Agents hit by ARPM crisis offered help by rival supplier

Agents who are members of The Guild of Property Professionals and who have been hit by the uncertainties surrounding outsourced property management company ARPM are being offered a lifeline.

Letting Agent Today has been contacted by several agents reporting that ARPM has not been taking calls or returning emails, and now The Guild has stepped in.

Paul Offley, The Guild’s compliance officer, says: “Our priority is to provide support and guidance in the actions [affected agents] should be taking now in terms of their landlords and tenants. 

“We are focusing on two areas, firstly, the ongoing action required from a compliance and regulation perspective and secondly, to find an alternative supplier known to The Guild.” 

Offley says any Guild member who may wish to consider moving lettings portfolios away from ARPM will be given priority with Complete RPI - he assures agents that the company is long-established and will be able to consolidate portfolios for landlord clients, too.

Offley adds that this is not an easy time for anyone, and the uncertainty only adds to the worry and concern for agents, landlords and tenants. 

“Our communication plan will help our members offer the reassurance landlords need. We will continue to support our members through whatever lies ahead and help the transition to an alternative solution, whatever they decide to do.”

ARPM is a well known player in the private rental sector, used by hundreds of agents to outsource management of maintenance requests, rental payments and sometimes deposits.