Technology PR:
Long-established local letting specialists, Leaders, are warning landlords to be wary of agents that target them with special low-fee offers.
Says Leaders managing director Paul Weller: In recent weeks we have become aware of an agent in the area approaching our clients, and clients of other legitimate letting agents, offering them lower fees in an attempt to win their business.
They underhandedly ascertain our landlords property addresses by pretending to be a prospective tenant, and then contact the landlord directly to try entice them with special deals. The problem is, as well as being a very unethical way to conduct business; this agent is not a member of any professional body which leaves landlords and tenants completely unprotected.
When a letting agent does not belong to a professional regulating organisation, such as ARLA or RICS, should the business fall into financial difficulty, clients money could be lost, with no recourse for the landlord or tenant to get it back. In addition to the financial risks, clients cannot be sure that the advice offered is 100% informed, trustworthy and accurate, or that the service they provide protects the landlords assets and interests as it should.
Says Paul: Unfortunately over the decades we have seen too many landlords caught out by agents offering exceptionally low fees and too-good-to-be-true deals; landlords who come to us months later with their investment in crisis because the agent has not acted as they should or provided the service they promised. Landlords should be aware when choosing a letting agent that you get what you pay for in terms of service and professionalism."
Leaders - who have been specialising in letting property for more than 26 years point out that there is more to letting and managing a property than meets the eye. Knowledgeable, well trained staff are needed; prospective tenants should be vetted carefully; complex legislation must be complied with; a professional inventory should be compiled; tenants safety and landlords interests must be protected at all times; and maintenance issues addressed promptly.
"Of course landlords will naturally want to keep their costs down and will be looking for a competitive rate," continues Paul." However, when choosing a letting agent, landlords should never base their decision on price alone, but always consider experience, reputation, professionalism and overall quality of service.
If in doubt, says Paul, you can visit the ARLA website (www.arla.co.uk) to check whether an agent who has approached you is listed as a registered member. Our advice is to be cautious and dont be afraid to ask for previous or current client recommendations. Check how long the firm has been in business and look closely at their literature and website.
For professional advice you can trust on all aspects of letting and renting please contact your local Leaders branch www.leaders.co.uk
For Press Enquiries, please contact:
Lisa Martin
Leaders Limited
Columbia House
Columbia Drive
Worthing
BN13 3HD
Tel: 01903 837733
Email: lisamartin@leaders.co.uk
http://www.leaders.co.uk
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