CEPI - European Council of Real Estate Professions

Part of CEPI priorities include drawing up a charter on quality care, a code of ethics and codes of conduct. Only a professional and ethical environment can really ensure quality of service, an accurate competitive positioning and a perception of added value, both for professionals and consumers.

CODES

Two codes have therefore been approved by the member associations during a joint General Assembly 

- the European code of ethics for real estate professionals 

- the European code for @-commerce.


CHARTER

Quality Care means:

• understanding the client need
• acting in a professional manner
• providing an efficient service.

To achieve these goals the Property Manager commits to abide by the following obligations:

A.-  Standard obligations

1. To provide a written agreement to all clients giving the basis for fees, the normal and extra assignments which are not included in the fees and the rights and obligations of the parties.
2. To work in accordance with the relevant professional and legal regulations, and the written contract.
3. To act with professional discretion, and fairly in case of conflicts between the parties.
4. To abide by the CEAB Code of Conduct and by the national professional Association Code of Conduct.
5. Not to accept any kind of fees or personal advantage which are not prearranged by the parties on a written agreement.
6. To commit himself to hold professional liability insurance and an adequate financial guarantee for funds deposited on behalf of third parties.
7. To abide by the decisions of the Professional Associations' Ethics Committee.

B.- Client obligations

1. To ensure proper accounting control, and payment of operating costs, taxes and other outgoings on behalf of the client.
2. To handle insurances, property damages and claims with care.
3. To provide prudent operational budgets.
4. To ensure the supervision and the control of technical installations regularly.
5. To recruit and manage maintenance personnel, according to current regulations and legislation.
6. To ensure a proper and efficient planned property maintenance and repair programmes.
7. To collect payments due, without delay and make all necessary arrangements concerning overdue debts.
8. To calculate service charges accurately and to ensure prompt payments.
9. To update data bases regularly.
10. To represent or assist clients in negotiations with public authorities, and other concerned parties.
11. To analyze the performance of investments in the interest of clients.
12. To organize general assemblies and other meetings with efficiency, to prepare accurate minutes and execute the decisions made.
13. To act fairly and positively in enforcement of regulation and in dispute resolution.

C.- Means of achieving quality care

1. To use appropriate communication and management techniques.
2. To maintain a professional updated data Base of Property Legislation and Property Management best practice.
3. To employ appropriate and competent staff.
4. To partake in continuing professional Education.

Adopted in Brussels by the General Assembly of the Confédération européenne des Administrateurs de Biens on March 22, 2002.

March 2002