Committee View: Reinforcing the need for sector-specific qualifications

By Jo Green, Chair of the ARL–TPI Joint Education & Qualifications Committee

The Association for Rental Living (ARL) has taken an important step forward in its commitment to professionalising the Build to Rent (BTR) sector by incorporating the requirement for relevant qualifications into the new  Rental Living Code of Practice  – an ARL-led initiative —ensuring that formal training and sector-specific expertise are embedded in every aspect of BTR property management and operations.

This formal addition to the Rental Living Code of Practice underscores their importance. It marks a clear commitment to raising the professional standards of those working within the sector, aligning practical skills with industry expectations and regulations.

We have seen growing engagement with the qualifications; in the coming weeks we expect to reach the milestone of 300 BTR qualifications awarded, with many more to follow as the courses complete. Property managers, operators, and those entering the BTR market are increasingly recognising the qualifications’ value in ensuring high standards, operational efficiency, and, most importantly, excellent resident satisfaction.

These qualifications continue to provide vital support in ten key areas:

1. Specialised Knowledge and Expertise: The qualifications go beyond general property management training, focusing on the specific needs of Build to Rent, such as long-term asset management, resident engagement, and the nuances of BTR development.
2. Enhancing Professional Standards: By aligning with the Rental Living Code of Practice, the qualifications help set a clear benchmark for competency, ensuring that those operating in the sector meet industry-recognised standards.
3. Operational and Managerial Excellence: From property lifecycle management to lease structures and resident engagement, these qualifications equip professionals with the tools to run BTR properties efficiently and effectively.
4. Resident-Centred Focus: The qualifications emphasise the importance of tenant satisfaction, teaching professionals how to meet resident needs, foster community engagement, and increase retention rates.
5. Navigating Legal and Regulatory Requirements: With a complex and ever-evolving legal landscape, these qualifications provide crucial insight into the laws and regulations governing BTR properties, helping to mitigate legal risks.
6. Boosting Credibility and Investment Confidence: Holding an industry-recognised qualification enhances professional credibility and inspires confidence among investors, key to securing long-term funding and partnerships.
7. Future-Proofing the Sector: As the sector evolves, these qualifications ensure that professionals are kept up-to-date with emerging trends, technological innovations, and evolving best practices.
8. Support for Career Development: Offering clear pathways for career progression, these qualifications provide the foundation for growth in property management, development, and investment.
9. Sustainability and Efficiency: With increasing focus on environmental sustainability, these qualifications also cover energy-efficient housing and best practices for integrating sustainability into BTR operations.
10. Networking and Industry Connections: Professionals completing these qualifications benefit from an expanded network of industry contacts, fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation.

We are proud of how these qualifications are contributing to shaping the BTR sector. With the Rental Living Code of Practice now formally recognising the need for these qualifications, we are ensuring that the professionals who drive BTR are equipped to deliver the highest standards.

As we move forward, we remain committed to supporting the growth of the sector by continually refining and adapting these qualifications to meet the evolving demands of Build to Rent.

To explore the available qualifications or register your interest, visit: www.thearl.org.uk/education-careers.