How to apply to join the Unipol Code - Managing Agents 

If you are a managing agent then you can either join as a full member, where all your properties are fully accredited or join a special scheme that means you become a "Supporter of the Code".  With this scheme it is fine, to join individual properties. 

If you are a student and want to know more about managing agents please click here

Managing Agencies and the Unipol Code

Unipol wishes to encourage all managing agencies to participate in accreditation by being members of the Unipol Code but it acknowledges the practicalities for different types of managing agents in ensuring that their owners' properties can comply with the Code. It also wishes to reward good Managing Agents who are making every effort to ensure their properties meet the standards of the Code.

The Unipol Code applies only to properties that will be let to students so "all properties" means that category of property for the purposes of the Code.

Managing agents who wish to join and support the standards in the Code have two options:

OPTION 1: Become a Supporter of the Unipol Code

This consists of Managing Agents who can give an undertaking to draw the attention of the Code to all of their owners and who will seek to persuade them to join. They will also provide information about the Code (which will be supplied by Unipol) to all their existing and potential owners.

If you are interested in joining the Supporter Scheme you will be asked to sign a protocol to that effect.  As part of the membership process, agencies will be expected to supply a list of properties which they would like to put forward for verification.  This list does not have to be finite but is intended to show your commitment to the scheme.  You can join individual properties throughout your membership and will be actively encouraged to do so.  Unipol will consult with our stakeholders and if no concerns are raised you will be designated, by Unipol, as a “Supporter of the Unipol Code” and this will be recognised in Unipol's publications when marketing properties. Your agency's name will be detailed in a dedicated area of the Unipol website for students to see.  In addition we will create an extra information page, which can be accessed by clicking on a link next to your name.  On this page you can display further information about your agency, including contact information.

If any concerns are raised this does not mean you will not be allowed to join the scheme it just means we may need to carry out a higher number of inspections but we will discuss this with you.

Properties that are fully compliant with the Code would be declared on an annual basis and these properties, if advertised with Unipol, will appear first (along with other Code properties) on the website.

Managing Agents will ensure that properties that are fully compliant with the Code are marked as such in their agencies and will ensure that there is no confusion between Code and non Code properties.

OPTION 2: Full Members of the Unipol Code 

This status relates to managing agents who can commit to having all their owners and their properties meeting the Unipol Code. Managing agents who can give this greater level of commitment will be designated as “Full Members” of the Unipol Code.

Managing agents seeking full membership status will be asked to declare their properties annually to this effect and to supply a full list of all their owners' properties to Unipol so that there is a record of what properties meet the Code standards.

Full members will undertake the same administrative processes to join and uphold the Code as a single owner would normally undertake. Managing Agents will make the declaration that their properties meet the Code standards.

If a complaint is made the Managing Agent will be the first point of contact for Unipol and the Managing Agent will have first line responsibility for any issues or problems under the complaints and tribunal system.

Unipol will designate the Managing Agent a Full Member of the Unipol Code and recognise this fact in all property details displayed by that Agent and will ensure that all properties receive Code status and are displayed, as such, in a preferential manner on its web site and will publish a list (both in paper and electronic form) designating which Agents are supporters of the Code and distribute this to students.

Training and Information

As part of their commitment to the Code, Managing Agents will attend a one day (or two half day) seminars that explains about the Code, its content, the administrative procedures for declaration and verification and the advantages of joining with preferential marketing.

Download the Protocol and declaration form here 

If you would like more information on how Unipol can help Managing Agents let their properties please see the section on marketing advice for Managing Agents