Code of Practice
The BLA Code of Conduct
Our Code of Conduct (CoC) has been created for members (Letting Agents and landlords) to abide by and maintain a good standard, reducing potential contention between landlords and tenants.
Whether members manage their property by a third party or themselves, they are encouraged to adhere to the CoC. If, for any reason, future changes are made to the CoC and the T&C’s, they will be solely made by the Director of BLA.
Our Code of Conduct intends to endorse a professional approach to residential lettings. If members do not abide by the CoC then we will have no choice but to take action against the member to avoid any repeat breach of the CoC.
We are an association that is proud to help and committed to encouraging members to enhance their knowledge as landlords or agents. Although the Code of Conduct is not enforceable, we expect our members to abide by it.
Nonetheless, if for any reason a member fails to adhere to the CoC, it may result in a suspension or result in permanent termination of a member’s membership with us. Any complaint about a BLA member should be made so in writing. You can find our complaints form under’ services’ on our forms and documents page.
Complete the form entitled Complaint about our member. The complaints department will review your complaint. They will ensure that it is relevant and a plausible breach of the Code of Conduct.
If a complainant is deemed to have a prima fascia case, then we will accept the receipt, and the complaint will be investigated further. If the complaint is considered valid, our compliance manager will inform the complainant via email.
The duration of the investigation depends on the complexity of the case. However, we aim to resolve all claims within 14 days of receipt. Once all the relevant forms are collected, the pending investigation will be handed over to our director for review and final judgment.
If we acknowledge that, in fact, a breach of the CoC has been made, then the Director in charge will write to the member concerned advising them that they could be penalised by being suspended or further excluded from membership.
If sufficient evidence is found during the investigation, the following procedure will apply: immediate suspension of member rewards and services. The defendant will be offered the opportunity to make written representations within 28 days as to why our decision should not be absolute.
We will consider any formal writing made by either the defendant or the claimant.
The BLA members are expected to:-
1. Obtain a completed tenancy application form from the tenant, to be completed by the tenant(s).
2. Obtain proof of residence and one I.D (Passport or a full driver’s licence).
3. Where the tenant(s) are foreign nationals, members must obtain appropriate original documents and evidence the tenant(s) has the right to stay or work in the UK.
4. To carry out credit and reference checks on all proposed tenant(s).
5. To provide the tenant with a fully completed unsigned tenancy marked Draft.
6. To explain to the tenant(s) the tenant’s obligations per the tenancy.
7. Ideally, give the tenant(s) 14 days to consider the tenancy agreement and seek legal advice before the parties sign the tenancy agreement.
8. To provide the tenant with an inventory (only if the parties have agreed on a tenancy) and obtain the tenant(s) signature(s).
9. The BLA members must provide the tenant(s) with two methods of communication (mobile, landline telephone and/or email address).
10. Our members must provide the tenant(s) with a full UK postal address where a tenant may write to the member. This does not have to be the landlord’s private address; it can be any address in the UK, like an accountant or letting agent’s address.
11. If they have made a deposit, our members must fully comply with the deposit legislation.
12. Our members, if they are going to make any deductions from a tenant’s deposit, act in a fair and honourable way to fully comply with all the terms, conditions and procedures of the relevant deposit scheme provider.
13. Our members are expected to conduct a property inspection and record and deal with any repair obligations in a reasonable time.
14. Our members are expected to deal with urgent disrepair swiftly.
15. Our members are expected to deal with and treat all tenants (s) with fairness and courtesy and respect the tenant’s lawful right to privacy and quiet enjoyment of the let property.
Date: 9th of March 2024