UK renters can now get a fairer deal with The Upad Tenant Guarantee
- 3.8 million UK households now rent privately, up from 1.9 million in 2001
- Complaints about lettings agents have more than doubled in the last 5 years (The Property Ombudsman)
- UK renters can now get a fairer deal with The Upad Tenant Guarantee
The UK´s 3.8 million privately renting tenants can look forward to getting a fairer deal in 2013.
Tenants will no longer have to put up with rogue traders and excessive agency fees: a new amendment has been introduced by the House of Lords giving better protection to tenants, and many industry organisations ( including RICS, The Property Ombudsman, Which? and ARLA) have started campaigning in earnest for the regulation of lettings agents.
To reflect their ambition to give tenants a fairer deal and transform the sector, Upad have published their Tenant Guarantee – a five point practice that creates a transparent lettings process for tenants.
The Upad Tenant Guarantee
1. We do not charge tenants “administration” fees for the property letting
The rental price (and deposit) is the only charge the tenant has to pay Upad for letting the propert
2. If the landlord chooses to comprehensively reference their prospective tenants through Upad, we charge tenants (and any guarantors) £50 +VAT each
This is an additional service available to landlords. It includes a previous landlord reference, employer reference, affordability check and credit score.
3. Upad tenants have a direct relationship with their landlord
This usually starts with the viewing meaning the tenant (and the landlord) can have all of their questions answered. A Upad survey showed 91% of tenants would like to meet the landlord when looking for a property
4. When a tenant enquires about a property they are sent the landlord´s details by text and email to arrange a viewing.
If permission is given, the landlord is also provided with the tenant´s details
The Upad Tenant Line (0333 240 1210) is also open 7 days a week, 8-8 Monday toFriday and 9-4 at weekends. This allows us to connect tenants with the landlord as soon as possible
5. We actively encourage our landlords to treat their tenants as valuable customers
Upad believes landlords should run their properties as a business. We provide weekly information and a Landlord Guide to all of our registered landlords
Commenting on the new Tenant Guarantee, Upad CEO James Davis says,
“Tenants have frequently been on the receiving end of high agency fees or fees that have been hidden from view. The Upad Tenant Guarantee shows tenants exactly how they will experience Upad, including their direct relationship with the landlord and the low fees they will pay.
With the rental sector continuing to grow it is important that tenants are treated as valued customers entering into a professional relationship with the landlord. The Upad Tenant Guarantee will aim to do just this.”
For more information on the Upad Tenant Guarantee please visit the Upad facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/upadUK which provides a tenant guide and the opportunity to ask our Tenant Team any questions you may have.