How will Letting Agents be spending the next 45 Days?
The government will be publishing statutory documents - templates - for landlords and of course, letting agents to use. Once the Information Sheet, Written Statement of Information & Terms, updated Section 8 (Form 3A) and Section 13 (Form 4A), time needs to be set aside to read and familiarise the whole of the letting team with these documents.
Relying on CRM systems and PropTech to streamline and speed up processes is great, however, questions surrounding the purpose of these documents, how they are served, consequences of non-compliance, need to be answered and that remit sits with the negotiators, valuers, property management team and in some respects directors and decisions makers.
Letting Agent's Date for the Diary - 2021
A few days into 2021 and we are already navigating the beginning of a third Lockdown. The difference this time is that lettings agents, landlords and tenants have been here before. Covid-19 Protocols are in place, there is a much better understanding of what can and cannot be done, WFH processes systems are up and running.
Being organised and prepared is very important. Certain things will be happening in 2021 than can be managed and planned for now. Landlords will need their letting agents support and guidance more than ever, so plan your diary well.
The third Consultation on Domestic Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms ends on 11th January 2021.
The proposals are that social landlords ensure at least one smoke alarm is installed on each storey of a building where any rooms are used as living accommodation; carbon monoxide alarms to be fitted alongside the installation of fixed combustion appliances of any fuel type; and private and social landlords to install carbon monoxide alarms in any room used as living accommodation where a fixed combustion appliance is used.
Post-Lockdown - Covid 19 Contingency Planning
The last 6 weeks have been incredibly challenging for everyone and whilst it seems that the whole world is standing still, there are so many people working to keep the “cogs” turning. Working in the property sector, specifically Lettings & Property Management I observe & listen - that’s why this “people focused” industry fascinates and drives me, because fundamentally whilst it may be a property centric industry, it really is about relationships.
Apart from when I couldn’t work, myself and my team have spent every day speaking to our clients - Lauren and I spent 3 days calling everyone just to check in on them, sharing experiences & stories about lockdown.
The Role of the Strategist
Being a business person isn’t easy and being a business person when your focus tends to be your Passion is even harder. Take chefs and fashion designers as an example. Their creativity is sparked by their love for what they do - creating a new recipe and designing a spectacular gown is far more rewarding for them than running the numbers, setting targets, putting together projections for a five year business plan.