Yorkshire property firm is one of UK’s first to achieve new ARMA-Q industry accreditation

Omnia Estates , a division of Sheffield-based property management firm Omnia Property Group, has become one of the first companies in England and Wales to be awarded the newly introduced ARMA-Q accreditation.

In the absence of any statutory regulation, ARMA-Q was introduced by the Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA) in a bid to regulate property management firms and drive up standards across the residential leasehold management sector.

To achieve accreditation, Omnia Estates Block Management division, had to demonstrate its commitment to customer service and compliance with 160 rigorous industry standards.

Omnia Estates, which manages small developments of ten apartments up to blocks with over 150, will now be bound by a consumer charter and will join the growing number of independently regulated managing agents. This accolade further strengthens Omnia’s presence in the property management sector, not only in Sheffield but across the rest of the regions too.

Sebastian Brown, Managing Director at Omnia Estates and its subsidiaries – said: “To become accredited, we had to evidence that we comply with over 160 rigorous industry standards. It goes without saying that we are extremely proud to have achieved this accolade and to be one of the first to have done so.

“It really is testament to the focus of the entire team to deliver outstanding customer service each and every time, doing things properly and the way that we as a business believe they should be done. 

“These standards will be applied across our entire business, managing student, residential and commercial properties.”
“The lack of regulation for property management firms has been an ongoing problem for many years, not only for the consumer but for managing agents too. There was no way of determining a good from a poor agent so consumers weren’t able to make an educated choice and were, in many cases, left exposed to poor service.

Hopefully we can begin to see some real improvements across the industry as the accreditation programme gathers pace.”

ARMA’s Chief Executive, Michelle Banks, said: “Choosing the right managing agent can be a bit of a minefield. As the industry isn’t regulated, agents don’t need to belong to a professional body or comply with any specific standards. ARMA-Q has been introduced so that leaseholders can be confident they’re choosing a quality agent to manage their property.”

Flat owners who use an ARMA-Q accredited agent to manage their property will be guaranteed a number of safeguards, including higher professional standards and levels of customer care, a transparent and open service and access to an independent regulatory panel.