Feb

LATEST: HMO trade body launches to help landlords find trustworthy agents

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A network of HMO property managers has been launched to help landlords find agents with specialist knowledge.

The new FIA HMO Network is made up of quality, vetted HMO letting and managing agents who landlords can trust, giving members the benefit of being part of a larger group by providing supplier offers and training.

Founded by Neil Baldock (pictured), director of Essex-based estate and letting agency group Charles David Casson, it is a subsidiary of the Federation of Independent Agents (FIA) in association with Graham Lock.

Baldock believes HMO management has been seen as the poor end of the industry for years, with poor quality properties and a lack of respect for agents managing these types of property.

He says: “This is a very outdated view and with the rise in demand for co-living and shared accommodation the quality of accommodation on offer is superb amongst our agents and this is a highly profitable area of business if done well.”

Gap in market

Baldock says that he saw a gap in the market where landlords could often not find an agent willing to manage their HMOs or one with the right level of experience.

He adds: “We have already started generating leads from landlords asking us to find them an agent in a particular area.”

Ten founder members range across the country in Chelmsford, Colchester, Canterbury, Ashford, Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Cambridge, Peterborough, Leeds, Hull, Selby & Goole and Liverpool, with more applications pending as the network plans to grow throughout the UK.

Independent agents are invited to join by application only and must prove they have the right credentials and insurance. Interested agents should email Neil direct.

Read more about HMOs.

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