Page 26 - ESPC_Nov24

EXPERT ADVICE

Taking care of business

Nicky Lloyd, Head of ESPC Lettings, shares why you should consider a property
management service to ease the burden of letting your property.

or many property investors, the idea with multiple legislative changes affecting
of self-managing a property let seems everything from rent freezes and rent caps,
F fairly straightforward – but the reality to eviction notices and smoke alarms – with
can be far from that. It’s part of the reason more to come, as landlords will need to be
we hear of so many landlords choosing to the first homeowners to act to make sure
exit the market, but there’s a much simpler properties meet minimum energy efficiency
solution that can help you to retain your standards in the next few years.
investment and ditch the stresses that can
all too often come with deciding to manage This means that self-managing landlords
your own rental property: using a property must stay on top of all of this legislation
management service. as it comes in, alongside all the usual
responsibilities: advertising a property, Flexible choices
The private rental sector in Scotland has been sourcing tenants and all the admin that If you’re happy managing the day-to-day,
turbulent to say the least in the last few years, comes with installing them in the property, but find the extra time and effort required Point of contact
inspections, maintenance and repairs, rent for sourcing new tenants, handling move- Once the property is occupied, we’ll be the
collections, move-outs – not to mention any ins and move-outs and all the admin that point of contact for your tenants, so we’ll
disputes that arise along the way. comes with it is too much, ESPC Lettings can only contact you if absolutely necessary. We’ll
provide a variety of options, with different handle any required repairs or maintenance,
levels of service to suit your needs – from and we offer a 24/7 service (so nobody will be
It’s an exhausting list – especially if you have
a day job, or multiple properties to look after. assistance with parts of the process, to a full disturbing your weekends or evenings!). We’ll
management service. also carry out regular inspections to ensure
your property’s being looked after.
You might have discounted using a
property management service in the Marketing your property
past for a variety of reasons, but it We’ll assess your property and advise of any Moving out
could be time to reconsider. We’re changes needed to meet current legislation When a tenant decides to vacate, we’ll carry
hearing of more landlords who prior to marketing. We’ll also photograph and out the final inspection and handle the deposit
are choosing to sell and exit the market the property, advise on appropriate return, as well as managing any disputes,
rental market as managing their rental rates, handle enquiries, conduct repairs or cleaning required. In the unlikely
own property lets takes its toll viewings and process the applications, as event of an eviction notice being required, we
– but we believe it’s far better well as drawing up a detailed inventory of the can also manage this process and ensure that
to trial a professional property property. you stay on the right side of the rules.
management service before
taking drastic action. Tenant admin Interested in finding out more?
We’ll thoroughly vet prospective tenants Contact the ESPC Lettings team on 0131 253
Here are just a few ways that a with appropriate reference checks, and 2847 or use the contact form on espc.com/
property management service when everyone’s satisfied, provide a tenancy lettings. You can also pop into the Property
can help ease the burden of agreement, handle the move-in process and Information Centre at 107 George Street,
letting out your rental property: deal with deposits as required by law. Edinburgh to talk to the team directly.

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