It has become clear that due to the economic climate the housing market has taken a significant downturn. As a result, estate agents have now started a lettings department to ‘cash-in’ on those who cannot buy, due to the scarcity of mortgages, and who therefore choose to rent.
This poses a number of issues to tenants that choose properties in Kettering with such ‘new’ letting agents:
• They lack professional experience in the field of lettings so cannot give a thorough and precise answer to your queries as Belvoir Kettering can;
• They would have difficulty in ensuring the correct tenancy agreement is used due to a lack of training/education;
• Once a tenancy is in progress, they would have incredible difficulty in managing maintenance due to the lack of a property maintenance co-ordinator (as Belvoir Kettering has) within the team;
• They may not always handle deposits legally and may not even register them with the appropriate regulatory body; and finally
• They would have less focus on managing a good relationship between agent, landlord and tenant due to their skills being more aligned to estate agency and house sales, rather than the long-term relationship that comes with the lettings industry.
On a similar note, landlords must also be cautious due to the greater risks that ‘new’ lettings agents pose, namely:
• Even if a new agent charges low fees, this is often a gimmick that will not last;
• The low level of knowledge of tenancy agreements may mean that a new agent could sign on your behalf an agreement that is unenforceable under English Law, thereby giving you no rights to possession if necessary; and
• Many new agents do not have property maintenance co-ordinators. This is a false economy, as properties would simply degrade over time and lose considerable market value.
In conclusion, therefore, we at Belvoir Kettering would always advise a prospective landlord or tenant to visit a true lettings specialist Kettering lettings agent that can cater for your needs but also who understands through experience the importance of a quality service. We are different due to:
• Extensive knowledge of tenancy laws
• A full lettings team that ensures efficient action if an issue arises
• Protection for landlords relating to property maintenance through our dedicated maintenance co-ordinator, and
• Proactive nature, thereby ensuring all matters are addressed same day.
