This month we thought we would cover the latest update from the government with their proposal for the lettings Market - immigration status.
The government is proposing that all tenants moving in to a property will have their 'resident' status checked to ensure that they have entered the country legally. This on the face of it seems straight forward, however this is not likely to be as there is not one standard document for foreign tenants. Each country provides a different format meaning that it is likely to be difficult for individual landlords to administer.
In light of the news that landlords could face huge fines if they do not correctly check the immigration status of potential tenants, Ms Gaston of FCC paragon (which provides numerous services to the lettings industry) commented:
“This is just another regulatory burden for landlords and will not do anything to tackle immigration problems as professional landlords will already be taking such measures via thorough tenant referencing. Landlords have not been provided with a solution, they don’t know where to go to verify documents or how long it will take and most wouldn’t know if they were looking at a fraudulent document or not. This is a risky and careless step for the Government to have taken.”
We are still a year away and we have seen many new proposals introduced in the last few years from Energy Certificates to the Tenant deposit scheme. Undoubtedly there will be many changes and the detail will become clearer in the coming months. We will keep you up to date.
In the mean time.......We already 'cover the bases' to ensure that all our Landlords are fully protected. As part of our tenant referencing steps we currently ask all applicants to provide photo and address ID, as well as three years of address history. We decline all applications that cannot provide this detail.
No matter if you manage your property yourself or let us do it too save you just this type of hassle we will make sure you are supported and kept in the loop as new details emerge.
Letting V Selling? The Dilemma......
The current rental market is seeing some of its best years ever, it is enticing more landlords to enter the market and for those of you already reaping rewards to invest in additional properties to 'bulk-out' your portfolio.
Demand for rental properties is still well outstripping supply, that compounded by the fact the most tenants say they can not afford to buy means renting looks set to be the best investment you can have for now and the years to come.
With house prices starting to slowly go up some capital gain on investments may also come back (about time I hear you cry).
So renting is still the most sound investment money can buy!
If you are in a position where selling is the only option then we can sort that for you! Our sales team is as good at selling properties as it is renting them.
So if you do find yourself needing to sell give Phil Kendal (Gatekeeper Director) a call on 07872 047 851 and he'll give you all the best advise.
Kind Regards,
Rebecca Deane & Ellen Batten Property Managers - Gatekeeper Property
Customer Service May 2013
Another great month for our landlords surveys, we strive at giving the best customer service and are disappointed when we get anything less than a fantastic, Gatekeeper are always looking of ways to improve service so keep your feedback coming in, the business will only move forward with help from you and your great ideas!
Colleagues Comments - Ellen Batten, Property Manager
Here at gatekeeper our service is thriving and our team is continuing to grow. I continue to look forward to working with such a dedicated and talented team.
We have seen many new and exciting changes and new ventures as the business rapidly expands.
The most exciting thing of all, has been the refurbishment! Our head office in Witney is getting a makeover!
The team have definitely come together and shown a certain drive and enthusiasm at making their working environment enjoyable, not only for customers but for themselves, with the team volunteering to work late painting and even working the weekend! shows what a dedicated team of people we are.
We all cannot wait for the transformation to be complete, I feel that this will give a great impression to new tenants, help welcome contractors with our new meeting rooms and further enhance the service we offer you, our landlords.
