Property News: David Thorne
Quality properties are key to success in letting, says David Thorne
The past few months have been very busy for the rental market in Brighton and the surrounding areas, with a steady stream of people looking to rent in the area. There are times when there aren’t enough properties to satisfy demand and the danger of this is that it is easier for landlords and agents to let bad quality and sub-standard properties. We operate in an industry that is still unregulated and it is an unfortunate fact that, in the face of short supply, some agents will take on any property to let regardless of its condition or whether it fulfils safety requirements. Knowing they will probably be able to let it easily in times of high demand, some agents will disregard the safety of their tenants and their landlords’ liability in favour of a quick and easy let.
If a property does not comply with gas, fire and electrical regulations, it puts the tenant at physical risk and the landlord at legal risk of prosecution, should something go wrong. As members of the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA), SAFEagent and The Property Ombudsman, at Leaders we always make sure the properties we let are safe and in good condition, and we’re proud of the fact that we won’t let just any property.
We won’t let properties that we consider unsafe and we will always advise landlords on what they need to do to ensure their property is in a good condition to let. This can include replacing non-strengthened glass in doors with safety glass, covering ponds, and ensuring stair banisters are not only in place but are also in good condition. Our experienced in-branch staff, with the backing of our central legal and compliance department, enable us to ensure that all our landlords’ properties are safe and comply with the law whilst also protecting their interests, offering complete peace of mind.
Many tenants now view their rented accommodation as their home, where they are likely to live for some time, rather than just a stepping stone. As a result, they want good quality properties with modern kitchens and bathrooms and neutral décor. It goes without saying that they want and deserve the reassurance that their rented home will be a safe and secure place to live.
For advice you can trust on all aspects of letting, renting or buy-to-let please contact Leaders Brighton Central on 01273 720714, email western@leaders.co.uk, pop in for a chat with the friendly team at 119-120 Western Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2AD, or visit www.leaders.co.uk for more information.
David Thorne is Leaders Brighton Central Senior Branch Manager, and has a wealth of lettings experience and an outstanding knowledge of the local property market.
