Page 75 - West Country View

Happy landlord – Gordon Goldsworthy and some of the Taunton lettings and maintenance teams, who ensure his letting experience runs smoothly.
Managed lettings provide peace of mind
Lettings legislation is ever more complex and fast moving. Where once a landlord could comfortably manage to take care of his or her rental portfolio unaided now the expertise of a trained professional is essential.
Landlady Lynn Dudley said: “In the approximately 15 years that GTH has managed my property I have been more than satisfied with the service. The agency has always been quick to find long-term tenants who care for the cottage and the turnover of tenants has been very low. The agency has scrupulously maintained the building by arranging for repairs as needed, and they send regular property inspection reports.
“During one particularly bad winter when the cottage was between tenants, a senior member of the lettings team, without being asked, even braved a long drive in snow and ice to check if there were any problems with the property.
“In my opinion the agency's care and attention is worth way more than the management fee! The system for paying rent directly to my bank account has been totally reliable and communication has been excellent. Emails are answered within 24 hours and I have never had cause to complain about anything.
“I fully recommend GTH to anyone looking for a professional, honest and highly efficient lettings agency.”
Gordon Goldsworthy has had a couple of rental properties in Taunton since the 1970s and for the past 11 years has put their management in the competent hands of the Greenslade Taylor Hunt Lettings Department.
“I get on with them exceptionally well. All the staff have always been very, very good,” said Mr Goldsworthy.
He first became involved in Buy-To-Let when he struggled to get
staff for shops he ran in the town so took the plunge and bought a property in Richmond Road to rent out to the shop staff. He saw his uncle invest in stocks and shares and not enjoy a great return so plumped for rental investment instead. He has another rental property in Greenway Road, Taunton, which Greenslade Taylor Hunt manage for him.
“I am very, very pleased with the service I get. They (the staff) keep me updated,” he said.
Where once landlords might have chosen to manage buy-to-let properties themselves, the constantly changing regulations mean this is a less attractive option.
To be a “hands on” landlord it is essential to keep up-to-date with the latest letting law along with health and safety requirements. Likewise you need to be available 24/7 to deal with leaks or problems at the property. Chase up non-payment of rent. The list goes on...
Far easier to put the care of your precious investment in the hands of experts. This is particularly true if you live some distance from your letting property or are letting out your home while you are abroad.
Today’s tenants expect a swift response to their concerns. At GTH landlords are in safe hands with a qualified letting agent and a maintenance team.
GTH are members of industry body ARLA Propertymark, which ensures members are informed and knowledgeable about the latest legislation.
Contact your local GTH letting office to see how their tailored service can assist you or visit gth.net/lettings
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