How to get the best from your Lettings Property Manager

Did you know there are over 150 LEGAL OBLIGATIONS that have to be met when letting a property?

Did you choose to have your property managed by a Lettings Agent, in order to take away the stress of looking after it 24/7 yourself? In which case, use your Property Manager’s knowledge and expertise.

1. What does a property manager do?

a. Handle all the legal aspects of dealing with Tenants and maintaining a property; know how to handle problem tenants and other rental issues properly.
b. Handle evictions, property inspections, Tenancy Agreement negotiations, Tenancy terminations, and the collection of rent from Tenants.
c. Make sure that each property is in compliance with all property codes and safety laws.
d. Take care of Tenancy Agreement enforcement and deal with Tenants who break the terms of their Tenancy agreement.
e. Make sure the Landlord’s Tenancy Agreement obligations are met
f. Once a landlord finds a good tenant, he/she wants to keep the tenant in the property as long as possible. The Property Manager can help make this happen by arranging repairs quickly and helping good tenants whenever they have a problem. This improves the chances of a good tenant staying in the property.

2. Honesty from the start about your property is the best policy!

a. Landlords, tell us all about your property (leaving no stones unturned) – how old is your boiler? Are there any issues with neighbours? History of issues with damp/condensation?
b. Tell us what your expectations are – types of tenants, how you want to be contacted etc.
c. Head lease – advise of any special restrictions listed for the property

3. Building Trust

a. Your Property Manager will be up to date with all the legislation for both Landlords and Tenants so will give you advice on what you need to do for your property to be totally compliant – sometimes this will cost at first but will save money in the long run.
b. Your Property Manager should give you advice on what needs to be done to get the best from your property – this will normally encourage Tenants to look after the property more; keeping your property in good maintenance order will help preserve its market value should you wish to sell.
c. During the tenancy when issues arise, your Property Manager will handle these with a thorough background knowledge of the property, tenants and landlord and will be able to get quotes and advise you on the best way forward.
d. Property Managers communicate with tenants who do not want to pay their rent as agreed. A Property Manager will contact a late-paying tenant until payment is received. If a tenant does not pay as agreed, a Property Manager can start the legal eviction process.

4. Let your Property Manager manage your property – and make your life easier at the end of the tenancy

a. Your Property Manager will be on call 24/7 365 days a year and will handle your Tenants’ expectations – this also includes pointing out their responsibilities.
b. It takes away a Landlord’s personal involvement so you don’t get sucked in and get run ragged by your Tenant’s requests.
c. Put every request in writing – this will take away ‘he said/she said’ situations as a year down the line our memory forgets things!
d. Your Property Manager will have every request from both the Landlord and the Tenant noted and can refer back if needs be.
e. Let your Property Manager use their contractors’ skills – they are all fully insured and trained and registered in their skills. They also know the standards that are expected and support your manager in quick times for call outs plus with tenants agreement will collect the management keys – so no waiting in at the property which costs everyone time and money.

Jacqui can help in all matters Property Management – call 01273-735237 for details of Callaways’ Fully Managed Lettings Service