


Whilst attention was largely focused on tackling the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, new laws were still implemented that affected the lettings industry. Indeed, the pandemic seems to have provided the excuse to fast-forward into law a few matters that were previously only ‘on the horizon’ and, as such, 2021 looks set to be another busy year for landlords.
Letting agents must have Client Money Protection - confirmed
Changes to stamp duty - confirmed
Changes to Section 21 - highly likely
Increase in tax - highly likely
Nothing has been confirmed in this regard, but Rishi Sunak
did say that tax increases in 2021 were “inescapable” after the vast sums of
money spent dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. One likely candidate is
Capital Gains Tax, whereby the rates are increased to match those of the income
tax bands (for which many landlords are now in higher brackets, due to the full
ramifications of the ‘Section 24’ mortgage interest relief changes being felt).
Changes to Right to Rent - likely
Since February 2016, landlords in England have had to check
their prospective tenants’ immigration status to ensure they had the right to
live in the UK. Brexit has brought in a new points-based system, but landlords
have been told to continue with the existing checks until 30th June.
Guidance for what to do after then is due to be released in the Spring.
No more ‘no pets allowed’ - likely
Whilst no one knows what the future holds, we can at least prepare ourselves for what might happen. Those who are able to adapt to the frequently changing world of lettings should be well-placed to cater for the growing number of tenants, at a time when the number of landlords and available properties is decreasing.
I’m pleased to say that for the fourth year in a row, CRJ Lettings has been named ‘Best Letting Agent in Chichester’ by allAgents; a respected name in the property industry.
When I set-up CRJ Lettings I did so because I felt I could do a better job of serving Chichester’s landlords and tenants. I didn’t aim to be the biggest letting agent, stretching myself as I moved from one property to the next. Instead, I wanted to be the best letting agent, focusing solely on Chichester’s rental market. I aimed for quality over quantity; working with discerning landlords who appreciate a more personal level of service (and yet at a fair and transparent price).
This meant from day one I have always been most interested in the feedback I receive from my landlords and tenants. After all, whilst lettings may be seen as a ‘property’ business it’s really more about people and personality; because who would you trust to look after your best interests - someone in it purely for the money, or someone prepared to dedicate the time and effort to build a relationship with you such that trust, confidence, and ultimately a smooth transaction will naturally follow?
As a small independent letting agent I don’t have targets for how many valuations I should get, nor do I calculate my conversion rate for signing landlords up to my service. I’ve even told people I’m not right for them if I believe that to be the case (student lets, for instance, is something I don’t normally take on). Providing a quality service gives me far more personal satisfaction than simply focussing on the bottom line of the balance sheet.
It’s nice to pat yourself on the back sometimes, but it’s even nicer when my landlords and tenants do so (how many letting agents actively seek reviews from their tenants I wonder?) I’ve now clocked up 54 Google reviews from my landlords and tenants and 53 reviews on allAgents - all of them a resounding 5-star!
It’s also great that the majority of my newest landlords are coming to me via word of mouth. A personal recommendation is always the best way for you to choose a reputable business. Second to that should be a company’s reviews and testimonials in my opinion - but only if they can be trusted! That’s why receiving this accolade from allAgents means something, what with them being the UK’s largest customer review website for the property industry.
So, whilst I don’t normally use this space as self-promotion, I’m a little chuffed about being named Best Letting Agent in Chichester (again!). Thanks to my great customers, tradespeople and service providers who helped make it possible.
The following tips can be applied all year round but they’re particularly relevant at this time of year as it gets colder, darker and wetter outside.
Ensure you know where the fusebox, gas safety valve and water stop valve are and how they operate, in case of an emergency (I provide a house guide to my tenants with this information and also show them when they move in).
Keep on top of basic maintenance
Check roofs and gutters for slipped or damaged tiles and for any leaks. Check overflows and pipework for any leaks as well as damp smells or flaking paint, which may indicate a hidden problem.
Bleed the radiators and check the pressure of the boiler to see if it needs topping up.
Avoid condensation
Build-up of condensation can be more prevalent in winter as more heating is used, clothes are dried inside and there is a tendency to want all the windows shut.
All this moisture in the property needs to go somewhere and will invariably attach itself to cold surfaces (exterior walls/window surrounds) and create unsightly condensation/mould patches.
Keep windows open throughout the property, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens and especially during and after showering/bathing and cooking. Use extractor fans where fitted and wipe down any wet surfaces after using the shower/bath.
Don’t turn the heating off completely
This is very important to prevent the freezing of the water system and expensive burst pipes. It’ll also help in the fight against condensation, which thrives on a changing temperature.
The easiest solution if you are planning to be away from the property is to leave the boiler on and set the thermostat to a low temperature i.e. 12 degrees.
Fire safety
Do not overload electrical sockets with appliances and Christmas lights as this can cause a fire hazard. Avoid using candles, particularly near Christmas trees, decorations and curtains.
Test all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are working correctly.
I believe prevention is better than cure, which is why I pre-arm my tenants with a 'winter maintenance guide' at the beginning of their tenancy and re-issue it as winter approaches. You can download this short guide, free of charge, from www.crjlettings.co.uk/winter-advice