THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT Callum Stevens on building a portfolio in his 20s - NRLA
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Cover, 1
Property
Technology The benefits of digital apps for landlords
PROPERTY
Going green The time for change is now
VERSION
S P R I N G 20 2 1
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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NRLA SPRING 2021
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ART
PRODUCTION
THE
CLIENT
FUTURE
IS BRIGHT
Callum Stevens on
building a portfolio
in his 20s
BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN 91NLRMAR21119.pgs 09.03.2021 09:26
Welcome, 1
SPRING 2021
Welcome
VERSION
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Record growth
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as Covid-19
recovery begins
I
t is now 12 months since the
ART
National Residential Landlords
Association (NRLA) came into
being following last year’s merger –
and who could have imagined what
a 12 months it would turn out to be?
When I took on the role of
PRODUCTION
chief executive, I knew it was going to be
a tough job, but I had no idea of the unique
challenges that Covid-19 would bring – not BEN’S TOP
least gathering together colleagues who still READS
actually haven’t met each other face to face.
I am pleased to say that we have
CLIENT
met these challenges head-on, while
growing membership by 10 per cent to
90,000 members.
The NRLA remained open throughout
the coronavirus crisis to support members
and lobby for the fair treatment of both It has been to regain possession of their properties DRIVE TO
SUCCEED
landlords and tenants. We welcome a hard 12 in legitimate circumstances – something Callum Stevens
clarification that emergency measures in the months for you can read more about on page 9. and his journey
rental market will be phased out in tandem We have had a great response to the from schoolboy
us all, but entrepreneur to
with the overall road map out of lockdown publication, with hundreds of you
restrictions. However, with our recent
as we enter downloading the document. We have
portfolio landlord
research showing 60 per cent of landlords spring, the now presented the paper to the All-Party
PAGE 18
have lost income as a result of the pandemic, green shoots Parliamentary Group for the private
we continue to campaign for financial of recovery rented sector, which will be making
COVER: WILL AMLOT. THIS PAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK, WILL AMLOT
support for the sector as the recovery begins. are starting recommendations to Government.
While Covid-19 continues to dominate to show It has been a hard 12 months for us all,
the headlines, the NRLA continues its but as we enter spring, the green shoots of
day-to-day work, supporting you and your recovery are starting to show. Vaccines are
businesses, and campaigning on the issues being rolled out at speed and, at the time
HOME SWEET
affecting them. of going to press, infection rates were HOME
At the start of the year, the NRLA continuing to fall. Our new feature
launched its response to the Government’s There may still be tough times ahead, series celebrates
your renovation
Renters’ Reform Bill proposals. but working together, I am confident we projects, with top
This comprehensive document lays can weather the storm. tips on how to
out what the NRLA wants to see in make the best
of your rentals
a post-Section 21 world, stressing the BEN BEADLE
PAGE 54
importance of landlords retaining the right Chief executive, NRLA
Spring 2021 / 03
BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN 91NLRMAR21120.pgs 10.03.2021 17:08
Contents, 1
VERSION
Contents
Property
National Residential
SPRING
Landlords Association
212 Washway Road,
Sale, Manchester M33 6RN
2021
REPRO OP
nrla.org.uk
Published by: LPTE Limited
Produced on behalf
of LPTE Limited by:
Think, Capital House,
25 Chapel Street,
London NW1 5DH
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Tel: 020 3771 7200
Editor: Sally Walmsley
Commissioning editor:
Alex Garrett
Design: Matthew Ball,
Alistair McGown, Amanda
Richardson, Juanita Adu
ART
Sub-editor: Rica Dearman
Advertising: Tom Fountain
(tom.fountain@
thinkpublishing.co.uk)
26
Client engagement director:
Anna Vassallo
Executive director:
PRODUCTION
Jackie Scully
How landlords are
making their properties
more energy efficient
PORTFOLIO TOOLBOX
6 IF YOU ONLY READ 40 47 IN FOCUS
CLIENT
Printed by: Walstead Bicester, ONE THING Covid-19 recovery road map
Chaucer Business Park, Launton
Road, Bicester OX26 4QZ. Property Your update from the 51 INSIDER
magazine is printed on UPM Finesse
Silk sourced from manufacturers last quarter Landlords and the
operating within internationally
recognised environmental
9 RENTERS’ REFORM BILL Spring Budget
standards, to ensure What should a post- 53 ADVICE LINE
sustainable sourcing.
Section 21 world look like? Your quickfire questions
12 THE VIEW FROM 54 REVAMPING
WESTMINSTER YOUR RENTAL
14 COVID-19 IMPACT FEATURES Property makeovers
All the articles in this publication
are for general information only The latest NRLA data 18 PROFILE 57 ONE YEAR ON
and are not intended to be advice
for any specific person. Any advice
16 VOX POP Portfolio landlord Callum The NRLA’s first anniversary
contained in this publication is given Do you give your tenants Stevens shares his journey 59 MORTGAGES
in good faith, but no responsibility
whatsoever is accepted by the free rein in the garden? 26 GOING GREEN Coronavirus crisis sees
National Residential Landlords
Association (NRLA), nor shall Why the time for change surge in new products
16
the association be held liable
for the consequences or reliance
is now 63 IN THE COMMUNITY
upon such advice. Readers are
recommended to seek professional
32 THINK DIGITAL Landlord Julie Ford going
advice before taking or refraining As the pandemic has seen the extra mile for charity
from taking any action on the basis
of the contents of any article in our reliance on technology 65 NRLA NEWS
this publication. The NRLA and
the publisher do not endorse or increase, find out about the Our manifesto ahead of
approve any advertisement and
have no liability for any loss caused
new products for landlords the Welsh elections
by any reliance on the content of 40 GETTING IT RIGHT 66 MEET THE LANDLORD
any such advertisement.
What is the best way to Ashley Wong on the
SHUTTERSTOCK, GETTY
structure your portfolio? rewards of being a landlord
Accreditation Code:
CONTACT US landlords@nrla.org.uk NRLA HELPLINE 0300 131 6400
NRLA765
Spring 2021 / 05
BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN 91NLRMAR21121.pgs 09.03.2021 16:14
IF YOU
VERSION
Government guidance 1
ONLY REACTIVATION NOTICES
Following a last-minute extension,
PET-FRIENDLY TENANCIES
The Government has changed its
READ ONE landlords can still use a reactivation model tenancy agreement to allow
REPRO OP
notice for possession proceedings ‘well-behaved pets’ in rental homes
put on hold due to the closure of by default. Landlords who use this
THING the courts in 2020. The deadline for
using a reactivation notice – which
is needed to ‘restart’ proceedings –
specific document cannot now issue
blanket bans on pets, however,
the move does not affect other
PROPERTY UPDATE FROM THE QUARTER has been extended from 29 January assured shorthold tenancies or
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2021 to 30 April 2021. tenancy agreements.
ART
PRODUCTION
CLIENT
City rents suffer as Covid-19
sees tenants look to suburbs
Asking rents in Rents saw the
3 the UK’s biggest most dramatic
city centres saw falls (annually)
falls of up to 12 per cent in these areas:
in the last quarter of 2020
as tenants moved out of EDINBURGH
EMPTY HOMES FIGURES cities to the suburbs. Down
2 10%
UP BY 20 PER CENT Number of city-centre
MANCHESTER
More than a quarter of a O figures are up 20 per rental properties
million homes in England cent on the previous available on Rightmove Down
are empty, despite record year – that’s a rise of more than doubled 5.3%
numbers of people 42,540 and larger than in some areas:
needing somewhere to live. the previous three years’ INNER LONDON
increases combined. LEEDS Down
NEW DATA SHOWS: +179% 12.4%
O 268,385 long-term The NRLA wants tax breaks
NOTTINGHAM
empty homes for landlords bringing
O increases in nine out properties back into use
+139%
of 10 council areas to help tackle the issue. INNER LONDON
+139%
06 / Spring 2021
BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN
If you only read one thing, 1
Landlord mental health crisis?
There are fears a mental health
5
crisis could be looming in the
sector after it was revealed that
40 per cent of landlords believe
the pandemic has had a ‘negative
or very negative’ impact on their
4 NRLA mental health. Property will be
NEWS running a feature on the issue in
LISTEN UP LANDLORDS! our summer edition and would
Listen Up Landlords is the
1 new podcast launched by
the National Residential
Landlords Association
like to hear your stories.
z To get involved, email
(NRLA) to bring you the very
best information, insight landlords@nrla.org.uk
and analysis when it comes
to renting homes.
The monthly podcast will Proportion of private
cover a range
of topics rented sector homes down
affecting
landlords, the
private rented
sector and the
wider housing
market, from ELECTRICAL
the impact of new legislation CHECKS DEADLINE
to advice on how to make the
most of your properties. LOOMS
Hosted by NRLA chief The proportion of homes in the private The Electrical Safety
executive Ben Beadle and 6 rented sector has fallen for the third year, 7 Standards in the
veteran broadcaster and according to the latest English Housing Private Rented
NRLA regional representative Survey 2019/20. It is down from 19.3 per cent to Sector (England) Regulations
Richard Blanco, Listen Up just under 18.7 per cent, although still remains 2020 came into force for new
Landlords is available on all well above the 10 per cent recorded in 2000. tenancies last year and will
popular podcast channels, Only in London and Yorkshire and the Humber be extended to cover existing
including Apple, Spotify, has the proportion increased since 2018/19. tenancies as of 1 April.
Google and more, as well The fall has been most marked in the South
as the NRLA website. East, down from 18.8 per cent to 16 per cent. UNDER THE RULES,
LANDLORDS MUST:
NEW NRLA COURSES 19.3% 18.8% O have the electrical
Two new courses are installations in their rentals
2
18.7%
16%
now on offer at the NRLA inspected and tested
Training Academy. The every five years
Property Auction and Property O employ a qualified and
Refurbishment courses both competent person to
ENGLAND SOUTH EAST
give practical advice on buying do the work
SHUTTERSTOCK
THE PROPORTION OF THE PROPORTION OF
properties and getting them HOMES IN THE PRIVATE HOMES IN THE PRIVATE O provide a report to their
RENTED SECTOR RENTED SECTOR
ready for tenants. Find out more tenant and – if they ask for
on the NRLA training pages. a copy – the local authority.
Spring 2021 / 07
91NLRMAR21122.pgs 09.03.2021 17:10
News: Renters' Reform Bill, 1
PAGE 12 PAGE 14 PAGE 16
The latest view The economic impact of Are you happy for tenants
Portfolio
from Westminster the Covid-19 pandemic to maintain the garden?
VERSION
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NEWS & ANALYSIS FOR THE PRIVATE RENTED SECTOR
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ART
PRODUCTION
The
G
has over
scr deci nmen
CLIENT
ap d t
Se ed to
cti
on
21
What landlords need from
the Renters’ Reform Bill
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) outlines its proposals for a post-Section 21 future
T
he Government’s possession of their property the NRLA has now submitted Speech in December 2019,
decision has been through the courts where there a comprehensive document with the Government saying
made. Section 21 – is a legitimate need for them to ministers outlining exactly it would:
commonly referred to do so’, it has not been how new legislation could O abolish Section 21
to in the media as explicit in terms of what operate to be fair to landlords repossession and reform
the ‘no-fault eviction’ – is to go. this will look like. and tenants alike. the grounds for possession
While the Government, With plans to repeal O improve the court process for
SHUTTERSTOCK
announcing its Renters’ Reform Section 21 acknowledged by the WHAT IS RENTERS’ REFORM? landlords to make it quicker
Bill plans, said it will give housing minister as “the largest The Renters’ Reform Bill was and easier for them to
‘landlords more rights to gain change to renting in 30 years”, announced in the Queen’s get their property back
Spring 2021 / 09
BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN 91NLRMAR21123.pgs 09.03.2021 15:39
News: Renters' Reform Bill, 2
PORTFOLIO
VERSION
O introduce a new lifetime
deposit so that tenants WHAT IS CONCILIATION?
don’t need to save for a new
deposit every time they A conciliation service Both the landlord and tenant fails to keep their
move house would work with landlords the tenants would also be side of the bargain, the
REPRO OP
O bring in measures to widen and tenants to resolve able to access the advice case would be fast-tracked
access to, and expand the disagreements in a similar and support they needed through the courts.
scope of, the database way to the employment to make their case through If the landlord doesn’t keep
of rogue landlords and dispute body Acas. the service. theirs, they would be banned
property agents While more serious cases, Unlike mediation, once from being able to repossess
O give greater powers to drive such as those related to an agreement is reached, the property on the same
SUBS
improvements in standards, criminal activity by a tenant, it is legally binding. If the grounds for six months.
and empower tenants to would need to go straight
choose who they rent from. to court, most could be
considered by the publicly
There is currently no funded service, removing the
timetable for implementation, stress and costs associated
with Housing Minister with a court case.
ART
Christopher Pincher saying In terms of outcomes,
last month the bill will be the service would either
brought forward “at the help both parties reach an
appropriate time”. agreement on the best way
to keep the tenancy going
WHAT THE NRLA – or would support them
PRODUCTION
WANTS TO SEE to bring the tenancy to an
Key to the NRLA calls is end in a way that works for
that landlords must retain both parties.
the right to repossess their
rental property where there
is legitimate reason to do so. “The aim is to
CLIENT
The reforms are based
around the concept that most
sustain tenancies
landlords want to support good wherever possible
tenants and keep them in their able to regain possession of decision on Renters’ Reform.
rental homes. or bring them their properties. There is no ‘if’ this will happen;
The NRLA’s proposals outline to an end in a These include: it is now a case of ‘when’, so it is
clear and comprehensive O cases of tenant rent arrears vital landlords’ voices are heard
grounds upon which collaborative way” O antisocial behaviour in the decision-making process.
landlords should be BEN BEADLE, NRLA CEO O situations where landlords “The bill needs to enjoy the
want to sell a property or full confidence of both landlords
move into it themselves. and tenants.
RENTERS’ REFORM BILL PODCAST “Our proposals are for
SHUTTERSTOCK; ALL INFORMATION CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT
It also wants the Government a fundamental reform of
The Renters’ landlord and to establish a new landlord repossession rights, which
Reform Bill campaigner and tenant conciliation service strike the balance between the
proposals James Fraser (see panel above), which would needs of both. The overriding
were a topic of and landlord help more landlords and aim is to sustain tenancies
discussion during and agent Susan tenants come to legally binding wherever possible or bring them
the first episode Aktemel about arrangements without having to an end in a collaborative way.
of the NRLA’s the implications to go through the courts. “We hope that ministers will
brand-new NRLA CEO Ben of the bill and The proposals were developed accept our proposals and act on
podcast, Listen Beadle and NRLA response. following engagement with them soon.”
Up Landlords. Richard Blanco Tune in at nrla. both NRLA members and the
Presenters spoke to guests org.uk/podcast wider housing sector. MORE INFORMATION
Ben Beadle, NRLA To read the NRLA proposals
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PROPOSALS? chief executive, said: “The in full, visit nrla.org.uk/
Government has made its rentersreform
10 / Spring 2021
BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN 91NLRMAR21124.pgs 09.03.2021 09:25View from Westminster, 1
PORTFOLIO
VERSION
Something to
shout about
A look at key achievements,
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campaigns and launches
over the last quarter
MEMBERSHIP AT 90,000
National Residential Landlords
Association (NRLA) numbers
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have reached 90,000 a year
after the merged organisation
came into being, marking
10 per cent growth.
PRIVATE RENTED SECTOR
(PRS) OUTPERFORMS
Resilience of NRLA members
ART
SOCIAL SECTOR
I
English Housing Survey figures
showed six per cent of private can hardly believe that achieve successes around the
renters were given rent it’s been a full year since payment of Universal Credit
reductions compared to just I said the spring 2020 and some valuable exemptions
two per cent in the social sector ‘view from Westminster’ to the shared room rate.
PRODUCTION
since the start of the pandemic. was being written far We also continue to work
from SW1, as we all came to closely with Government as
CEO GIVES EVIDENCE terms with the then unfamiliar WESTMINSTER ANALYSIS we transition away from the
By Chris Norris
NRLA chief executive concept of lockdown. increased notice periods and
Ben Beadle called for a I certainly did not think that Overall, 2021 possession restrictions
comprehensive package of more than 12 months would imposed last year.
has thrown
CLIENT
financial support for the PRS pass before my colleagues After we presented our
while giving evidence to the and I would see Westminster up significant proposals to ministers, it
Housing, Communities and
Local Government Select
and Whitehall in person, or
that the National Residential
challenges was confirmed restrictions
on enforcement are expected
Committee on the impact Landlords Association’s for a reformed and (hopefully) to end on 31 May, along with
of Covid-19. (NRLA) entire freshman year reinvigorated PRS. the Government’s increased
would play out in the shadow Building on the reduction in notice period, with notice
RENTERS’ REFORM LAUNCH of the pandemic crisis. notice periods and exceptions periods tapering as of 1 June.
The new year saw the launch What was never in any to the repossession bans The changes will take place in
of a comprehensive paper doubt was the way in which secured last year, our immediate line with the broader road
outlining how the NRLA the NRLA and its members priority is supporting landlords map out of lockdown.
believes the Government’s new would react and adapt to new as the remaining restrictions Overall, 2021 has thrown
Renters’ Reform Bill should ways of working to support are lifted, and in finding ways up significant challenges and
operate to protect landlords one another and ensure that to sustain those tenancies hit we are continuing to support
and tenants. the private rented sector hard by lockdown. landlords struggling with the
(PRS) continues to operate With the help of hundreds impact of Covid-19. But it also
WELFARE RESEARCH as effectively as current of NRLA members who presents opportunities to shape
Our latest survey focusing circumstances allow. wrote to their respective our future in ways that have
on housing benefits and Last year was dominated MPs, we campaigned to limit not existed for generations.
Universal Credit is out now. by efforts to get the courts the damage many feared
operating and the housing ahead of the Chancellor’s Find out more at nrla.org.
market moving again. Budget statement. uk/campaigns/coronavirus
This year has to look to Although we did not obtain
the future – how we return all of the commitments we Chris Norris is director
SHUTTERSTOCK
to some form of normality and called for to support incomes of policy and campaigns
put in place the foundation and sustain tenancies, we did at the NRLA.
12 / Spring 2021
BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN 91NLRMAR21125.pgs 10.03.2021 17:09Infographics, 1
PORTFOLIO
VERSION
Covid-19 crisis – the economic impact
Landlords across England and Wales are counting the cost of the Covid-19 pandemic, with both rental
REPRO OP
and non-rental income taking a hit. More than half of landlords have lost rental income, according to
new data from the National Residential Landlords Association’s survey for Q4 2020, which also shows
a third of landlords are considering offloading properties or leaving the market altogether as a result.
SUBS
PROPORTION OF LANDLORDS WHO HAVE OF ALL THOSE WHO HAVE
PRIVATE LANDLORDS LOST RENTAL INCOME LOST RENTAL INCOME
WHO HAVE LOST
RENTAL INCOME
AS A RESULT OF
THE PANDEMIC
ART
25% 36% 39%
HAVE LOST HAVE LOST SAY THE
60
MORE THAN £1,000– LOSSES
PRODUCTION
£5,000 £5,000 CONTINUE
Landlords who have TO RISE
lost less than 10% of
their rental income
%
Landlords
47% 30% 23% who have
CLIENT
Landlords who have lost more
lost 10–20% of their than 20% of
rental income their rental
income
NON-RENTAL INCOME
HAS THE PANDEMIC CHANGED YOUR INVESTMENT PLANS?
26% 5%
While some landlords say they won’t make any changes – and a small number
continue to invest – the data found a third plan to reduce their portfolio or sell up:
50% 5% 21%
of respondents have lost have lost more than
non-rental income due half their income
to the pandemic
OF THOSE
No More likely Likely to sell
to invest some properties
31% 24%
13% 11% have lost up
to £5,000
have lost more
than £5,000*
SHUTTERSTOCK
Plan to leave the Are uncertain
market entirely (*THE REMAINDER PREFERRED NOT TO SAY)
14 / Spring 2021
BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN 91NLRMAR21126.pgs 08.03.2021 19:43VERSION
Do your tenants
have free rein
REPRO OP
in the garden?
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A beautiful garden can make a house feel like a home. Do you allow your tenants
to be creative in the garden, or do they need permission to make changes?
A
home with a
garden can be a big HERE’S WHAT YOU HAD TO SAY…
ART
draw for tenants
– even more so Rosemary Hill ‘their’ garden, especially
over the past is a landlord from flowers for insects, but
12 months with the severe Bristol with two being cautious about using
restrictions on movement and properties. appropriate anti-squirrel
socialising making outside space When tenants bird feeders to avoid
at home even more desirable. vacate my garden flat, attracting rats.”
PRODUCTION
Lockdown saw many I arrange for the gardener to
households begin projects to give it a good clean, trim and Sundra West is a landlord
enhance their gardens, with tidy, depending on the time from Hove with two
wooden pallets across the land of year. The incoming tenant properties in Brighton
transformed into coffee tables, is requested in the tenancy and said that, as a
planters and even outdoor bars. agreement to maintain student landlord, she THE BIG
CLIENT
But as Tenancy Deposit the garden and leave it finds it easiest to do QUESTION
Scheme figures show a whopping as it was at the beginning the garden herself or
23 per cent of deposit disputes of the tenancy according get a professional in.
concern issues with the garden, to the season. We provide I have been a landlord strims the grass. I am
it is worth giving some thought a lawn mower. Tenants can for students for 24 years seriously thinking of putting
to how you approach the issue. order a green bin for and after many years battling up the rent when tenants
Do you expect tenants to take fortnightly collection. to get tenants to do the move out to cover costs of
responsibility for maintenance, “I have never charged garden, I gave up and now paying a gardener – then
do you pay for a gardener or do outgoing tenants for leaving do it myself – it’s so much gardening will be included
you give tenants the freedom to the garden in a neglected easier and less stressful for in the rent.”
do what they like with the space? state even if they have. all. If I am unable to do this,
Would your tenants need to But now, on the basis that I will get my gardener to do it.” Mark Payne is
ask for permission to make any prevention is better than a landlord from
major changes – and if so, what cure, I have asked the Sheena Griffin is a landlord Derbyshire with
would that include? managing agents to include with eight properties. six properties.
Opinions – and experiences in their regular inspections My properties all have You’ve got to be very
– vary. In all, 60 per cent of those a sentence (and if necessary outside space. If there careful, as the landlord
who got in touch via email and a recommendation) on the is grass, then I have provided is liable for any damages
our social media channels said upkeep of the garden. a lawn mower and I expect that may occur as a result
their tenants maintain the “I think, now with tenants to cut the grass – of a tenant’s behaviour.
garden but would need to considerations on species but often I have to text them “A tenant of mine went
ask for permission for major loss of birds and invertebrates, to remind them to do so. through a water pipe while
changes; 26 per cent said they I am considering a small, “Only one tenant does any erecting a fence without
either pay for a gardener or do laminated broadsheet, weeding. My husband usually permission, however, it was
it themselves; and 14 per cent encouraging the occupants visits about twice a year and my responsibility to sort it
give tenants free rein to do to be passionate about weeds the beds and often out and pay for repairs.
whatever they want.
16 / Spring 2021
BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYANVox pop, 1
PORTFOLIO
Send us your views by
emailing landlords@
nrla.org.uk, respond via
our social media channels
@nrla and the NRLA
Facebook page
“I am a landscape “So, to alleviate any future Carol Ajegbo I go over sometimes to do
gardener and always try problems, while providing the is a landlord from some planting.
to make the gardens at my family with a good outside Twickenham “I also paid a tenant
properties as low maintenance space, I gave the new tenants with five houses struggling on furlough to
as possible. the option of either doing the in multiple occupation tackle one of the gardens.
“I would always make garden themselves or paying in Tooting, Wimbledon “I make it clear that I expect
sure your tenancy agreement a little extra each month to and Hounslow. She them to keep the garden
is very clear as to where have the garden looked after approaches each maintained – so when I do
responsibilities lie as regards for them. property dependent go over to help, they are
gardens and what is and “As they didn’t have the on the circumstances. appreciative. I don’t think
isn’t permitted.” tools to cut the hedge or the In one house I have they would want the rents
grass and the time as they are a keen gardener to go up to include a
Wendy Oldfield is a a working couple with a family, who looks after the garden gardening fee.”
long-term landlord. they opted to pay the extra to brilliantly, so I offer plants
For years I let my have the garden looked after. and much appreciation. THE NEXT BIG QUESTION:
tenant manage his What I charge just covers the “In another there are no Ahead of the next issue
own garden, but over time cost of the work, but saves me gardeners at all, so I have of Property, we ask: Do
it got very neglected, so time overall while keeping the done work there and paid you let furnished or
when he gave notice it took property looking respectable. people to work on it. unfurnished homes?
a lot of work to get it back However, if they want to add “In the other three Have your say by visiting
SHUTTERSTOCK
to a condition that was flowers, etc, they ask, and properties the tenants have our social media channels
acceptable for the next I have no problem with them a go and will generally keep or emailing landlords@nrla.
tenant and their family. making it their own space.” the gardens looking tidy, and org.uk
Spring 2021 / 17
91NLRMAR21127.pgs 09.03.2021 09:26VERSION
Hooked on
REPRO OP
landlord life
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From selling sunglasses in the school playground to portfolio
ART
landlord by 27, Callum Stevens has harnessed his relentless
work ethic to build a property business from scratch
WORDS BY SALLY WALMSLEY / PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILL AMLOT
PRODUCTION
CLIENT
Callum uses online platform
OpenRent to manage his
portfolio, but is open to
different management
software packages
18 / Spring 2021
BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYANProfile: Callum Stevens, 1
PROFILE
Spring 2021 / 19
91NLRMAR21128.pgs 09.03.2021 11:54Profile: Callum Stevens, 2
PROFILE
VERSION
REPRO OP
Some of the
SUBS
properties
that Callum
purchases
C
need significant
improvement
allum Stevens’
works before
entrepreneurial spirit dates they can be let
back to his schooldays.
ART
While others spent breaks
kicking a ball around or
catching up on schoolyard
gossip, Callum had already dreamed up a
more profitable use of his time: selling hats
and sunglasses to fellow pupils in his home
PRODUCTION
town of Southend-on-Sea.
By the time he began his degree in
BEFORE AFTER
computing at Bournemouth University,
he had started selling CDs and DVDs online
via Amazon to help fund his studies. “The advice I was given a mentor and at events such as open days
However, it was during a talk at the showing new students around.
was to save hard, then as
CLIENT
university’s business society at the age “I worked for a company doing age-
of 19 that he had his real Eureka moment soon as I had a big enough verification checks, visiting pubs and
and when his passion for property began. off-licences to make sure they were asking
Callum says: “I was living in a student pot, ‘just go for it’” for identification. And at the same time I was
house in multiple occupation [HMO] in also investing in shares and getting involved
Bournemouth and was helping to run the The answer, it seems, is simple: hard work. in peer-to-peer lending.
university’s business society. We invited In order to fulfil his property dream, Callum “In the holidays, I would get up at 5am
an HMO landlord in to give a talk, and after continued to trade online alongside his for a shift cleaning Southend beaches, then
listening to what he had to say, I was hooked. studies and took on extra jobs to keep the I would be back home for 9.30am before
“I read everything I could get my hands money coming in – at the same time cutting starting my shift at Sports Direct at 10am.”
on about property investment, joined both back on his outgoings.
the Residential Landlords Association He says: “I have definitely made sacrifices BUYING THE FIRST PROPERTY
and National Landlords Association (now to get where I am today. I was always It was after four years of dogged
merged to become the National Residential known as the most frugal among my friends. determination and saving that Callum
Landlords Association – NRLA) and started I was just obsessed with saving, so I made bought his first home, a three-bedroom
going to landlord investment shows to soak sacrifices – not getting the latest phone and house in Southend-on-Sea in 2017, at the
up as much information as possible. a nice car – and missing out on things like age of just 23. As it needed a significant
“The advice I was given was to save hard, expensive holidays and nights out. amount of work, he was able to buy it in
then as soon as I had a big enough pot, ‘just “I had three or four jobs going on top of cash for £189,000.
go for it’ – so that’s what I did.” my studies. I worked for the university as “I needed to buy my own property first to
Today, eight years after that fateful open the door with lenders,” he explains.
meeting, Callum has a portfolio of 11 “They don’t like lending to under-25s
rental properties and has left his job unless you are a homeowner.”
as a management consultant to become Callum made the decision to invest in
a full-time landlord. his home town where he was confident
So, just how do you go from penniless he knew the area, the demand and
student to multiple property owner? the property values.
Callum with
his parents on
graduation day Spring 2021 / 21
BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN 91NLRMAR21129.pgs 08.03.2021 19:22Profile: Callum Stevens, 3
PROFILE
VERSION
REPRO OP
SUBS
He says: “Before I started investing, I took
a look at net yields, as well as what was easy
to let. I could see that family homes were in
demand and knew from my research that
ART
tenants also typically stay in these houses for
longer, so decided that was where to invest.
Also, unlike flats, there is no ground rent or Callum
service charges to consider, giving you more purchased his
control. I currently have 11 properties in my second property
at auction – a
portfolio and of those, there is just one flat.”
PRODUCTION
two-bedroom
On completion of the works, which saw property at auction. In fact, it house in was just me and one other person
him install a new central heating system, was just a week after the money Southend-on-Sea bidding on it. They finished quite
new double glazing, put in an open-plan from the remortgage landed in quickly, so I got it for pretty much
kitchen and reconfigure the bathroom, he my account.” the guide price.”
remortgaged the property and pulled out Typically, Callum did his research When he first started investing, Callum
the value of his initial investment to spend beforehand. He says: “I had gone to a couple was running his business alongside his day
CLIENT
on the next house. True to form, he also of auctions before, just to watch. The first job as a management consultant, something
took in a lodger whose rent covered the one I actively took part in had 12 lots and that could be challenging.
mortgage payments. I was bidding on six of them. He says: “When I finished university,
“I hadn’t got too emotionally attached to I went into management consultancy.
BUILDING UP THE BUSINESS any one property and I was also lucky in that I was travelling up and down the country for
“Things moved very quickly,” says Callum. it was snowing, so not many people were out work, which did make it tough, particularly
“It took six months to do up and get the and about doing viewings. with viewings. A lot of the bargains would
finance from the first house, and as soon as “The two-bedroom house I ended up only have viewing dates in the week.
that was done, I bought my first investment buying was one of the last lots and there Thankfully, my mum stepped in to do
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO BUDDING YOUNG PROPERTY INVESTORS?
While Callum has grown his advice. If, like me, you tenancies (where rents are of ageism from agents.
portfolio quickly, he is the want to buy at auction, controlled and tenants have They all think you haven’t
first to admit it hasn’t all always read the legal the right to remain for life) got the money.
been plain sailing and pack to check the without realising. “What I would say to any
that sometimes age small print. “The most difficult part, other young investors finding
can act against you. “I once discovered, for me, was convincing themselves in this situation,
He says: “If you right at the 11th hour, lenders to allow me to is ‘don’t give up’. If you
want to build a that a property I was borrow money. At the persevere and keep applying
property business, looking at had a clause start, all I seemed to hear to different lenders, you will
you need to really want that would double the was that I was too young find someone willing to give
it. Educate yourself and ground rent. I have also or inexperienced. you a chance.
join organisations like seen bidders winning “As well as rejections from “Keep going. It is hard,
the NRLA and listen to homes with regulated lenders, I also faced a bit but it isn’t impossible.”
Spring 2021 / 23
BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN 91NLRMAR21130.pgs 09.03.2021 09:26Profile: Callum Stevens, 4
PROFILE
Callum has chosen to
invest in his home town
VERSION
of Southend-on-Sea
Roberts believes it’s important
HOW HAS BEING Adreams,
to follow your MEMBER
REPRO OP
OF THE NRLA HELPED YOU?
despite the obstacles
Callum joined the I could meet and talk
NRLA before he’d to other local investors
bought his first and keep up to date
property to find with all the local news.
SUBS
out more about the Since the pandemic hit,
industry, and has used I have also signed up
a range of services for the local webinars.
since then. “I have used all the
He says: “I joined the document templates
NRLA before I started and guides, and called
buying and think it is the advice line quite
ART
fantastic for advice a bit – it’s great to be
and support. able to double-check
“Prior to Covid-19, things. The next thing
I attended the NRLA on my list is to take
local meetings, where a couple of courses.”
PRODUCTION
“Long term, I want to keep growing my portfolio and
invest in more higher-yielding properties”
CLIENT
the weekday viewings. She would film them Konnexsion, which was developed by way. As a back-up, if I can’t get permission
and send the videos on to me. someone I know from a property networking for the flats, I will redevelop it as an HMO
“I eventually moved to another company, group. I use Excel for record-keeping and for social tenants; this means I will be able
which offered more flexibility, but after it upload everything to Google Drive,” he says. to let it on a long lease, minimising any
folded and I was made redundant, I decided “OpenRent is great in terms of advertising potential voids.
I would run the property business full-time properties. One of the real positives is that “Long term, I want to keep growing
– with my mum still managing the day-to- you can upload videos. I first started making my portfolio and invest in more higher-
day contact with the tenants.” videos of my properties as a result of the yielding properties.”
With more time on his hands, Callum was Covid-19 restrictions. However, I will still With Callum at the helm of the business,
able to focus on building the business and use them going forwards, as you know all Mum looking after the day-to-day running
set up another brand, Montagna Property the viewers that come to see the property of the rentals and Dad pitching in to help
Partners, which helped him access the have already got a feel for it through the out with the gardens, Montagna Property
finance he needed to keep investing. video and are interested.” Partners is a real family affair, with the
He made the decision to move away from lettings part of the business – CDLS
agents and fully manage the properties WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? Property – made up of the family’s initials.
in-house after using a let-only service for Not one to let the grass grow under his feet, Were his parents surprised he was able
his first rental. Callum now plans to diversify his portfolio. to build up such a successful business from
He says: “I didn’t feel the checks were He says: “Most of the homes on the street scratch, and at such a young age?
stringent enough, so after that first time, where I bought my latest Callum laughs: “Not at
I decided to do it myself using online property have been all. They still remember the
platform OpenRent.” converted into flats, so hats and sunglasses, so they
In terms of tech, Callum likes to keep an I am hoping to split up have known that I liked to
open mind. He is currently trying different the new property that make money.
management software packages. “To get to work with my family
“I have looked at management software Callum founded Montagna while doing something that I love
and am currently trialling a few, including Property Partners really is the icing on the cake.”
24 / Spring 2021
BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN 91NLRMAR21131.pgs 08.03.2021 19:17VERSION
EPC RATINGS
Rental homes may
need a minimum
EPC rating of C under
Government proposals
REPRO OP
SUBS
ART
PRODUCTION
CLIENT
26 / Spring 2021
BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYANFeature: Energy-efficient homes, 1
MEETING NEW
EPC STANDARDS
MAKING
HOMES
GREENER
Landlords may need to upgrade rentals if ambitious
new energy-efficiency targets get the go-ahead
BY GILL OLIVER
L
andlords are going to come “We’ve seen massive improvements
under increasing pressure to in the energy efficiency of the PRS stock
upgrade their properties in and a lot of properties taken out of the
the next few years, thanks to bottom two ratings. It’s to be commended
the drive to establish greater that so many NRLA member landlords
energy efficiency in the have taken action,” he says.
private rented sector (PRS). That said, John recognises the challenge
The Government has consulted on plans ahead. “The measures to reach the current
to ramp up energy-efficiency standards minimum energy-efficiency standard
in the PRS in England and Wales. Under of E rating have been cheaper and more
the proposals, a minimum EPC rating of C accessible,” he says. “To have a similar
would be mandatory for all new tenancies or shorter time to reach C, where
from 2025, and all tenancies from 2028. interventions are more intrusive and
Landlords could face fines of up to £5,000 expensive, is a very challenging and
if they fail to comply. At the time of going ambitious timescale.”
to press, no final decision had been made. He says that most private sector landlords
It’s all part of the Government’s have responded positively to both existing
commitment to reach net-zero carbon and upcoming legislation, and many have
emissions by 2050 to combat climate already upgraded their properties.
change, but it also taps into a greater
awareness of ‘green’ issues among tenants PRS VERSUS SOCIAL HOUSING
and the need to address the demand for The latest English Housing Survey,
a better standard of housing. published in December, shows the energy
The National Residential Landlords efficiency of the 4.4 million homes in
Association (NRLA) backs the plans to England’s PRS sector is improving.
reduce carbon in homes and improve However, only 38 per cent of PRS homes are
energy efficiency in the sector. rated in the top three bands A–C, compared
“We all understand the issues around to 61 per cent in the social housing sector.
climate change and have known about PRS properties are on average older and
the Government’s zero carbon ambitions therefore more likely to have problems with
for a while,” says NRLA deputy director rising or penetrating damp.
for policy and research John Stewart. The average EPC rating of PRS stock is
“We have to take that seriously, and the 64 (D) – which is some way short of the
ALAMY
residential sector has to play its part. range to achieve C, at 69–80 points.
Spring 2021 / 27
91NLRMAR21132.pgs 09.03.2021 12:24Feature: Energy-efficient homes, 2
MEETING NEW
EPC STANDARDS
VERSION
Sixty-eight per cent are fitted with central SIMPLE SOLUTIONS
heating, but private rental homes are Alterations such
more likely to have older, less efficient as draft-proofing,
boiler types. better loft insulation
and switching to
Insulation is key to energy efficiency,
LED bulbs can make
REPRO OP
but just eight per cent of PRS properties a big difference
have solid wall insulation – compared to to a property’s
28 per cent for social housing. EPC rating
Similarly, just over half of all
private rental properties with
cavity walls have cavity insulation,
SUBS
compared to more than two-
thirds for owner-occupied.
INSIDER TIPS
Nick Brereton is a qualified and
accredited independent energy
assessor working for The EPC
ART
Man. He suggests that landlords
looking to improve their
property’s EPC rating should change all light heaters. Installing one could
bulbs to low-energy LEDs and boost loft add a whopping 35 points to
insulation to the recommended 270–300ml. the EPC score.
If the property has gas central heating,
PRODUCTION
add controls such as a programmer and GREEN FUNDING AVAILABLE
thermostat. Each radiator should be fitted Landlords can apply for the
with its own thermostatic radiator valve; Government’s Green Homes
any missing ones knock points off the score. Grant (GHG) scheme, which
Other easy ways to accrue points are to runs until 31 March 2022, but
fit an 80mm jacket around the hot-water is available only in England. landlords could see a decrease in the value of
CLIENT
cylinder, and draught-proof single-glazed Supporters of the scheme are fighting their property in the future,” John warns.
windows and doors. a rearguard action to persuade the In some locations, the cost of
At the other end of the scale, upgrading Government not to axe £1bn of unspent improvements could be equivalent to half
the fabric of the property, such as insulating money from the scheme after uptake the property’s market value. For example, on
interior or exterior walls and floors carries was low during the pandemic. a £50,000–£60,000 terraced house in parts
a much higher price tag – in some cases The NRLA welcomes GHG because of North England, improvements to reach
you may even need to rip out kitchens it allows landlords to apply directly, a C rating could cost £20,000–£25,000.
and bathrooms to gain access. unlike previous funding, which has often Another issue of concern is that private
One of the biggest challenges for depended on tenants’ income and had landlords are being treated differently
landlords is a property with a flat roof, to come via them. from homeowners. Little pressure is
particularly if it’s also above a shop or other The drawback is that the costs fall on being applied to the owner-occupier
commercial unit, says West Midlands- landlords, even though the main beneficiary sector, despite its accounting for the
based surveyor and energy assessor Chris may be the tenants, and this split incentive largest share of the housing market.
Dickens, who runs CED Property Services. is an ongoing bugbear. “If the Government wants to tackle
Such properties have a double negative “We’re not seeing an uplift in property this issue, it must also include the owner-
in their energy rating, he says, since heat values or the rents you might expect to occupier sector. The PRS has to play its
loss from the flat roof is greater than go hand in hand with energy-efficiency part, but shouldn’t be doing so alone,”
normal, and the commercial unit is improvements, and with the new John states.
treated as unheated or partially heated. challenging target of C, there are fears Another potential issue with GHG is that
Independent energy assessor and applicants must install at least one primary
landlord Matt Fay, who covers the
Manchester region, says: “If there’s a gas
Another issue of measure – such as wall insulation or loft
insulation, or install low-carbon heating
boiler, regardless of age, a property will concern is that private – to qualify for funding of secondary
score pretty well anyway.” landlords are being measures, such as replacement glazing
SHUTTERSTOCK
Electric systems don’t tend to score or draught-proofing. So landlords
as highly unless they’re the new breed
treated differently who have already carried out all the
of electric high-heat-retention storage from homeowners primary measures would not qualify.
Spring 2021 / 29
BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN 91NLRMAR21133.pgs 09.03.2021 17:10Feature: Energy-efficient homes, 3
MEETING NEW
EPC STANDARDS
VERSION
CASE STUDY
The application process is also
considered cumbersome. Dr Paul Hampton,
associate head of the school of architecture REFURBISHING
and built environment at Wolverhampton CAN SEE A
University, says smaller landlords complain
DROP IN BILLS
REPRO OP
that most energy-saving measures are
targeted at larger portfolio landlords. Landlords James and
Other national and local funding schemes Tatiana Tanner took their
include the Renewable Heat Incentive north London property
for larger and more expensive renewable from a G to one point
heat measures like ground source or air below an A rating
SUBS
source heat pumps, which gives the owner
a quarterly payment for seven years The couple spent a year
calculated on the amount of green energy refurbishing their three-
they are estimated to produce. storey Edwardian house
in Muswell Hill to make James and Tatiana’s north London property
BRINGING DOWN THE COSTS it more energy efficient.
Retrofitting is most efficient when there’s The brick property is were installed in the £100,000 and the gas
ART
volume, but unfortunately, the PRS is in a conservation area, so bathroom. LED lights bill dropped from £2,500
dominated by small portfolio landlords. the challenge was to carry and A-rated energy- to £850 a year.
John believes there’s potential to emulate out the changes while efficient appliances were The couple have also
energy deals, where tens of thousands of making sure it continued installed throughout, carried out energy-
households band together to take advantage to look identical to all the and individual efficiency work in other
of discount rates negotiated between local other homes in the street. temperature controls properties they own
PRODUCTION
councils and energy companies. Internal walls were fitted to all radiators. with many ideas from
“We could do with something like that to fitted with 100mm cork Five of the chimneys energysavingtrust.org.uk
drive down the cost of some of the retrofitting thermal plaster, and were blocked up and Gas and electricity
work, and as there’s an EPC register, it the suspended timber the cellar was given are included in their
should be possible to identify clusters floor was insulated with a waterproof lining to tenants’ rent, so James
of non-compliant properties,” he says. 200mm of wood fibre prevent rising damp. and Tatiana saw the
CLIENT
Dr Hampton also sees this as the sensible sandwiched between The total refurbishment benefit of energy bills
way forward, citing landlords in the two layers of airtightness (including new bathrooms falling by 50 per cent
Wolverhampton region who dealt directly membrane. All windows and kitchens) cost as a result of their work.
with a national boiler manufacturer. With were replaced with
200 properties between them, they wielded custom-made timber-
their collective buying power to negotiate frame, double-glazed ENERGY-EFFICIENCY SUGGESTIONS
a good price on 200 boilers. ones. Airtightness was James and Tatiana share some of their low-cost and simple
Dr Hampton believes the new C rating achieved by specialised measures to make property more energy efficient:
will be a challenge in the short term, but expanding foam and
points to a younger generation who are airtightness tape. O advise tenants to set alongside an annual
accustomed to purpose-built university The roof was insulated timers for hot water and boiler service
blocks. “They won’t put up with with 80mm sheep’s wool heating so they are only O use an energy provider
condensation and minimal heating in between the rafters. on when needed that produces 100 per
substandard properties,” he observes. Because of the limited O fit thermostat controls cent clean electricity
Younger tenants are also more likely thickness of insulation on all radiators O block unused chimneys
to care about environmental issues. He that could be installed in O insulate the hot- O replace airbricks
warns: “There will be a mood swing towards the roof, the ceilings were water cylinder with sheep’s
demand for those values, and if that’s also lined with 10mm of O replace lighting with wool insulation
backed up with legislation, it will drive plasterboard laminated LED low-energy lights O get a plumber to
it forward.” with an aerogel layer. O close all windows when remove the sludge that
Solar PV panels were the heating is on builds up inside your
installed on the roof O draft-proof windows radiator pipework
“Young people won’t put and the boiler was and external doors O install humidistats in
up with condensation replaced with a more O bleed radiators bathrooms to
efficient combi unit, and several times remove steam
and minimal heating in humidistat extractors a year, and and reduce mould
substandard properties” arrange z add breathable
for a Gas insulation in
Safe check the loft.
30 / Spring 2021
BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN 91NLRMAR21134.pgs 08.03.2021 19:53ONLINE
PLATFORMS
VERSION
Digitally
REPRO OP
transforming
SUBS
your letting
ART
business
PRODUCTION
The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for
landlords to adopt digital technology in the form of
apps and online platforms to manage their properties.
CLIENT
Here, we look at the benefits of doing so
BY ZOE DARE HALL
W
hen Nicola I really wanted an app that would let me
Hammond, an do everything from my phone.”
HR manager from The question is, where do you start?
Nottingham, was The digital age has hit the letting industry
made redundant head-on with an explosion of new platforms
last year, she designed to help landlords save time and
decided to invest her savings and payout money. The UK’s proptech sector is worth
in buy-to-let properties. She bought more than £6bn, with around 400 of its
a two-bedroom house in Blyth on the 770 or so companies focused on residential
Northumberland coast at auction, and property; of them, a third are concerned
has since acquired three more similar with property management and 15 per cent
houses nearby. deal with rentals, according to data from
“With the help of my brother, who is Unissu, a proptech procurement platform.
a trained plumber and electrician, we’ve
camped in the properties while working EXPLORING THE APP OPTIONS
14-hour days on refurbishments and New entrants in the burgeoning letting
repairs – when Government guidelines proptech marketplace include Clooper,
have allowed during Covid-19,” says Nicola. which connects landlords, tenants and
“But I was struggling to manage everything tradespeople, and enables smart
SHUTTERSTOCK
on spreadsheets and calendars. I’m a notifications and secure payments;
remote landlord, so the thought of taking Hammock, which helps landlords
my laptop everywhere wasn’t convenient. manage their finances; and the
32 / Spring 2021
BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYANFeature: Digital landlords, 1
Spring 2021 / 33
91NLRMAR21135.pgs 09.03.2021 09:26Feature: Digital landlords, 2
ONLINE
PLATFORMS
VERSION
REPRO OP
SUBS
ART
PRODUCTION
The Covid-19 pandemic has given all these digital platforms extra
relevance, too, with landlords needing to find virtual alternatives
rental and management platforms Kiko landlords with multiple properties in to managing finances, property
CLIENT
and PlanetRent. diverse locations “trying to manage maintenance and legal compliance.
The Covid-19 pandemic has given all these multiple systems such as Spreadsheet, Others specialise in one specific area
digital platforms extra relevance, too, with Dropbox, Accounting Systems, calendars of lettings. TenancyDocs, which launched
landlords needing to find virtual alternatives and ‘to do’ lists that don’t talk to each in the mid-2020, offers landlords help with
at a time when visiting properties and other”, the platform removes all that the compliance of their tenancies.
meeting tenants has been all but impossible. stress. “It enables them to keep track “While landlords can advertise and show
For Nicola, the answer lay in Alphaletz, of everything, and have all relevant their properties through video or socially
a cloud-based, mobile platform that helps information at their fingertips, meaning distant viewings, the restrictions imposed
landlords take control of every aspect of they can get back to tenants within minutes, by lockdown impact a landlord’s ability to
their business. “Cash flow is very tight at not hours,” he comments. carry out tests, certificates, inspections and
the moment, so if it’s a case of weighing “Landlords love the simplicity and maintenance,” comments partner Nick
up building insurance versus a snazzy functionality of the app. The main thing Leventis. “Work statuses are changing so
bit of software to make my life easier, the is the huge time-saving element, such as rapidly at the moment, too. A tenant could
software won’t win,” she says. “Looking at being able to instantly output income and be employed today and not tomorrow,
Alphaletz pricing, I thought I could stomach expense reports. When you get a call from impacting their ability to pay their rent.
that after the free trial and, having worked an upset tenant to say that a boiler has A service like ours ensures that private
for a software supplier for years, I like the broken down, the landlord knows exactly landlords who have not chosen to use an
fact that the road map seemed to be aligned who to call and if there is a warranty or agent are still protected and that their
with customer demand, and that Alphaletz insurance cover,” Richard adds. relationship with their tenants is fair
is constantly updating its offering.” Some apps provide a one-stop-shop and transparent.”
Alphaletz’s CEO, service – that
Richard Jackson, everything-at-your- SIMPLICITY AND SELECTIVITY
adds that for fingertips facility OpenRent, which claims to be the UK’s
that handles the largest letting agent, letting one property
SHUTTERSTOCK
Nicola Hammond uses whole process from every three minutes, offers a preferable
the cloud-based finding tenants and way of finding tenants, says one of its
Alphaletz app arranging lettings users, Richard Davies, a retired
Spring 2021 / 35
BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN 91NLRMAR21136.pgs 09.03.2021 17:11You can also read
