Taken from the Residential Landlords’ Association’s ‘A Simple Guide to being a Landlord’, here are the RLA’s top questions people should be asking their prospective letting agent and why landlords and tenants should chose Sarah Kenny over anyone else!
1. Does the agent have a postal address?
Exercise a degree of caution if only a website or PO BOX address is available.
We have a prominent office in Clifton village.
2. Is the agent transparent about their fees?
A reputable agent will tell you all about their fees before you sign their contract. Read their contract carefully and ask any questions beforehand.
All of our fees are clearly laid out and there are no hidden extras
3. How many years has the business been established?
Avoid the “here today gone tomorrow” agent because those agents may disappear with your money. A minimum of two years in business is recommended. Check the history of the company using the Companies House website.
We are just about to celebrate our 25 year anniversary
4. Have the agent’s staff attended a lettings training course in the last two years?
By doing this their staff will keep up-to-date with all the changes in legislation. This will be the case if they hold membership of ARLA, NAEA or RICS (see below). Research staff qualifications and experience by looking for their profiles on the website, or by searching for them on LinkedIn.
We firmly believe in training and several members of staff have their ARLA level 3 technical award with two more studying for it at the moment
5. Is the agent a member of a professional body?
There is no legal requirement for letting agents to be trained, approved, or licensed. So agencies which hold membership of professional bodies such as ARLA, NAEA or RICS are a much safer option for landlords. Agents must meet strict professional standards to gain membership, and adhere to them in order to keep it.
We are ARLA members and have been so for many years.
6. Is the agent displaying a “Safe Agent” logo?
If so, this will indicate the agent has a separate bank account for their clients’ money, and that it is protected by client money protection insurance.
Under the terms of membership for ARLA we are required to hold a separate client account
7. Does the agent belong to a “redress scheme”?
From 1st October 2014, letting and managing agents must become a member of one of the three redress schemes. They provide free and impartial dispute resolution between members of the public and letting agents. The schemes are:
– The Property Ombudsman
– Ombudsman Services Property
– Property Redress Scheme
We are also members of the Property Ombudsman. If you have a property to rent out or are a tenant looking for a property to rent, please give us a call on 0117 9467171