Sarah Davies, Commercial Director at The Letting Partnership

Who are you and what does it say on your business card?

Sarah Davies, Commercial Director at The Letting Partnership

What is The Letting Partnership and what does it do?

We are a client accounting outsourcing company specifically for lettings agents.

What services do you offer and in what ways do you work with estate and letting agents?

We offer front to back client accounting services, receipting money on software, reconciling the software, making payments, registering deposits and reconciling deposit records. We also offer Referencing, Rent Guarantee and tenancy documentation.

We can work on the agent’s existing software and client account, minimising disruption when outsourcing to us. If they agent needs software and a client account, we can arrange that for them. Whichever way we work, the agent has full visibility and transparency. Money is never swept or pooled, providing confidence and assurance that their client money is in safe hands.

Why is The Letting Partnership and the products they offer different to other suppliers in the industry?  

We are the only outsourced client accounting company who is service based. We aren’t proptech and we’re not an accountancy firm who offer client accounts on the side. We work exclusively within this industry which gives us unrivalled expertise. Many of our staff have previously worked in the industry, so we understand the needs of our clients.

How does the company benefit agents?

As well as the benefits discussed earlier, it can often be a cost saving for an agent and working with us offers the owner continuity. They never have to worry about covering holiday or sick leave again and they know the work will be done to a consistently high standard.

We are able to open ring-fenced client accounts within hours - a considerable number of agents have approached us in the last few months about banks refusing to set up a client account or threating to close their existing account down. This is a major headache for agents and it’s one we can solve very quickly.

What is the most satisfying part of your job?

Allowing agents to do what they like to do best… grow their business! This can only be done by freeing up their time. Not many agents I have met over the years enjoy the accounting side of the business!

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing estate and letting agents at the moment?

In a nutshell - demand for rental properties is outstripping supply so stock is challenging. Also, new legislation that agents must understand and implement just keeps on coming!

Trendy roof terrace or traditional English garden?

English garden, I love to have outdoor space and love growing roses, as they remind me of my dad.

What is your favourite room in the house?

It has to be the bathroom; I love my baths - my time to relax and chill!