Prospectus. by The Guild of Letting & Management. BTEC Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Residential Letting

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1 Prospectus by The Guild of Letting & Management BTEC Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Residential Letting BTEC Level 4 Professional Diploma in Residential letting & Management

2 Prospectus for BTEC Level 3 and 4 Qualifications in Residential Letting The Guild of Letting & Management holds BTEC Centre status which was awarded by the UK s largest awarding body, Edexcel in The Guild of Letting & Management offers vocational programmes in the form of BTEC qualifications whose breadth and depth provide the learner with varied and challenging educational and professional content which will assist them in business. In completing the BTEC you will fulfil this and more. In our busy and competitive world, two factors are recognised as key benchmarks for success - quality and professionalism. It is no different for letting agents and property managers who work within a sector offering an important service to private individuals and companies. It is therefore essential to be seen as thoroughly professional at all times, to be aware of how the market works, and to constantly strive to meet recognised codes of practice and achieve standards of excellence. About the BTEC Over the last 25 years, BTECs have helped millions of people develop the skills they need to progress. Engaging and inspiring, these work-related qualifications are suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities. For instance, the BTEC Advanced Certificate in Residential Letting covers all aspects of residential letting including tenancy agreements, legal safety regulations and dealing with administration. BTECs are work-related qualifications suitable for a wide range of students, built to accommodate the needs of employers. They provide a practical, real-world approach to learning without sacrificing any of the essential subject theory. They are recognised by schools, colleges, universities, employers and professional bodies across the United Kingdom and in over 100 countries worldwide. They continue to be developed and updated with and for industry, and in response to the needs of learners. Benefits BTECS are understood and recognised by a large number of organisations in a wide range of sectors. They offer natural progression along a vocational path, from and to academic qualifications and university. Many industry and professional bodies offer successful BTEC students exemptions for their own accredited qualifications and/or membership, such as RICS and ARLA. Students can progress through the course at their own pace, to fit in with work and family commitments. Staying up to date An important consideration when deciding on a course to follow is whether the content is relevant and up to date. Our BTEC programmes are continually developed and updated in response to the needs and skills required by employers, in addition to any legislation changes within and pertinent to the industry. Our Learners Some statistics which may be of interest. The average age of our learners is 31 years old, the youngest being 17. Our learners have worked, on average, in the sector for approximately 9 years but we also support many newcomers to the industry. 89% of our learners do NOT have a qualification in residential letting & management.

3 Learning Options In our experience, BTEC programmes are particularly successful because they can specialise in an area of learning linked with the workplace. The Guild of Letting & Management has developed a Virtual learning Environment (VLE) which allows all candidates to learn via an on-line portal, in a flexible, creative and relevant way. We believe that learning works best when it engages and motivates people. New technologies mean that distance learning no longer has to be a solitary pursuit, we will transform your learning experience by bringing together resources, support and communication all in one place. All learners are able to study at their own pace and progress is monitored individually by assessors who provide personal support and guidance, helping candidates develop their learning skills and to reach their full potential. Learning is progressive, from small-scale and straightforward topics to more sizeable complex themes. BTECs are flexible and can be taken as part of an Apprenticeship programme or alongside work commitments and other qualifications. Whether opting for distance learning or tutorial classes, the VLE is accessible to all learners. For each module1, the candidate is required to compile an assignment of 1000 words (+/- 10%). On completion, the learner will be required to sit a final exam which is a combination of multiple choice, short answer and essay style questions. The BTEC is assessed and scored on the assignments that you complete over the period of the programme, along with the final exam at a ratio of 65% and 35% respectively. * BTEC Level 3 candidates will only complete 12 of 18 modules, as asterisked. Exam duration; BTEC Level 3: 2.5 hours, BTEC Level 4: 3 hours

4 The Syllabus * Unit One -An Introduction to Letting Management The feudal system; land tenure; difference between common law and statute; definition of tenancy; the rental market (proportion of rented to owned property and significant changes post WW1); development of social legislation and public sector housing provision; poor image of landlord / tenant relationship prior to Housing Acts. Housing Acts 1988, 1996, 2004; security of tenure; shorthold tenancy agreements; current demand for renting; the future market need. * Unit Two - Buying the Right Property to Let Tenant groups: students, business, people working locally, commuters, families and holidaymakers; Different needs and differing expectations for each group; Practical and profile location considerations to include transport facilities, accessibility to shops, centres of entertainment; noise pollution and environmental issues. Landlord needs: Examples of properties not to buy for letting; buy to let mortgages; co-ownership of property; condition of the property; property insurance; principal aims of land registry; mortgage consent for letting; letting as a long-term investment; housing benefit; likely rental values. Local market: Researching local needs to identify likely tenant groups; rental values; competition; properties available. * Unit Three - The Legal Context of Tenancy Agreements Data Protection Act, Trades Description Act, The Competition Act, The Contracts (Right of third parties) Act, Supply of Goods & Services Act, and the Accommodation Agencies Act. In addition, analyses disclaimer clauses, powers of attorney, Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts, Purpose and coverage of legislation: to regulate tenancies; to protect landlords and tenants. Implications for letting management agents: legal position and responsibilities of agents; importance of compliance and implications of non-compliance; administrative tasks. * Unit Four - Tenancy Agreements in Depth Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreements, the most common form of agreement; features of an AST, advantages and disadvantages the landlord s and tenant s perspective; why some tenancies do not qualify as an AST; Housing Act and tenancy agreements; Section 11 upkeep of property; the Housing Act 1988 (amended) 1996; Section 48 Notice of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 will be reviewed in detail; Stamp Duty examined. Practical aspects of assured tenancy, company let tenancy, high rent tenancy; the definition of a resident landlord; how the Housing Act and the law work in relation to each tenancy; necessary care with holiday lets and/or bed and breakfast establishments. The workings of each tenancy agreement including the six most common types Assured Shorthold, Assured Tenancy, Company Let, High Rent Tenancy, Resident Landlord, Holiday Lets and Guest/Bed and Breakfast; the advantages and disadvantages of the Assured Shorthold Tenancy; an analysis of an Assured Tenancy agreement; the implications of this type of agreement; the need for legal advice when creating such an agreement. * Unit Five - Setting up Tenant Arrangements Interviews: questioning skills; questions to ask; information required from tenants and landlords (e.g. occupation, references, length of tenancy agreement, number of occupants in property, etc). Communication skills when dealing with prospective tenants; forming judgements on the suitability of prospective tenants and deciding whether their property needs can be met by the agency; law relating to discrimination and equal opportunity; treating people equally with regard to gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, etc.

5 Files: accuracy, completeness, legibility; computerised and manual filing systems; importance of having correct information and documentation for protection of agent, tenant and landlord, especially where disputes arise; data protection and other information legislation and regulations; best practice in relation to managing information. Confidentiality: physical security of information; importance of confidentiality; legal, moral and ethical issues relating to confidentiality. Properties: suitable properties and showing tenants round; importance of agent showing tenant around and not landlord; information agent is required to give about property; answering tenants questions about property. * Unit Six - Legal Safety Regulations for Letting Management Laws and regulations relating to safety re: fire, gas, furniture and furnishings, overcrowding, health, environmental and any other safety considerations; criminal and civil law; Rights of entry. Responsibilities of landlords and tenants in respect of all of above. Tasks to include: Gas safety and annual Gas Safety checks; Fire safety (escape routes, alarms, fire fighting equipment and fire doors when supplied or fitted); Electrical safety (wiring and appliances); Operating instructions and user warnings provided for all appliances and equipment; Furniture and furnishings meet the regulations; General internal and external building safety for tenants, visitors and the general public; Landlord and Public Liability insurance; Houses in Multiple Occupation - special legal regulations apply. How all of above checks should be carried out and by whom. Evidence of checks documentary evidence of checks by qualified persons and information relating to safety of furnishings etc. Legal penalties for non-compliance; criminal and civil remedies i.e. jail sentences, fines, civil damages; financial and business implications. Actions or omissions that may lead to criminal prosecution or civil action; avoidance of liability e.g. Advisability of having a Safety Checklist for an annual inspection (Risk Assessment) (provides useful evidence of due diligence in the event of an accident); how to provide guidance format and manner. * Unit Seven - Evictions, Repossessions and Court Procedures A mortgagee s right of possession; repossession for rent arrears; grounds for repossession under Section 8, Schedule 2, Housing Act 1988 (1996) for all types of property such as holiday homes and educational institutions; discretionary grounds; possession order under Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988; squatting; squatters rights; the legal notices that can be served on squatters; procedures when squatters contest the case. The Accelerated Possession Procedure, the requirements for the landlord, and the conditions that govern it in relation to Assured Shorthold Tenancy; steps that must be taken with regard to Notice of Possession Served; the forms that need to be completed; final judgement. Compliance with the law under Section 8, Schedule 2, of the Housing Act 1988; grounds for possession under Section 8, Schedule 2, of the Housing Act 1988 (1996); the mandatory grounds under the Housing Act 1988 (1996) where the court must order possession such as, demolition of a premises, death of a tenant and rent arrears; discretionary grounds where the court may order possession; persistently delayed rent; deterioration of a dwelling; and nuisance factors.

6 * Unit Eight - Financial Hardship and Housing Benefit Assessing a tenant s unique situation; identifying key indicators of financial hardship (e.g. late payment of rent, gradual decline in care/repair of property). Options available to agent (e.g. contacting tenant to offer advice, serving notice on tenant, etc); circumstances in which each option applies; choosing appropriate course of action; establishing the appropriate procedures for dealing with situations of financial hardship. Adopting a diplomatic approach to the tenant; sensitive questioning and treatment of tenant; avoiding discrimination; complying with legislation and meeting needs of landlord whilst finding best option for tenant. Unit Nine - Codes of Practice Defining the needs for codes of practice and describing how they work to generate client confidence and enhance the agency s reputation. Outlining the laws regarding agencies, such as The Estate Agents Act 1979, The Estate Agents (Account) Regulations 1981, The Property Misdescriptions Act 1991,The Estate Agents (Undesirable Practices) (No.2) Order 1991,The Estate Agents (Specified Offences) (No.2) Order 1991 and (Amendment) Order 1992, and The Estate Agents (Provision of Information) Regulations 1991). Unit Ten - Block Management Range of services offered by a block management company - responsibilities of property managers: responsibilities for repairs; property visits during tenancy; rent arrears procedures; management services for property voids. The law: The Landlord & Tenant Act 1985, Section 11 (addresses the landlord s obligations relating to repair), The Defective Premises Act 1974, The Environmental Protection Act 1990, The Housing Act 1985 Part VI and Part VII (houses unfit for human habitation). Unit Eleven - Property Maintenance and Management The Housing Health & Safety Rating System - the requirements regarding maintenance & repair, upkeep including external decoration, condition of lawn and garden, condition of gardening implements allowing basic maintenance of garden and lawn by tenants, condition of fences and outside doors, window frames. Sub-standard properties: what constitutes sub-standard properties; coverage requirements of Act as above; checklists; good practice; documenting issues. Compliance: rectifying problems; the need to contract reliable, sufficiently qualified contractors to undertake the work; organising a schedule of repairs; ensuring that the tenant and landlord are well advised in relation to property maintenance. Unit Twelve - Organisational Management Marketing the agency; marketing properties; creating effective communication campaigns for both; developing promotional campaigns appropriate to various target audiences; identifying appropriate media. Formulating an overall marketing strategy; identifying target audiences and promotional methods; generating a marketing action plan; short mid and long-term objectives and their effect on the development of the business.

7 * Unit Thirteen - Administration of Systems Developing a hierarchy of responsibility: establishing key office roles and sharing those roles when required; developing communication skills, empowering colleagues to take responsibility; enhancing people and problem solving skills. Planning needs: IT requirements; working space and desk provision; sufficient telephone capacity; compliance with Health & Safety regulations. Unit Fourteen - Marketing, Advertising and PR Module fourteen will provide the opportunity to recognise the importance of effective marketing, advertising and PR and how these disciplines can be applied to support business development. The module will also outline the requirements of a successful marketing campaign and its constituent elements such as PR and their relationship to achieving overall objectives. Unit Fifteen - Diversity, Discrimination and Human Rights Human Rights Act 1998; Equality Act How failure to comply can impact on a business; penalties for non-compliance; loss of reputation; commercial damage. Measures to avoid discrimination: good practice, procedures etc., documenting processes; precautions that can be put in place to avoid contentious issues. Policy: contents; coverage; making staff aware. * Unit Sixteen - Health & Safety General legal requirements regarding health and safety; day-to-day regulations; staff safety; advice on what Health & safety inspectors look for when visiting premises; defines effective management of health and safety; employee responsibility to others, whether visitors or fellow employees; the reporting of health and safety concerns when they arise. Actual precautions that can be taken to safeguard general health and safety, such as ensuring all pathways in the office are clear of obstruction, fire exits are clear and clearly signed, and that employees are aware of fire drill; empowering responsible people within the office to assist in up keeping health and safety issues; making sure everyone is aware of certain procedures such as locking up at night and securing the premises. * Unit Seventeen - Developing Property Management Skills Identifying the various skills that contribute to the successful running of a property letting agency; analysing the role of individual employees; examining how each employee can develop their skills; describing how various employee roles can be integrated and work together for the good of the business; the value of co-operation and collaboration; the role of technology and organisational structures in overall skill development; exploring current and on-going changes in the letting agency business. Unit Eighteen - Developing Your Letting Business Outlining the status quo within the letting sector; what direction the market might be heading in; capitalising on actual and perceived changes in the letting market; analysing the demands of clients; meeting client requirements. Describing their own business achievements, current situation and status, perceived direction; defining personal and business goals, strategic options, change management requirements, resources needs and practical considerations. Defining where candidates are in terms of personal career; identifying personal goals; assessing strengths and weaknesses.