Knowing you are in good hands with a safe agent

SAFE AGENT:

The team at Bennett Residential (from left) lettings negotiator Bobby Malick, lettings manager Bradley Smith, property manager Emma Powell and Maria Mazurenko promoting Safe Agent Week 2015, a campaign to encourage people to choose reputable agents who belong to a client money protection scheme.

BENNETT Residential, which has been established as a leading independent agent in the area for more than 26 years, was proud to support last week’s SAFE agent Awareness Week 2015.

For anyone not aware of the scheme, it requires its members to adhere to a strict code of professional conduct and ensure that all tenants’ deposits are registered with a government-approved scheme.

In Bennett Residential’s case this is the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS). Member agents also have to offer

Client Money Protection (CMP), which means all tenancy deposits have to be kept in a separate ‘ring-fenced’ bank account and be properly audited.

In the unlikely event that the company ceases to trade, the tenancy deposits are covered by an insurancebacked scheme meaning that neither the tenants or landlords are left out of pocket.

Bennett Residential take issues of compliance very seriously and is also a licensed member of ARLA (The Association of Residential letting Agents),The London Rental Standard and the NAEA (National Association

of Estate Agents).

Managing director Philip Bennett MNAEA MARLA said: “Whether you are a first-time landlord, just starting with buy to let, or a more experienced ‘portfolio landlord’, it is important that you take the advice of a wellestablished and licensed letting agent who is up to date with the latest and ever-changing legislation.”

Bennett Residential lettings manager Bradley Smith added: “I am constantly surprised that landlords are prepared to leave what is a very valuable asset in the hands of the lowest bidder.”

He has met many landlords who

have fallen prey to letting agents tempting landlords with very low fees who have ended up with problematic tenants who cost landlords much more in the long run than paying a slightly higher fee to a quality agent who would provide them with a smooth, trouble-free letting experience.

If you have a property you are currently looking to let then Bennett Residential would love to hear from you. Pop in and see the team at 10 High Street, Uxbridge, call 01895 812244 or email reception@ bennettresidential.co.uk.