Letting Agents are Landlords' Allies

It's not often we come across independent articles about the benefits of using letting agents to manage a property. However, this month we have found an article from the authoritative voice of Paul Shamplina, an inspiration in the Lettings world, so we obviously had to shout about it.

In the April 2024 edition of 'Landlord Today' Paul Shamplina, Founder of eviction and housing law specialist, Landlord Action and Chief Commercial Officer at NRLA insurance partner, Total Landlord and star of Channel 5’ ‘Nightmare Tenants, Slum Landlords’ speaks about how 'Letting agents are Landlords allies' today and we couldn't agree more!

'It is time we cast a spotlight on letting agents and the invaluable contributions they bring to the table when navigating the complexities of property management. In a landscape where the constant proposals of new regulations seem to change faster than you can say "Section 21", it is crucial to recognise the pivotal role that letting agents play.’

Throughout the course of the changes implemented in Wales, we have observed first hand the confusion it has caused and we take pride in having assisted over 250 Landlords with Contracts, Written Statements, Property Compliance Checks, Notices for Rent Increases, Notices for end of Contracts and more in the last 12 months.

For independent Landlords that were unaware of the changes, we were able to support and guide them with their Contracts and Written Statements and advise of the legal requirements and changes from December 2022. For our own Landlords we have alleviated the stress and worry surrounding the changes introduced and kept them proactively informed along the way.

Paul Shamplina mentions in his article ‘that in today's climate, the majority of landlords (who do not ‘landlord’ as a full-time profession), require more than mere intuition or DIY efforts to thrive; they need the guidance and expertise that reputable letting agents can provide. However, in reality it would appear (and most likely for cost-saving reasons) the number of landlords self-managing is actually increasing rather than decreasing (65% in 2023 compared to 56.3% in 2022 according to the survey).

In my decades of experience in the field, I've seen it all. From DIY landlords struggling to keep up with the ever-evolving legal landscape, to horror stories of rogue letting agents leaving their clients high and dry, I've witnessed the full spectrum of property management nightmares, so I fully understand the trepidation. But in this cloud of uncertainty, reputable letting agents are poised to shine brighter than ever before.’

In 2022 we put a hold on the sales side of the business to ensure that all efforts were focused on the impending changes to renting in Wales from December of 2022. It was totally worth it (and every single grey hair that grew on our heads) as we hit every milestone and new regulation deadline for our Landlords. As a result, we will continue to prioritise Lettings only, for the time being anyway…..

As an Agent, our priority is and always will be our Landlord’s investment. We have confidence in everything we do from the initial instruction, to the end of Contract negotiations. We strongly believe that your financial investment in our knowledge, skills and expertise in the Lettings market, is a worthwhile expense to ensure success without the stress.

We’ll leave you with these final words from Paul Shamplina to finish things off ‘Landlords, in these uncertain times, letting agents are your allies and partners in property management success. Embrace the expertise, lean on their knowledge, and together, weather the storm.’