Recent market analysis suggests that tenant arrears are set to rise as we move through 2012. This may not be a huge surprise to any of us given that just about every article you read or hear talks about rising debt. However, across the nation the last 1/4 of 2011 saw an 18% rise in debt and a larger rise in the number of evictions when compared to the same 1/4 in 2010. Not a great statistic for Landlords to hear I know. Buy to Let mortgage arrears do not seem to have felt the knock on effect yet as that blip is set to come. Arrears is a bigger issue now more than ever, as with capital gains not coming through the rental return is paramount for Landlords investment growth. All that said, lets start the new year with a positive 'pick me up'. The Gatekeeper bad debt was lower in the last 1/4 of 2011 than in the last 1/4 2010. In fact the total debt on file was lower than at any point of the year. Even better news, is that January has moved forward in that image. Although a few isolated cases are a burden, generally the work the Sales Team do in placing the best quality Tenants, and the work the Property Care Team do in chasing any issues that arise mean your investment could not be in safer hands! Also the market leading rent guarantee and legal protection policies we offer provide additional peace of mind to all Landlords that opt for the service. So from our part it is; New Year........ No Worries.
More News & Views
Christmas Quiz Prize Winner; A big thank you to all of the people who sent entries to the xmas quiz we put out with last months update. Congratulations go to Mrs Sawyer one of our Banbury landlords who won the draw and receives a £50 prize from us, well done Mrs S.
New Training Pack; Our constant drive to improve the service we offer our landlords has lead to us launching a new training package for our teams. The new package (as mentioned in Vanessa's Comments) has transformed the way we induct and train colleagues. The combination of on-line tests, team workshops, and dedicated one-2-one buddying has meant that our newest colleagues have got up to speed in record time. Our existing colleagues have also benefited as the new package makes it even easier to keep up to date with items such as legislative changes and process updates.
New Maintenance Screening Software; Another element we have developed to further protect our landlords investments is new software which helps initial screening and diagnosis of maintenance issues that tenants raise. This package has already helped provide information for tenants so they can fix/overcome minor problems themselves; great news for Landlords as it cuts down on contractor bills. It is also helping contractors fix more issues first time in one visit. This is helping keep repair bills to a minimum. Clearly another great element to help maximise the return you get from your property.
Kind Regards,
Mat Symons Sales Director - Gatekeeper Property
Customer Service December 2011
95% Customer satisfaction was achieved in the month of December! A fantastic result to end an amazing 2011. This is a great result for the team, and we will keep up the hard work to make 2012 even better!
Colleagues Comments - Vanessa Mclean (Property Care Director)
January has definitely come around quickly, within the company we have a few changes in personnel that we wanted to keep you up to speed with......... Firstly, we are proud to welcome our two newest members to the Property Care Team, Sam Upton and Michael Bennett (both Property Managers). We will also be saying goodbye to Clarice Taylor (for a period of time), she will be leaving us to go on maternity leave; we wish her all the best for the new baby! Our new recruits have been inducted and trained using our brand new training package, ensuring that the guys are up to speed on all things Gatekeeper in record time and so are able to continue to offer the great service you are use to receiving!
