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1083 articles
Damp back in spotlight due to Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act
Blog

Damp back in spotlight due to Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act

The new Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act, which came into force on 20th March 2019, has seen the issue of mould and damp put firmly back on the radar. However, pioneering research could potentially provide a breakthrough in the management of these problems. This new law aims to ensure that rented flats and houses […]

S Sián Hemming-Metcalfe September 26, 2019 4 min
Seven Ways to Price Your Inventory Reports
Academy

Seven Ways to Price Your Inventory Reports

I came across a very useful article in Donut where they discuss how to price your product which for inventory providers is easier said than done. Why? Because we are battling two fronts: the amount the client is willing to pay versus the actual costs of providing the service. Clients inherently want everything for nothing yet they […]

S Sián Hemming-Metcalfe September 23, 2019 5 min
How social landlords will respond to the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act
Blog

How social landlords will respond to the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act

New legislation, which has enshrined the rights of tenants to improved standards of housing, has come with a stark warning to social landlords, who will now have to make improvements in order to keep up. No renter wants to live with a faulty boiler, broken oven or leaky tap in their home for long. However, […]

S Sián Hemming-Metcalfe September 23, 2019 4 min
The hot weather problems that landlords may not know about
Blog

The hot weather problems that landlords may not know about

With heatwaves a frequent occurrence across the UK in 2019, Britain has now experienced the longest heatwave in 42 years. Now that blazing hot summers look likely to continue, along with the thunderstorms that inevitably follow, we analyse some of the potential issues that landlords face due to the hot weather, and how to tackle […]

S Sián Hemming-Metcalfe September 20, 2019 4 min
Tips for letting agents ahead of ban on tenant fees
Blog

Tips for letting agents ahead of ban on tenant fees

As part of the new legislation which came into force on 1st June 2019, we have compiled a list of tips for letting agents to navigate the Tenant Fees Act 2019. It is important to note that for existing tenancies which were in place prior to the enforcement of the ban, that these do not […]

S Sián Hemming-Metcalfe September 17, 2019 4 min
Trading Standards Issues Stark Warning To Stop Tenants Being Ripped Off
Academy

Trading Standards Issues Stark Warning To Stop Tenants Being Ripped Off

As this article in Property Wire shows https://www.propertywire.com/news/uk/trading-stand… more and more agents / landlords are being fined for ‘rogue practices’ which is a very positive step as it helps those that want and do provide a great service to improve and grow. But as inventory suppliers we are also at risk from such individuals so what can […]

S Sián Hemming-Metcalfe September 16, 2019 2 min
What does an inventory clerk do and should I hire one?
Blog

What does an inventory clerk do and should I hire one?

What does an Inventory Clerk do and should I hire one? Letting property can be a tricky and often difficult business, for both tenants and landlords alike. A ripped carpet, broken window or marked wall can cost a tenant a hefty deduction from their deposit and landlords often feel that that the cost of the […]

I Inventory Base September 13, 2019 5 min
Rising number of safety problems being flagged by inventory clerks
Blog

Rising number of safety problems being flagged by inventory clerks

An increasing quantity of safety issues are being flagged up in inventory reports completed by inventory clerks, according to the most recent analysis from the AIIC. Inventory reports are now showing compliance and safety issues inside tenanted properties more than ever before, the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks has reported. Independent clerks are now effectively […]

S Sián Hemming-Metcalfe September 9, 2019 4 min
A landlord’s guide to avoiding tenant disputes by using inventories
Blog

A landlord’s guide to avoiding tenant disputes by using inventories

An inventory is one of the most crucial documents you will ever have as a buy to let landlord. An inventory prevents deposit issues with tenants and protects your property. It is often stated that the outcome of a tenancy dispute occurs at the start of a tenancy rather than the end, as you have […]

S Sián Hemming-Metcalfe September 6, 2019 4 min
Can Inventory Providers Effect Change In The Industry?
Academy

Can Inventory Providers Effect Change In The Industry?

We are working in an industry that is going through massive legislative change and, in the main, it’s seen as a positive step certainly in order to safeguard tenants and for many, is long overdue but there is a real risk that as inventory providers we will be left to ‘fend for ourselves’ as letting […]

S Sián Hemming-Metcalfe September 3, 2019 2 min
DPS Case Study Reveals Why Impartiality Is Key To A Successful Dispute
Academy

DPS Case Study Reveals Why Impartiality Is Key To A Successful Dispute

With over 60,000 disputes adjudicated on by the Dispute Resolution Service they know a thing or two about evidence and the need to provide detailed information during a dispute. This case study; originally highlighted in Estate Agent Today showcases how conflicting evidence from the landlord and tenant can hinder the dispute process. The situation A […]

S Sián Hemming-Metcalfe September 3, 2019 4 min
Why property inventory reports are crucial
Blog

Why property inventory reports are crucial

Now no longer just a tool for preventing disputes with tenants focusing on condition or cleanliness, property inventories have become crucial. With home ownership moving increasingly out of the reach of many tenants in the UK, wiser and more assertive tenants who understands their rights as renters are now commonplace within the rental market. To […]

S Sián Hemming-Metcalfe September 3, 2019 4 min
Are inventories required for unfurnished rental properties?
Blog

Are inventories required for unfurnished rental properties?

There’s often confusion within the private rented sector as to whether properties which are rented in an unfurnished condition require an inventory to be completed, with some believing that this is merely an unnecessary expense. It is clear from analysing a range of forums, with posts from both tenants and landlords, that there is a […]

S Sián Hemming-Metcalfe August 30, 2019 4 min
Staff training is the key to success in proptech
Blog

Staff training is the key to success in proptech

When recruiting new staff for your business, training them must be one of the top priorities. After the initial training period, ongoing development and training ensures that their skill set and output will improve, which ultimately benefits your business. This same rule applies to training staff in how to use a new proptech service or […]

S Sián Hemming-Metcalfe August 19, 2019 4 min
What Do You Need to Succeed?
Academy

What Do You Need to Succeed?

As a training provider we naturally draw from our experiences and understanding of the industry so that we can provide the best training for inventory clerks. However; quite often as providers we can loose sight of and forget that it is you that should determine the type of information delivered as all training should be […]

S Sián Hemming-Metcalfe August 7, 2019 3 min
The growing risk of data and cyber crime in the lettings sector
Blog

The growing risk of data and cyber crime in the lettings sector

Technology and the digital world provides many advantages to letting and estate agents, but this comes with serious additional risk, and it is essential to ensure that your business is prepared. A data breach could occur in all sorts of different instances, and therefore it is essential to understand what the specific areas of exposure […]

S Sián Hemming-Metcalfe August 3, 2019 4 min
Digital vs. paper: what is best for property inspection?
Blog

Digital vs. paper: what is best for property inspection?

Technology has disrupted our world completely, as we download books on mobile devices, teach our children maths on tablets and check our bank statements on our smartphones. But despite technology evolving in the world around us, property managers continue to argue that the property industry will remain safe from any disruption caused by technology. Surprisingly, […]

S Sián Hemming-Metcalfe August 2, 2019 4 min
How technology is changing roles within the property sector
Blog

How technology is changing roles within the property sector

Technology is changing how agents sell and let properties. This might be through embracing social media in order to engage younger generations in letting property, or automating processes to give agents an opportunity to improve their service to clients. There is innovative technology already in use which is helping letting agents move to more cost-effective […]

S Sián Hemming-Metcalfe July 25, 2019 4 min
Proposed Regulatory Framework Announced For Estate And Letting Agents
Academy

Proposed Regulatory Framework Announced For Estate And Letting Agents

The lettings industry seems to be in a constant state of change with increased legislation and regulation quickly on its heels with the Government releasing a report on the recommendations of the Regulation of Property Agents Working Group (RoPA) proposing a new regulatory framework to cover estate agents across the UK and letting and managing agents in […]

S Sián Hemming-Metcalfe July 23, 2019 2 min
The Proptech solutions which are changing property interaction
Blog

The Proptech solutions which are changing property interaction

A message which is often repeated in the property industry is that if you fail to embrace new technology, you risk being left behind. In the modern world, this statement is more true now than ever before, with the digital revolution dominating every industry. The lettings sector is no exception. Currently, searching for holiday rentals, […]

S Sián Hemming-Metcalfe July 17, 2019 4 min
Government Announces Overhaul Of HHSRS
Academy

Government Announces Overhaul Of HHSRS

ARLA has published their article on HHSRS after the UK Government announced that an overhaul of the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) in England will begin later in the year. Currently the HHSRS assesses private rented residential property against 29 identifiable hazards. A consultation took place in February of this year to consider options to […]

S Sián Hemming-Metcalfe July 13, 2019 3 min
Why property inventory reports are crucial
Blog

Why property inventory reports are crucial

Property inventories are now no longer just a tool to prevent disputes around cleanliness and condition. With house ownership moving further and further out of reach for renters across the UK, tenants are becoming more assertive and more knowledgeable about their rights. In addition to this, taxation and legislation for rental properties has become increasingly […]

S Sián Hemming-Metcalfe July 12, 2019 3 min
SCAM ALERT: Protecting Property Privacy
Academy

SCAM ALERT: Protecting Property Privacy

An article in Property Eye has showcased a very worrying new scam where a gang of 3 people has conned unsuspecting tenants out of their deposit and 2 months rent upfront with no realistic chance of getting their money back and no home to move in by purporting to be the representative of the ‘landlord’. As we […]

S Sián Hemming-Metcalfe July 11, 2019 2 min
How inventories could be crucial in rental reform
Blog

How inventories could be crucial in rental reform

According to some of the largest providers of inventory services in the UK, independent inventory reporting is to become the perfect companion to the proposed housing reforms from the Government. It has now been predicted that a single-route, clear complaints system, which was proposed within the Housing Complaints Resolution Service from the Government, could be […]

S Sián Hemming-Metcalfe July 9, 2019 3 min
Compliance & legislation

Compliance and legislation updates

Follow practical updates and explainers on legislation, housing standards and compliance-related inspection workflows.

Renters' Rights Act Damp and mould Awaab's Law HHSRS Building Safety Act Legionella Fire safety Deposit evidence Fair wear and tear
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