Property factors across Scotland can sign up to a compulsory registration scheme from August 1.
Infrastructure Secretary Alex Neil said the move is both good news for consumers and would help enhance the reputation of this sector of industry.
About 225,000 homeowners across Scotland use property managers to carry out repair and maintenance responsibilities of communal areas of buildings and housing estates.
The requirement for all factors to be registered is a central plank of legislation passed by Holyrood last year. Factors will also have to comply with a statutory code of conduct. They have until October 1 to register but can do so from today.
Mr Neil said: “The majority of property factors provide a good, effective service. This new law means that for the first time, consumers will have access to information to judge good service and for property factors, an opportunity to demonstrate the quality of their services.”
Iain Friel, vice-president of the Property Managers Association Scotland, welcomed the new code of conduct.
He said: “Our members believe the new legislation will benefit the property management industry, not only providing consumers with a recognised system of redress it will also provide property factors an opportunity to demonstrate the necessary dedication, skill and experience required in the professional management of common property throughout Scotland.”
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