REFERENCING Gut instincts and good referencing
The first impression a potential tenant gives an agent puts the first piece of the reference jigsaw in
place. It is also the starting point in the partnership between the letting agent and their reference and insurance provider. To strengthen this partnership, Let Insurance Services helps agents develop procedures to spot the suitability of the applicant. A checklist includes comparing
the information on an application form with the knowledge gained during a viewing and, perhaps most important of all, going by gut instinct. These are all a part of good referencing. This process should occur well before the agent submits the application for a formal reference and is more necessary than ever with the current high levels of tenant demand that is producing a wider spectrum of rental applicants. Sizing up an applicant includes remembering to never judge a
CONFERENCES Landlords meet for conference
Landlords from across the UK met in London for the National Landlords Association
Conference to discuss issues affecting the letting of private residential property, and to participate in a series of workshops and live debates. Delegates were able to
question keynote speaker Neil McDonald, Director of Housing Management, Homelessness and Support Directorate, Communities and Local Government on a range of issues including HMO licencing and local housing allowance. Mr McDonald reassured
landlords concerned about cuts to local housing allowance that the government values the contribution made by the private rented sector in providing much-need homes to rent. Mr McDonald said, “We fully appreciate that letting to housing benefit tenants must remain a sound business proposition. We recognise that
having a reliable rental stream is fundamental.” Mr McDonald agreed that
the lack of mortgage funding for home buyers will increase the number of people looking for a home to rent. He acknowledged that there is a big opportunity for the private rented sector caused by tight limits on growth in both the social and owner occupied sectors. David Salusbury, Chairman, National Landlords Association, commented, “This year’s conference was a huge success, with landlords hearing from a range of speakers about the major issues facing the private rented sector.
“It’s clear that landlords are still concerned about government cuts, direct payment of housing benefits and access to finance. “The conference was an
excellent opportunity to put these concerns directly to a government representative and the NLA will continue to lobby on these issues.”
PROPERTYdrum JANUARY 2011 47 aiic ARTWORK
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Property Inventories You Can Trust
Landlords, agents and tenants know they are in safe hands when using an
aiic Independent Inventory Clerk
The UK’s largest and longest established membership organisation for Independent Inventory Clerks (500 members nationwide).
✔ aiic Respected throughout the industry. ✔ aiic Leading the way in training and support. ✔ aiic Excellence through independence.
For more information and to find Independent Inventory Clerks in your area visit our website –
www.theaiic.co.uk
book by its cover, not to be tempted to drop guard on more lucrative fee-earning rentals or those that are difficult to let, especially if the tenant proposes to pay cash. Always consider affordability, typically the rent should be no more than 40 per cent of the applicant’s income. A fraud investigator recently
discovered that some agents do not obtain proof of residence and identification. These are the vital pieces of the referencing jigsaw. They should reflect the first impression and, without contravening privacy and data protection laws, these details can be filed online.
“The art of good referencing is
a working partnership between the agent and the specialist reference and insurance provider,” said Michael Portman, MD of Let Insurance Services. “It includes a well-used check list that everyone in the office uses that can flag up problems.”
INVENTORIES AIIC Inventory Clerk Award
The Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC) has opened nominations of the Inventory Clerk Of The Year Award and is inviting letting agents and landlords to email their vote via the AIIC website. This is the second year that the AIIC is running the Inventory Clerk Of The Year Award, which asks letting agents and landlords to nominate from the 500 nationwide AIIC members. Last year’s winner was
Emma Goddard of EG Inventories, Bournemouth, (right) with one of her clients nominating her for “providing an excellent service and the inventories and reports are second to none, which reflects
on our business.” The 2011 Inventory Clerk Of The Year will be announced at the AIIC Annual General Meeting in March 2011, where they will receive a trophy, a year’s free AIIC membership and prize money. Pat Barber, Chair of the AIIC, said, “We are delighted to be opening the nominations for the second annual Inventory Clerk Of The Year Award and look forward to receiving many votes via the website!” Deadline for voting is 31st January:
www.theaiic.co.uk.
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