Committee View: Steering the Future of Build to Rent from the ARL Operators Committee By Freya Richard and Louise Bangee, Co-chairs of the ARL Operators Committee
The UK’s BTR sector continues its impressive growth, and at its heart, the ARL is diligently working to refine operational excellence. A key force in this endeavour is the ARL Operators Committee which is bringing extensive experience to bear on a range of critical issues, aiming to standardise best practices, foster collaboration, and tackle common challenges faced by BTR operators.
One of the committee’s immediate priorities is job title benchmarking as part of standardising best practice. In a rapidly evolving sector, there can be a lack of clarity and alignment on job roles and responsibilities across different BTR organisations. We are spearheading efforts to create a clearer framework seeking to bring consistency to job descriptions and career pathways within BTR, which will be invaluable for talent acquisition, retention, and professional development across the industry. By establishing common definitions for roles, we aim to simplify recruitment processes and ensure that professionals entering or progressing within the BTR sector have a clear understanding of expectations and opportunities.
Beyond job roles, the committee is also involved in data benchmarking. The BTR sector thrives on efficiency and informed decision-making, and robust data is fundamental to this. The ARL has launched a dedicated BTR Operational Dataset initiative to provide objective, anonymised performance data. The Operators Committee will be crucial in driving the adoption and utility of such data. By enabling operators to compare key metrics – from rent comparables and operational costs to customer satisfaction and return on investment – the committee is empowering businesses to identify areas of strength, pinpoint opportunities for improvement, and ultimately enhance the overall performance of their assets. This shared insight is vital for demonstrating the sector’s value to investors and informing future policy.
Furthermore, the committee is committed to tackling common operational challenges collaboratively. The complexities of managing large residential schemes mean that operators frequently encounter similar hurdles. A notable example is the storage of e-scooters. The proliferation of these devices presents both convenience for residents and safety concerns, particularly regarding lithium-ion battery fires. We are actively exploring best practices for safe storage solutions, charging protocols, and tenant education to mitigate risks and ensure resident wellbeing. The same approach is taken when reviewing the legislative landscape and being ready for when changes occur – the proposed Renters’ Rights Bill being top of the current agenda. This proactive approach to shared issues demonstrates the committee’s dedication to practical, tangible solutions that benefit the entire BTR community.
The ARL Operators Committee is committed to delivering tangible support and guidance for the BTR sector. Our work in job title benchmarking, data sharing, and addressing operational challenges is vital in shaping a more professional, efficient, and resilient BTR sector for the future. By fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge, we are contributing to the continued growth and success of professionally managed rental living in the UK.