Why use Simply Lets?

Please compare our services with any other agent. Ask yourself what do you want from your agent? what do they offer? … are they all the same?

You could start by asking yourself a few simple questions; 

perhaps most importantly; 

1.  Is the agent you are considering ‘Licensed’ to operate and a member of a recognised professional body?  

‘ARLA’ is the Association of Residential Letting Agents, and is the leading professional self-regulating body to be solely concerned with lettings and therefore the most recognised professional organisation for Letting Agents in the UK. 

All ARLA members must be LICENSED to work in the industry are therefore required to have professional indemnity insurance cover AND they are covered by a bonding scheme which provides financial protection for client monies should they ever be misappropriated.

ARLA members are strictly governed by their own code of practice, providing a framework of ethical and professional standards at a level far higher than the law demands. The Association runs meetings, training courses and seminars to ensure members are kept up to date with the latest practice and any changes in the legislation which may affect their clients.

Membership rules require all member offices to have professionally qualified staff. Members’ client bank accounts are required to be audited annually ensuring that they conform to a stringent accounting practice.

The National Federation of Property Professionals has an Awarding Body who provide a Technical Award in Residential Letting and Property Management. It is this that is recognised as meeting the requirements for ARLA membership, and examinations must be sat by all members.

The Association has its own complaints and disciplinary procedures so that any dispute is dealt with efficiently and fairly. Where necessary, suitable sanctions can be imposed on a member

With its policy of developing and maintaining the highest possible standards within its membership, ARLA is seen as a benchmark for professionalism that both landlords and tenants can have confidence in. This provides its members with a unique marketing advantage in an industry where standards vary significantly and where clients should choose who to use with great care.

2. Does the Agent charge ‘hidden’ commissions?

Have they stated all their fees clearly or do they charge extra for inventories or renewing contracts after the first term?  Do they charge commissions from their contractors who must increase their costs to cover these? Will they demand a withdrawal fee if you wish to withdraw from their management service because you are unhappy with them?

3. Do they charge ingoing tenants unecessarily high application fees?  

Tenants will not use an Agent they feel they charge too much and you may therefore not get the opportunity to even show them your property.

4. Do they charge their landlord clients too much for essential certifications?  For example; over £50.00 + VAT for an EPC?

In all the above questions Simply Lets can reassure their clients.

Full membership of ARLA, no hidden commissions with all costs inclusive, no excessive charges to tenants (compare our fees with our competitors) or withdrawal fees - and (for example) only £47.50 for an EPC.

Please feel free ask if you have any concerns or queries.

WE LET … YOU RELAX