Stringent References

29th Aug 2016

This is according to research held by a chain of estate agents when they surveyed 2,506 landlords throughout England. 70% preferred to contract agents who were extremely thorough in all practises. 41% also listed the importance of agents who were able to find tenants who stayed for a lengthy term of residence, which suggests that their tenant base on the whole is reliable.

The second highest consideration for landlords came in at 66% for quickness in delivery of a let and the third was for reliable and professional staff.

Surprisingly how high the rent could be positioned did not get into the top three.

Carrie Alliston, Head of Lettings of the Plc, said: ‘It is undeniable that the UK has a growing market for lettings, with more people renting than ever before, whether this is because they are struggling to get onto the housing ladder or enjoy the flexibility renting gives them. It is therefore highly important to ensure that although the market is widening, agents are still doing the necessary procedures to protect both landlords and tenants.’

She added: ‘Whilst it is important to ensure our investors are achieving a good return on their properties, it is reassuring to see that despite rental price increases across the country; our landlords have not cited marketing their properties at the most expensive price possible as a priority for them. This indicates that the increase in rental prices across England is due to wider market factors, such as house price increases or the additional stamp duty charges introduced in April, rather than landlord greed.’

May thanks to PIMS

https://www.pims.co.uk/news-article/landlords_play_safe_and_choose_agents_who_stringently_reference_tenants/