PROPERTY agents in the Kent area are aiming to improve standards in the private lettings sector by joining the National Approved Lettings Scheme.

NALS is a UK-wide benchmark accreditation scheme designed to raise service standards in the private rented sector.

So far, 14 agents in the Kent area have signed up to the scheme. They are:

Andrews Lettings and Management, Tunbridge Wells, Connells, Ashford, Connells, Tunbridge Wells, Spencer Ridley Property, Hawkhurst, Caxtons Commercial, Canterbury, Cooke & Co estate agents, Cliftonville, Fosters Property Services, Herne Bay, Fosters Property Services, Whitstable, Halifax Property Services, Sandwich, Pearson Gore, Ramsgate, Pearson Gore, Canterbury, Castle Estates, West Malling, Garrett, Anderson & Partners, Chatham, MHS Property Management, Rochester.

According to NALs, to be eligible for membership, agents must be able to meet strict consumer protection criteria - such as providing Client Money Protection cover to safeguard landlords’ rents and tenants’ deposits, as well as professional indemnity insurance.

By joining NALs, agents who commit to supplying clients with a clear statement of business terms, advice on rent and an agreed frequency of inspection while tenanted.

The scheme has financial support from the government. It is also backed by some of the most powerful voices in the property sector - the RICS, ARLA and the NAEA - and is endorsed by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, the British Property Federation and The Housing Corporation.

Natasha Barrow, negotiator with Andrews Lettings and Management in Tunbridge Wells, said: “It’s always helpful to be a member of an official organisation such as NALS. It shows our clients that we are totally professionally and I hope, will encourage people to use agents who have the proper accreditation and avoid the cowboy agents who give us all a bad reputation.”

She added: “People are more willing to let now. Many people have been priced out of the housing market, so people are looking at renting as the more affordable option.

“It also helps that standards in the private rented sector have gone up so tenants can afford to live in properties they wouldn’t be able to buy.”

For further information on your local NALS agent can be obtained from NALS on 01926 866633.