RICS - in Plain English

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is the organisation that sets the highest professional standards in property.

It is not a club you sign up to because you like the logo (it took us six years of study and exams, plus two years' audited work experience, followed by a final assessment interview, to get in!).

It is a serious regulatory body with rules, audits and consequences.

To be RICS regulated, an agent must prove they operate ethically, professionally and competently.

If they fall short, they are investigated and disciplined. Sometimes removed entirely.

In other words, RICS is the safety net that stops agents cutting corners or playing fast and loose with landlord money, tenant safety or legal compliance.

"Professionalism and Integrity"

We bet almost every letting agent, if asked, would use these words to describe themselves.

But if every agent claims they are the living embodiment of these values, then they are largely meaningless.

What we mean when we talk about integrity is simply doing the right thing, even when nobody is looking.

That is real integrity, not the type written in a mission statement, on some marketing fluff, or on a "templated" website that looks just like every other agent website, and then forgotten about).

What we mean by professionalism is simply acting in your best interests at all times.

That means:

• Clear, honest fees

• Proper handling of rent and deposits

• Transparent communication

• Recognising and declaring any potential conflicts of interest

• No ducking responsibility when something is inconvenient

If an agent regulated by RICS steps out of line, they answer to RICS - a regulator with teeth.

For landlords, that should be far more reassuring than a glossy high street office, sharp suits and websites waffling on about "professionalism and integrity" - like we've just done! :))

Expertise That Goes Beyond Guesswork

The last few years have seen lettings legislation growing faster than Japanese knotweed.

There are now more than 150 separate laws and regulations that landlords must follow, and agents (and landlords) are expected to keep on top of all of it.

Being an RICS regulated agent requires continuous training and professional development.

That means we actually understand what matters, what deadlines must be met and what risks you face if the wrong box is ticked, or a document is missed.

It’s the difference between someone who “thinks they know” and someone who actually knows.

Protection And Security (the part most landlords only appreciate it's too late)

RICS regulated agents must have:

• Professional indemnity insurance

• Strict client money protection

• Robust accounting systems

If something goes wrong, you are not left carrying the financial fallout.

You have a regulator behind you, insurance behind you and a professional framework behind you.

Most agents simply do not offer that level of protection.

How many RICS Regulated Letting Agents are there in Hertford and Ware?

Not many. In fact, you can count them on one hand.

Truth be told, you can count them on one finger. It's just us.

Right from the start, more than 15 years ago, we made a conscious decision to hold ourselves to the highest standards in the industry. Because we are landlords ourselves.

Because we know what it feels like to trust someone with your property, and hope they do not cut corners.

Our RICS regulation gives you that peace of mind.

RICS Standards, Delivered the KPM Way

Some agents treat compliance like homework they forgot to do.

We treat it like the cornerstone of the entire service.

But we also pair that seriousness with the straightforward, practical mindset of people who have rented properties out for decades.

We know the legislation.

We also know what tenants are like in the real world.

We know how contractors operate.

We know what can go wrong.

And we know how to prevent it.

All of this sits on top of an RICS framework that demands proper conduct at all times.

It is lettings done properly.

With just a little bit of humour. Because the industry is already serious enough.

Ready for a Letting Agent Who Gets Things Right - First Time?

If you want an agent who is:

• Fully regulated

• Fully insured

• Fully trained

• Fully accountable

• And fully committed to doing things properly

then you’re in the right place.

The next step is simple.

📅 Book a £97 landlord consultation with Jan and David

We’ll visit your property, explain exactly how RICS regulation protects you, and give you practical guidance you can use immediately.

And if you choose to work with us afterwards, we'll refund you double the consultation fee as credit against our Tenant Finding service.

No pressure.

No jargon.

No disappearing acts.

Just experienced landlords, regulated professionals and a service built around doing things right.

Whenever you’re ready, we’re here to help.