in managing agents has been damaged.
“We are pleased that the ARMA-Q system has finally come to fruition and that we are part of it. We have been stressing for years how important it is for agents to be compliant so this is a great step towards statutory regulation for all.
“ARMA-Q sets us apart from the agents who don’t do things in the right way and essentially exploit their customers. It also allows residents and landlords to make informed decisions about their agents and as at present it is a voluntary membership, it gives them confidence that they are choosing a company committed to offering the best customer service.
“This is the future of residential leasehold management and we’re pleased to be involved in the very first wave of participants.”
BNS Property Management, run by brothers Andrew and Ian Simmonds, has recently expanding into Retirement Living management as well as health and safety consultation.
