Hazells – Expanding our Network

At Hazells, we are not just about Property Management. With a deep-rooted passion for delivering a top-tier service, we have continued to expand our reach with our attendance at networking events, as well as invited events.

Networking is a key ingredient to success in today’s property market. Hazells understands that, which is why we have begin placing emphasis on building relationships across all facets of the industry. Networking allows knowledge sharing and as our market is ever changing, staying ahead means being in the know.

On 24^th March, I attended the West Suffolk Lettings Partnership (WSLP) Landlord Forum. This is a quarterly event for Landlords, but it also allows Letting agents the opportunity to understand more about what they do and how they can assist is today’s housing crisis. I believe that working with WSLP could be beneficial to both the people that need assistance and our Landlords.

The goals of WSLP are:

• Reduce the number of households in temporary accommodation.
• Reduce the length of stays in B&B accommodation.
• Reduce the strain on the taxpayer.
• Reduce homelessness, and allow for more choice of location.

The barriers that Tenants in the private rented sector face:

• Large upfront costs (deposit and one months rent in most cases)
• Referencing issues.
• Welfare reforms (Housing Benefit, Universal Credit etc all being paid in arrears)
• Increasing rents – West Suffolk rents are currently higher than the national average.
• Landlord uncertainty regarding the Renters Rights Bill and its potential impact.
• Mindsets – unfortunately there is a stigma around benefits, which does stop landlords accepting Tenants. Many Tenants within the WSLP are working people who just need assistance with deposits or a guarantor for example.

By working with WSLP and ourselves as a Letting agent, not only will our Landlords receive our exceptional management service, but WSLP will also:

• Guarantee rent up to the Local Housing Allowance (topped up by the Tenant if required)
• 6 week rent deposit bond held by WSLP (higher than standard deposit)
• Benefits payments can be made straight to the Agent
• Complete full affordability checks on the Tenant
• Complete regular inspections (as many as necessary to ensure you’re happy the property is being looked after) alongside our 6 monthly inspections.

All the above is included in an agreement between the Tenant and the council, separate to the Tenancy Agreement, meaning not only is there the financial security net, but a contractual obligation to be upheld.

At Hazells we would like to work with our landlords and the council to place WSLP Tenants in appropriate housing. I honestly feel that by doing so, we will be assisting in taking pressure off an already struggling system.

If you are a Landlord willing to consider accepting West Suffolk Letting Partnership Tenants please get in touch.