SISV/APFM ACCREDITATION SCHEME FOR MANAGING AGENTS |
Purpose of Scheme The Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers (SISV) as well as the Association of Property and Facility Managers (APFM) have in the past campaigned for the accreditation of managing agents. Owners and occupants are presently more concerned with and knowledgeable about their property and the living and working environments. The building services and physical structures of newer developments are becoming more sophisticated and complex. Property managers therefore need to be competent and proficient in their work and equipped with the necessary knowledge and skill sets. An accreditation scheme established for managing agents offering services in strata titled management hopes to satisfy these challenges. Benefits of Accreditation Accredited firms will identify themselves using the credentials "SISV/APFM Accredited Managing Agents". The "SISV/APFM Accreditation" will be promoted as a brand name as having achieved certain professional standards of property management. Strata titled developments and condominiums which seek the services of SISV/APFM accredited MAs will be assured of competent services of a reasonable standard. The proposed accreditation would also bring about closer consultation among the practitioners, the relevant authorities and the property owners. Another benefit for strata titled developments employing the services of accredited firms is that they can avail themselves of mediation and other dispute resolution services at the SISV Mediation Centre. The purpose of this service is to assist owners and occupants to resolve disputes arising from the management. Accreditation Requirements There are two categories of accreditation, Category A and Category B in order of the complexity of the strata titled developments: A) Large commercial properties ie industrial, office, shop or mixed developments with predominantly commercial content and community/institutional buildings, and large-scale residential property developments ie those with more than 150 units B) Small-scaled residential and commercial property developments ie those with 150 and fewer units. Firms accredited with A accreditation will be allowed to manage those in B category. However, those firms with a B accreditation will not be allowed to offer services in the A category until they are upgraded to this higher category. Both categories of accreditation require the firms to have qualified staff trained in recognised estate or building management courses, and have sufficient years of experience in property management, and to satisfactorily pass an interview which tests knowledge in strata titled management and related topics. Assessment Panel The Assessment Panel comprise representations from professional bodies and senior members of SISV and APFM. The decision of the Assessment Panel will be final. Enforcement and Dispute Resolution Implementation Further information
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