Preparing for the Autumn
We are into the final four months of 2016. Goodness it has gone quickly. Every change in season brings with it some kind of change. September is usually linked to new beginnings, new school, college and university terms. For the Private Rented Sector it also brings change. Letting agents specialising in HMOs and providing student accommodation will have started their "move in processes" towards the end of July - beginning of August. In the next few weeks, students from all over the country and all over the world will be settling in to their academic homes. Ensuring the students, just out of halls or new to living alone, are supported forms part of the letting agents daily routine. We work with a client who manages three student buildings also provides a "drop in" reception area that gives students the opportunity to discuss their living arrangements and bring to the fore any issues they may have.One of the key elements that many agents dealing with students MUST deal with efficiently is Right to Rent. Please note - that ALL tenants MUST be seen FACE to FACE whilst checking their original ID and any other relevant documents. One of our clients booked space in a hotel to manage the sheer volume of students moving in over the summer months.October usually has quite an impact on the PRS. Last year, the industry faced a barrage of legislation - smoke detector & carbon monoxide regs, Deregulation Act - added to the legislation from February, March and April 2015. After the Referendum things went a little quiet. We waited for an announcement relating to the Housing & Planning Act 2016 or at least the initiatives that impact the PRS and we are still waiting to see what will happen with Abandonment, Client Money Protection, Electrical Safety and the Rogue Landlord/Letting Agent register. What we are aware of, however, is that Renter's Rights Bill - Private Members' Bill (Starting in the House of Lords) Sponsored by Baroness Grender. In June the Baroness said " The Government have helped tenants by introducing legislation on rogue landlords in the Housing and Planning Act 2016, but they stopped short of giving real power to tenants through information so that tenants know who those rogue landlords are." Only time will tell.There is a misconception about the type of courses we deliver through out sister companies. The impression is that the courses focus on compliance, however, I reiterate that the element of compliance is the strong foundation on which an exceptional agency can build. The last newsletter made reference to various elements a letting agent must consider in ensuring they have an excellent benchmark to deliver a service of quality. In order to make life easier for our clients, I have put together our tools & resources of choice. Some of them are well-known; they will without a doubt make a difference to you business. Please remember to carry out your own Due Diligence before embarking on a relationship with any supplier.There is a misconception about the type of courses we deliver through out sister companies. The impression is that the courses focus on compliance, however, I reiterate that the element of compliance is the strong foundation on which an exceptional agency can build. The last newsletter made reference to various elements a letting agent must consider in ensuring they have an excellent benchmark to deliver a service of quality.In order to make life easier for our clients, I have put together our tools & resources of choice. Some of them are well-known; they will without a doubt make a difference to you business. Please remember to carry out your own Due Diligence before embarking on a relationship with any supplier. There is a misconception about the type of courses we deliver through out sister companies. The impression is that the courses focus on compliance, however, I reiterate that the element of compliance is the strong foundation on which an exceptional agency can build. The last newsletter made reference to various elements a letting agent must consider in ensuring they have an excellent benchmark to deliver a service of quality.In order to make life easier for our clients, I have put together our tools & resources of choice. Some of them are well-known; they will without a doubt make a difference to you business. Please remember to carry out your own Due Diligence before embarking on a relationship with any supplier. There is a misconception about the type of courses we deliver through out sister companies. The impression is that the courses focus on compliance, however, I reiterate that the element of compliance is the strong foundation on which an exceptional agency can build. The last newsletter made reference to various elements a letting agent must consider in ensuring they have an excellent benchmark to deliver a service of quality.In order to make life easier for our clients, I have put together our tools & resources of choice. Some of them are well-known; they will without a doubt make a difference to you business. Please remember to carry out your own Due Diligence before embarking on a relationship with any supplier.
Susie Crolla - CEO