Who is responsible for empty property management – Landlord or Letting Agent?

Kate Maddison, Business Development Manager of ARPM Inventories, one of the largest nationwide providers to the Lettings Industry, provides some advise on empty property management.

“Discussing void periods with Landlords can be difficult sometimes, as Landlords can often be quick to make a judgement that the Letting Agent is not ‘good enough’ if they cannot find a new tenant for a property immediately following the previous tenant vacating (although in reality, this is far from the truth!).

I would urge all Letting Agents, however, to remind their Landlords that the safe security of the property rests with the owner and not with the Letting Agent marketing the property whilst it is unoccupied.  Landlords should be advised that they would be best placed to check with their insurance provider as the requirements of their policy for the property whilst it is unoccupied; for instance, some insurers say it must be checked every 14 days and others say it must be checked every 30 days.   The Landlord should also clarify with the insurer as to what ‘evidence’ they require to confirm that a check has been undertaken as the  majority are unlikely to accept the fact that Lettings Negotiators visiting the property to conduct ‘viewings’ as sufficient enough proof that the property has been checked.

For any insurers who require formal recorded checks to be undertaken, ARPM Inventories offers the ideal solution for Landlords.  For as little as £30 plus VAT, our professional independent Clerks can visit the property at the specified intervals to conduct an ‘Empty Property Visit’.  During the Visit, we will take photographs of the property and highlight any visible problems with security or leakages etc, which is of course ideal for providing proof to insurers that the property has been independently checked”.

If you are considering changing your Inventory provider, then ARPM Inventories would welcome the opportunity to discuss their nationwide services with you.  To arrange a without obligation consultation or to request a price list, please contact us.  Tel: 01923 731110 or email inventories@arpm.co.uk.  Remember to follow us on Twitter, find us on Facebook, or connect on Linkedin to receive free tips and advice!