joanne-vermeulen

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Viewing 15 posts - 31 through 45 (of 93 total)
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  • in reply to: Propertymark membership #7895
    joanne-vermeulen
    Participant

      As inventory clerks, we are, in my opinion, overlooked by Propertymark for the most part. I have only ever paid the fee to have the logo on my paperwork which seems to reassure landlords and agents- I get very little for my money and as things are so tight at the moment, I am thinking of letting my membership lapse. there are no suitable training courses so making CPD targets is difficult and the courses, quite frankly are extortionate – especially for online courses which I can never do as I am out and about actually working. I feel a rant coming on so I will finish with saying I don’t think doubling the fee is fair for inventory clerks when there is very little benefit for us apart from logo branding

      in reply to: Reading dates on SA and CO detector requests #7894
      joanne-vermeulen
      Participant

        Hi Emma -Same situation here. I read the dates if I can, a zoom camera can be a boon in this instance. Where I cant because I cant access them, dates not visible or too old – I record it as not visible on the paperwork. I don’t carry and will not be carrying a ladder. It is then over to the Agent to sort out – they are paid the management fee after all

        in reply to: Landlord refusing to pay #7869
        joanne-vermeulen
        Participant

          Great advice from both ladies. I too would threaten court and follow through if ignored. I would also refuse to work with him again. At the end of the day, you are paid to be impartial and render a professional judgement. If you are completely confident you have been impartial, don’t be afraid to follow through.

          in reply to: Smoke/heat/CO alarm dates. #7768
          joanne-vermeulen
          Participant

            I too have been recording expiry dates for some time now. I have adapted my reports to reflect this. Where no date is visible, I simply record – no date seen and then it is up to the Agent/Landlord to sort from there. I photograph the dates so I have a record. My clients are really pleased that I am helping them with this so it has done my working relationships good which is always a good thing. x

            in reply to: Am I being unprofessional? #7705
            joanne-vermeulen
            Participant

              I am a bit torn here. I get what you are saying and I get what Rowley is saying. Easier said than done. I feel it should be seen as more professional to step aside on the conflict of interest as altogether this is fairer for all parties, but again, not always the case

              in reply to: Time required to carry out an inventory report #7671
              joanne-vermeulen
              Participant

                I would set aside about 4 – 5 hours for dictation and photos. with regards the Wi-fi equipment, I am not an expert, so would only describe what I could see without moving it and then take photos. I would make this clear at the commencement of the work. I would also not test for power – all equipment should be in working order when the house is let and should be checked by the agent during a pre tenancy let check

                Hope this helps

                in reply to: Cost of a Check Out report #7628
                joanne-vermeulen
                Participant

                  Hiya – I am the other way around. I charge a set price to do the initial make. My check in fee is standardised flat rate with flats at one rate and house at another which includes an update fee after the first tenancy. My check outs are charged the same as the initial make as there is just as much time spent inspecting and compiling the report – sometime more if the property is let in shocking condition, so I always charge more for a check out than a check in. The first check in is cheaper therefore as no updating required.

                  joanne-vermeulen
                  Participant

                    Thanks Chris – that is really useful information which I will bear in mind.

                    joanne-vermeulen
                    Participant

                      As I understood it, but do correct me if I am wrong – the tenants are obliged contractually and under law to return the property at check out to the same level and standard as per check in, less fair wear and tear. If this included the carpets being cleaned at check in, they would be required to check them at check out or be charged. This has not come up for me that I am aware of, although I did have one tenant refuse to clean a carpet on the basis that he was hardly in the property and therefore had not used the carpets much – not the point really, but the landlord was not interested in arguing.

                      It might be worth asking your various agents what their tenancy agreement says in this regard and then you could include this in your disclaimers to prevent it happening again – as much as anyone of us prevent tenants being tenants.

                      I am not the legal person is correct in what he/she has said about cleaning

                      in reply to: Tenants re-carpeting at own expense #7526
                      joanne-vermeulen
                      Participant

                        I would check, if possible, if there are any caveats to this agreement and more Tis in the inventory in order to protect yourself. However, if the current carpets are in poor order, the tenants pay for new, with no conditions attached, I don’t see that the Landlord could charge anything except maybe cleaning!

                        in reply to: Boilers in the loft / CO2 alarms #7507
                        joanne-vermeulen
                        Participant

                          Most of the agents I work with have placed the CO monitor on the landing ceiling as close to the loft access panel as possible so it can be tested and batteries replaced when needed. I was told by a gas engineer it needed to be within three meters of the boiler, so it could be placed on the landing ceiling where it is accessible to both tenant and near the boiler so it can fulfil its purpose. I would say it is common sense, but we all know the people in charge have none!!!!

                          in reply to: Overgrown Bamboo #7493
                          joanne-vermeulen
                          Participant

                            I am with Rowley on this one, although I do understand what you are saying. I think it is tenants responsility unless stipulated in the TA as otherwise. If it is/was over 6 ft tall at the start of the tenancy and is now taller needing trimming back – that would fall under L/L responsibility as anything over 6ft is to be maintained by the landlord

                            in reply to: Check In timings #7395
                            joanne-vermeulen
                            Participant

                              Hiya – alternatively You could do the check in but return the keys to the Agent for the tenant to collect on the day the tenancy starts. Do not hand over keys at the check in x

                              in reply to: Mid term inspection – access #7367
                              joanne-vermeulen
                              Participant

                                I completely understand your reticence in this matter. I would feel the same. I know you used to be able to give the tenant 24hrs notice about going in with keys, but I am not aware if that is true still. Have the tenants given any reason why they are being obstructive or are they throwing their weight around. Personally, I would push this back onto the Agent as I don’t know if insurance would cover you if the tenant accused you of anything

                                Be interesting to hear from Rowley and Elizabeth Overton on this one

                                in reply to: Lost keys- subcontractor vs agent #7333
                                joanne-vermeulen
                                Participant

                                  I am a little late to the party, but I too believe that for the sake of goodwill and relationships take this on the chin and then as others have suggested, tighten up procedures to prevent this happening again, but I would also recommend emailing all parties and tell them that you are investigating and keep them in the loop with what is happening so no bad feelings are caused. keys are an absolute nightmare which is why I know carry envelopes in my car at all times if I return keys after hours – Good Luck

                                Viewing 15 posts - 31 through 45 (of 93 total)