From 20 March 2024, the UK Apartment Association (UKAA) will be rebranded as the Association for Rental Living (ARL), highlighting the breadth of the purpose-built rental living sector which it represents in the UK, and the growth of rental living internationally.
Since 2016, the UKAA has established itself as the leading membership organisation representing the Build to Rent (BTR) sector in the UK. Originally founded out of, and with affiliation support from, the National Apartment Association in the USA, the UKAA has promoted the establishment and growth of all BTR typologies in the UK, recognised as the representative body leading on sector advocacy and education, best practice, knowledge and data sharing, networking, and events.
The BTR sector within the UK has evolved and grown significantly since the UKAA was established. 100,300 BTR homes are now complete with potential for 360,000 by 2033 (Savills) and the brand transformation is a response to this sector evolution and growth. With a membership of more than 330 organisations across the rental living sector ecosystem, reaching 4,500+ professionals, the new brand reflects the maturity, market growth and independent standing of today’s purpose-built rental living offering in the UK.
The organisation will, from 20 March, therefore, be known as the Association for Rental Living (ARL), representing all institutionally backed, professionally managed purpose-built rental living sectors including:
- Urban multifamily
- Suburban multifamily
- Urban single-family
- Suburban single-family
- Co-living
- Later living
The recent announcements of new committees for Investors and Lenders, Single-Family Housing and Co-living further support the strategic shift to the ARL, representing these specific sub-sectors under the BTR umbrella.
“The UKAA brand was appropriate when the organisation was first formed, primarily serving members of the BTR apartment sector in the UK. That sector is maturing and growing in scope and the increasing investment in, and demand for, other types of purpose-built rental homes has meant the ‘Apartment Association’ brand is longer descriptive of the wider living sector the organisation represents.
“The underlying principle of who the ARL represents is institutionally backed, purpose-built, professionally managed rental homes of all types and the name reflects this – elevating rental living with politicians, policymakers, and consumers.”
Brendan Geraghty, CEO, ARL
The ARL will continue the legacy of the UKAA being the recognised membership body for the BTR sector, and its subsectors, and delivering an increasingly amplified and unified voice for the purpose-built rental living sector. Its vision is to redefine the very concept of rental living through the global transformation of the sector, pioneering a world where exceptional, sustainable homes to rent are a first choice. The ARL will also remain committed to setting and raising standards across the BTR sector as demonstrated by the soon to be introduced BTR Code of Practice principles.
“Embracing the brand values of Energetic Leadership, Empathy and Community and Education and Empowerment, the ARL seeks to accelerate change in the Build to Rent sector, driving growth, dispelling myths, and championing collaboration to create a thriving living environment. Through advocacy, education, events, and a united voice, we spearhead the global transformation of rental living, redefining the very concept of living.”
Brendan Geraghty, CEO, ARL
The new brand identity was developed and delivered by a B Corp certified creative agency through a 9-month process of evaluation, membership interviews and stakeholder consultation, in-person workshops, presentations, and discussions.
