Uncertainty around what happens next.
It’s easy to assume that most of this sits in the background and doesn’t really affect your property sale. But in reality, it already is and it will continue to do so for some time to come. Not in a dramatic, overnight way, but in the way buyers think, act, and make decisions.

The Market Hasn’t Stopped – But It Has Changed

Buyers are still out there.
We’re still agreeing sales.
We’re still seeing strong demand in the right areas.

But the difference now is how buyers behave.

They are:

• More considered
• More cautious
• More focused on value
• Less likely to stretch or take risks

And there’s another important factor at play.

There is currently more property available to buy than we’ve seen for this time of year in over a decade.

Rightmove has reported in March that the number of homes for sale is at its highest level for this time of year in 11 years, giving buyers the widest choice since 2015.

That means buyers aren’t just being more selective, they can afford to be.

They have more options, more comparisons, and less urgency. And that’s exactly why positioning matters more than ever.

A Quick Word on Interest Rates

The Bank of England has recently chosen to hold interest rates and on the surface, that sounds steady. But the wider picture is less certain.

Rates were expected to ease today, and that has now been pushed back. At the same time, there are already suggestions that rates could move again and not in the direction we were hoping for, depending on how global events unfold.

What this creates is uncertainty, and that feeds directly into buyer behaviour.

Buyers don’t disappear in uncertain markets. They just become more selective.

This Is Where Sellers Get Caught Out

In markets like this, there are usually two types of sellers:

Those who act early and those who wait and react later.

The challenge is that by the time the market has clearly shifted, it’s often too late to take advantage of it.

The best results tend to come from sellers who read the market early, position their property correctly, and create momentum while buyers are still active.

It’s Not About Dropping the Price.

The goal isn’t to reduce your price for the sake of it.

It’s about making sure your property is positioned in a way that attracts attention, generates viewings, and creates competition.

In the current market, positioning correctly from the outset or adjusting early is what keeps you in control.

Why adjusting ahead of the crowd matters

While the first few weeks of marketing are important, if you are not achieving the viewing levels needed to generate offers, adjusting with the right strategy will help you get more exposure, and the more motivated buyers.

If momentum isn’t there right now, then staying ahead of the curve during will keep you out in front.

In this market, waiting is not the fix. Small adjustments made now often prevent bigger decisions later.

Change is scary, and for children, it can be very unsettling. So how can you make your house move a more positive experience?

Our experienced team of estate agents at Brookings operate in Romford, Upminster, Barking and throughout East London and Essex. We know how difficult moving with children can be, so we’ve pulled together our top tips for making that big move a kid-friendly adventure.

Read on for 7 ways to make your family move less stressful.

1. Get Talking
No matter how old your child is, it’s never a good idea to keep the move a secret or to avoid talking about it. Moving house will affect them, especially if it involves a new area and/or a new school. It’s important to talk about the reasons why you’re moving such as a lack of space or bigger garden. Focus on the positives of the new house and get them used to the idea of change as early as you can.

2. Get Them Involved
Once you’ve found the right property and you’ve exchanged contracts, see if you can arrange a viewing and take your child or children with you. Let them explore their new home and discover it for themselves. If it needs renovations or decoration, talk about how it will look different and how you will make it feel homely and cosy. Once they have seen the new property, they will be able to imagine themselves there rather than just talking about the idea of a new house.

3. Let Them Choose Their Room
Whilst this may not always be possible, if you can give them a choice, it might help make the transition a bit easier. Giving them the choice of their room will help them feel in control. Alternatively, if their room has already been allocated, talk them through where they want to put their favourite toys or where they want their bed to be.

In addition, make the room feel their own by letting them choose how to decorate or what pictures they would like to put up. For example, choose a small selection of suitable wallpapers or paint colours, and then let them have the final say.

4. Take them Exploring
If you’re moving to a new area, then it’s worth planning a family day out. Whether it’s a trip to the local park, a nearby coffee shop or even a walk around the area, help your kids discover the new neighbourhood so the concept of moving feels less frightening. Helping your children become more familiar with the new location is a great way to calm those nerves

5. Special Moving Box
When you’re packing up and heaving boxes back and forth, it’s easy for things to get lost in the chaos. One way to avoid misplacing special toys or trinkets is by giving your child a special moving-in box. Encourage them to pack their favourite things in their box to help them feel less stressed about losing things, to make your life easier when you get to the new place and to give them a sense of ownership.

6. Make it a Celebration
Moving in day will be a big deal for the whole family, so make sure you celebrate it. You could order everyone’s favourite takeaway or get a celebratory cake or even give your child a moving-in gift. By marking the day as a special one, not only will your child feel excited and more relaxed, but they’ll feel like the new home is a new beginning for you all. Buying a new home is cause for a celebration, so make sure you all enjoy it!

7. Stick to their Routine
You might be knee-deep in boxes and tired of unpacking, but as a parent you will know that sticking to routine is only going to help calm those first night jitters. Focus on getting your child’s/children’s rooms sorted first. And when it comes to bedtime, keep things as similar to their normal routine as possible. The more relaxed they are, the more likely they are to sleep in their new environment, giving you the chance to relax and unwind too.

About Brookings

We’ve been helping families move and sell their homes all over East London and Essex since 2008. And we’re ready to help you take that next step on the property ladder too.

If you’re looking for a new property, or you’re planning to sell, give us a call on 0208 591 9088 so we can help.

But before you do, a few smart questions can make all the difference between a strong offer and a rushed one.

Preparing to make an offer on a property is an exciting yet critical moment in your home-buying journey. Knowing the right questions before making a property offer can dramatically improve your negotiating position and help you avoid costly mistakes.

This article outlines the essential inquiries every buyer should make before submitting their offer, regardless of whether you’re purchasing your first home or your fifth. By arming yourself with information about the property’s market history, the seller’s circumstances, and any potential issues, you’ll be positioned to make a competitive yet prudent offer that stands the best chance of acceptance while protecting your interests.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned mover, here’s what you should be asking before you put your number on the table.

1. How long has the property been on the market?

This tells you a lot. If it’s been on the market a while, there may be room for negotiation. If it’s only just gone live, and there’s already strong interest, you may need to be more competitive. A Brookings agent will always be upfront with this kind of context – it’s part of helping you make informed decisions, not just fast ones.

2. Have there been any offers, and what’s the seller’s motivation to move?

You’re not just negotiating on price, you’re negotiating on position. If the seller is keen to move quickly, a well-structured offer from a proceedable buyer might be more appealing than a higher bid with a long chain behind it.

Ask:

• Have they found a property already?
• Do they need to move by a certain date?
• What kind of buyer are they likely to prefer?

We’ll help you read the situation clearly, so your offer fits both the market and the moment.

3. Are there any issues I need to be aware of that haven’t been mentioned?

It’s always worth asking directly. Whether it’s something in the lease, upcoming maintenance, or past survey issues, the way this question is answered can give you insight – both into the property and the agent.

At Brookings, our material information process means we’ve already collected everything you need to know without last-minute surprises.

A More Informed Offer = A Stronger One

The best offers aren’t just based on budget. They’re based on situation, timing, and a bit of insight into what matters to the seller. When you ask the right questions, you’re not just protecting yourself,  you’re also giving yourself the best possible chance of getting the offer accepted.

The difference between a successful property purchase and a missed opportunity often comes down to the questions before making a property offer.

By taking the time to investigate the property’s market history, understand the seller’s motivations, and uncover any undisclosed issues, you’ll craft an offer that addresses the seller’s needs while safeguarding your investment.

Remember that property negotiation isn’t solely about price, it’s about presenting yourself as the most attractive buyer with the most appealing terms.

Need help shaping your offer?

We’re here to talk strategy, answer questions, and help make sure your next move is the right one.

What is an HMO?
Legally, an HMO is a property where three or more tenants live forming separate households. Each tenant will have their own tenancy agreement. They will share a bathroom or kitchen facilities with other tenants. This is different from a shared house where multiple tenants will be named on a single tenancy agreement.
A property is a large HMO if there are at least five tenants residing in the property.
In the past, HMOs have been synonymous with poor housing standards and overcrowding, however these days, tenants demand a higher quality of living and HMOs must comply with strict safety and space standards.

What are the Requirements of an HMO?
If you plan to run an HMO for five or more tenants, you will need to apply to the Local Authority for a license. The property must be suitable in terms of size and facilities, you must provide gas safety certificates to the council annually, satisfy health and safety requirements and have proper fire protection procedures and equipment in place.

What Type of Property Can be Converted into an HMO?
While there are no specific rules about the type of property that can be converted into an HMO, there is government guidance around the amount of space a person must have when renting. For a single person a legal bedroom size is 6.53m2 and for a couple this increases to 10.22m2. However, every Local Authority is different, so you will need to check with them to ensure you’re following the correct rules.
It’s also worth knowing the planning rules of the area in which you plan to run an HMO. While some councils don’t have specific planning rules concerning this type of rental, others operate an Article 4 direction. This means that if you plan to build/renovate an HMO, you will require planning permission. Always check with the Local Planning Authority to see where you stand, preferably before investing in a building.

Is the Area Right for an HMO?
Landlords might feel that changing a building from a single-use dwelling (where tenants live as one household) to an HMO will automatically make them more money. However, this is not always the case. It’s important to understand your local area and the types of tenants looking for a property.
To explain further, if your property is based in a suburban area, popular with families and close to a school, it may not work as an HMO as families will look for larger rental properties, not single rooms. Similarly, if an HMO is in a rural area, with little or no public transport, you may find yourself struggling to fill vacant rooms. HMOs are typically best suited to urban areas, or those close to employee hubs such as business parks or office blocks.

What Kind of Tenants Will an HMO Attract?
A good-quality HMO is popular with young professionals and/or students. This grouping of tenants requires the following:· Easy access to public transport links
·Short distance from amenities such as a high-street
· High speed internet
· Modern conveniences
· Basic furnishings (such as a bed, wardrobe, and desk)
· Bills and council tax included
· Private en suites
· Modern interiors
· Flexible tenancy options
· Outside space for entertainment
· Communal areas

Managing an HMO
If you plan to manage an HMO yourself, it may not be as straightforward as a regular rental property. In the first instance, you’ll need to provide each tenant with a tenancy agreement, you may also be called to deal with tenancy disputes, you’ll need to organise rent collection for each individual tenant and so on. In addition, you will need to contend with the physical running of the property, such as repairs and maintenance, communal cleaning, organising waste collection and so on.
While an HMO is a great way to increase your rental yield, it also comes with a lot of challenges. Our experienced lettings team at Brookings, can help you work out whether an HMO will work in a particular area or property you are considering. We can also help find you reliable tenants and carry out reference checks. Our property managers are also highly experienced professionals and will advise you on how to maximise your income from letting property as a HMO.
Give us a call on 020 8591 9088 for a quick chat.

At Brookings, we understand that it’s not always practical to do a deep clean every time a viewing is booked. That’s why we’ll always give you as much notice as possible and plan things in advance.

However, sometimes it helps to give your home a little spruce before potential buyers come through the door. Our team of property professionals have put together their top tips for getting your house buyer ready. Read on for some quick and easy hacks to get your house sale moving.

1. Kerb Appeal Matters
The first place to start is outside the front door, whether you’ve got a driveway, or a small patio area, make sure your bins are put away and remove any rubbish, bikes, or muddy shoes. Well-kept plants always make a good impression, so you may want to invest in something green and sturdy to up the kerb appeal of your property.

2. Easy Clean
It’s understandable if you don’t have time to clean every nook and cranny of your home prior to a viewing but a few basic tasks will go a long way to improve the appearance of your home. A quick hoover or sweep of the floors immediately tidies up a home and wiping down sticky kitchen surfaces will help. Plump up the pillows in your seating area, clear counters of clutter and make sure the sink is empty of dishes. If you’ve got a pet, remove any visible hair and toys.

3. Storage buckets
Essential for any home, invest in some storage boxes, baskets or buckets. These are ideal to chuck toys, clutter and general household stuff into and get it out of the way prior to a viewing.

4. Make the bed
Always make sure your beds are made, and open the curtains to let the light in. While a buyer isn’t there to judge the cleanliness of your home, a well-made bed and bright, airy rooms will make things look much better. Taking clothes off the floor and into cupboards will also give them a better idea of floor space.

5. Smells to Avoid
Whilst we all know that bleach gets things sparkling white, make sure not to use it too liberally prior to a viewing. The smell is overpowering and unpleasant. The same goes for air fresheners and other artificial fragrances. You may love the smell, but a buyer might not, and it could put them off. Other smells to avoid include damp clothes, pet smells and strong cooking aromas. Air your home by opening the windows and getting those overpowering scents out.

6. Bathroom Makeover
A clean and fresh bathroom is important to create a strong first impression. Open the window, make sure the toilet has been flushed, put down the toilet seat and pull back the shower curtain to create more space. Dirty towels and laundry should be put away, and don’t forget to rinse out toothpaste marks from the sink.

These quick cleaning tips will ensure your home is looking its best for those all-important viewings. You may not have time to steam clean the carpets or wipe down every skirting board, but just 15 minutes of focused tidying will make a huge difference to buyers.

About Brookings

Based in Romford, we’re experienced estate agents and have sold thousands of homes all over East London and Essex including Hornchurch, Upminster, Barking, Dagenham and Havering. Our team can offer advice and practical tips when it comes to selling your home and what to fix when selling a house. We always strive to help our sellers maximise the value of their properties without having to spend a fortune.

We can even arrange open days to minimise disruption to your busy schedule and get numerous viewings done in one go.

So, if you’re ready to put your home on the market, or maybe you’re looking for a new agent to sell your home with, give us a call on 020 8591 9088 for a quick chat.

We look forward to working with you.

This guide breaks down all the financial considerations beyond the property price – from your initial deposit to stamp duty, legal fees, mortgage arrangements and moving expenses. By familiarising yourself with these property buying costs early in your journey, you’ll be better positioned to make informed decisions, avoid unexpected financial strain, and approach viewings with realistic expectations about what you can truly afford.

When you’re planning to buy a property, the purchase price is just one part of the picture. The real question is: what’s the total purchase cost, from first viewing to moving in?

It’s important to have a full view of the costs involved, not just to avoid surprises but to stay in control of your budget from day one. Here’s what you need to factor in, and how we can help you plan ahead.

1. The Big One: Your Deposit

Most buyers know they need a deposit, but the exact amount can vary. Generally, it’s 5% to 25% of the purchase price, and some lenders offer incentives for higher deposits. It’s the biggest chunk of upfront money, and it sets the tone for your mortgage deal.

2. Stamp Duty (in England)

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) kicks in above a certain threshold and is calculated based on the property price. First-time buyers get some relief, but it’s still a cost you need to plan for, especially if you’re upsizing or buying an investment. Want a clearer picture? Here is an SDLT calculator to help you run the numbers.

3. Legal Fees and Searches

You’ll need a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal side of your purchase. Expect fees between £1,000 to  £2,000, plus the cost of searches (typically around £300 – £400). A good solicitor will break these down for you, and Brookings can help you get that quote for free, upfront.

4. Mortgage Arrangement Fees

Some lenders charge arrangement or product fees, and sometimes this is rolled into your loan, sometimes paid up front. These can range from a few hundred to over a thousand pounds. We work closely with Home of Mortgages, who can walk you through all the costs and help build a full budget forecast before you even offer on a property. Click here to book a no obligation 15 minute chat.

5. Other Costs to Plan For

• Valuation or survey fees (especially if you’re doing a full structural survey)
• Moving costs
• Insurance (which may be required before exchange)
• New furniture or immediate repairs in your new home

It all adds up, but none of it needs to be a shock if you’re properly prepared.

Planning ahead puts you in control, and we always recommend buyers take the time to get a full financial picture before they fall in love with a property.

That’s where a good agent – and a good mortgage advisor – can make all the difference.

Navigating property buying costs doesn’t need to be overwhelming when you have the right guidance and preparation. By accounting for all the expenses outlined above, from your deposit and stamp duty to legal fees, mortgage costs, and those easily forgotten moving expenses, you’ll approach your property purchase with confidence rather than concern.

Remember that understanding the full scope of property buying costs is just as important as finding your dream home. We believe that financial transparency from the outset leads to smoother transactions and happier homeowners. Taking control of your budget early means you can focus on what really matters: finding the perfect property that meets both your lifestyle needs and financial capabilities.

At Brookings, we’ll help you understand the costs, set realistic expectations, and introduce you to trusted partners who can map out your budget properly from the start.

Need help working out your full buying costs?

Drop us a message – we’ll connect you with an advisor who can walk through it with you, with no pressure.

There are many reasons you might need to evict a tenant, and until the new government-backed Bill is officially passed, you still have time to act.

Once the Renters’ Rights Bill comes into effect however (possibly in the summer of 2025) the route to taking back your rental property becomes much more complicated.

Here at Brookings, we are a team of experienced sales and letting agents. Read on for our quick guide on how to evict tenants correctly and the proposed changes to rental rules.

Please note, once the Renters’ Rights Bill comes into force, this article will no longer reflect the correct way to evict tenants.

Section 21 Notice
Until the new Bill is given the official stamp, landlords can still serve a Section 21 eviction notices to tenants. Also known as ‘no fault’ eviction notices, these allow landlords to serve tenants with notice without giving a reason.

How to Correctly Serve a Section 21 Notice
In the first instance, a landlord must give two months’ notice for a tenancy to end outside a fixed term period.

This is done by filling out a Form 6A – which must be completed fully including the tenant’s correct name and address (and to each tenant named in the tenancy contract). Unless the tenancy period contains a break clause, the Form 6A is only valid if it’s issued with two months’ notice if it is a rolling tenancy and/or once the fixed period ends (if the form is served within a fixed-term tenancy).

Other steps to follow when issuing a Section 21 notice include:

– Tenants must have been provided with up-to-date copies of the Gas Safety Certificate, Energy Performance Certificate and How to Rent Checklist. These can be provided retrospectively if they were not provided or have been updated during the tenancy period.
– The tenants’ deposit must have been placed in a deposit protection scheme and the tenant must have been given the ‘prescribed information’ within 30 days of payment of the deposit.
– If the property is a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) it must have a valid license.
– A Section 21 notice cannot be served if the local council has served an improvement notice or notice about emergency works within the last six months.
– A Section 21 notice cannot be served in retaliation for a tenant complaining about their housing conditions.

To ensure notice has been served correctly, a landlord should complete a certification of service form, known as an N215.

If tenants fail to move out on the specified date, then landlords must start possession proceedings within four months.

Notice can be served directly to the tenant, by delivering the notice to the property or by post.

Section 8 Notices

Section 8 notices can be served when there are specific reasons a landlord needs to evict a tenant. These include mandatory reasons such as rent arrears, if a landlord wants to occupy the property, anti-social behaviour, if a tenant has died or mortgage repossession.

Discretionary grounds for a Section 8 Notice include breach of tenancy terms, persistent delay in rent payments, some rent arrears, the condition of property and anti-social behaviour.

For more assistance around section 8 notices, speak to one of our team at Brookings.

Renters’ Rights Bill

This year, the private rental sector will see considerable changes that will impact the way landlords all over the country manage their tenancies. While it is unknown when exactly these new rules will come into effect, it is widely accepted they will be passed by Government.

To find out more, please give one of our team a call at Brookings on 020 8591 9088. We are experienced letting agents working with landlords across Essex and surrounding areas.

This article is your essential guide to ensuring you receive all the information before making one of life’s biggest investments. We’ll show you exactly how to verify that your estate agent isn’t holding back important details, what questions to ask for complete disclosure, and how to spot when you’re not getting the full picture.

By understanding what estate agents are legally required to tell you and how to effectively request documentation, you’ll be empowered to make truly informed decisions about your property purchase.

Let’s be honest: buying a property is exciting, but it also comes with a big question mark – “Am I getting the full picture here?”

It’s a fair question, and one you should absolutely be asking. The good news is that estate agents have a legal duty to disclose certain information. The bad news? Not all agents are as thorough or upfront as they should be.

Here’s how to check you’re being told everything that matters, and how we do things differently at Brookings.

1. Know what they’re legally required to tell you

By law, estate agents must disclose what’s known as material information. That means anything that could affect your decision to buy the property, and it’s not just about the house itself.

• This includes things like:
• Planning issues
• Boundary disputes
• Flood risks
• Major works needed
• Restrictions in the lease (if it’s leasehold)
• Even things like nearby developments that might impact the property

At Brookings, we take this seriously. That’s why we use comprehensive seller questionnaires and collect all the key info upfront, not halfway through the process.

2. Ask for specifics, not vague reassurances

If you ask, “Is there anything I should know?”, and get a casual “No, it’s all straightforward,” — that’s not enough.

Instead, ask:

• Have there been any disputes with neighbours?
• Is there anything unusual in the lease or title?
• Have any offers fallen through, and why?

The way the agent answers tells you a lot. A good agent won’t dodge the question. At Brookings, we’re happy to go into the details because we’d rather you know everything now than deal with headaches later.

3. Look for paperwork, not promises

If something sounds too good to be true, ask to see it in writing. That could be a damp guarantee, planning approval, or confirmation that a boiler was recently serviced. Verbal reassurances are nice, but paperwork is what protects you.

We always aim to supply documentation early so you don’t end up chasing it down weeks into the process.

You have a right to ask questions and get proper answers. If an agent isn’t being upfront, that’s a red flag. You deserve transparency from the start, not just when it’s convenient. At Brookings, it’s our job to make sure you’re fully informed, not just to sell you a property. That means clear, complete, and honest communication all the way through.

Property buying doesn’t need to feel like navigating through fog. By focusing on estate agent transparency and asking the questions above, you will know your legal rights. By requesting proper documentation, you’ll significantly reduce the risk of unpleasant surprises after purchase.

Remember that a reputable estate agent should welcome your questions and provide honest answers without hesitation. At Brookings, we believe that transparent communication is the foundation of successful property transactions, which is why we prioritise full disclosure from the very beginning.

When you’re better informed, you can proceed with confidence, knowing that your investment decision is based on complete facts rather than partial information.

When viewing with Brookings we are happy to help you with the right questions and make sure you’re not missing anything important.

At Brookings, we know that being a landlord involves a lot more than handing tenants a set of keys and waiting for the rent to roll in. Letting out a property can feel like a full-time job, so we’ve put together a quick guide of some of the essential tasks you need to get done as a responsible, compliant landlord.

Read on to find out more about what you must legally provide and what you should provide

Before a Tenancy Starts

The first step to renting out your property is to make sure it is in good repair and to carry out any maintenance works. Check for any potential risks to health and safety and rectify any such issues that could cause accidents such as broken windows, loose floorboards, unsecure doors and so on.

If your tenants have children, be sure to check the safety of any installed blinds, especially if they have chords (not recommended). Wherever you can prevent an accident, be sure to do so.

Before a property is deemed safe to rent out, smoke alarms must be fitted on every floor. Carbon monoxide alarms must also be provided in rooms where there are any gas appliances. Make sure these work at the start of the tenancy and set yourself a reminder to check them periodically. These installations are required by law.

If the property is rented out with furnishings, be sure to only supply fire-safe items. You could also provide fire safety equipment such as an extinguisher and make sure tenants are aware of safety procedures in the event of a fire.

Checks and Certificates

Annual: You must provide tenants with an up-to-date gas safety certificate at the start of a tenancy and every year thereafter. This check is performed by a registered gas safety engineer who will assess all gas appliances in the home to ensure they are in good working order.

Annual: If you offer tenants a furnished or part furnished property and provide appliances such as a kettle, toaster, television and so on, these must all be PAT (portable appliance test) tested annually to make sure they are in safe working order.

Every 5 Years: All electrics within a property must be safely and properly installed and every five years, you must provide an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to prove this. A copy of the EICR must be given to tenants at the start of every new tenancy.

Every 10 years: As a landlord, you need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for your rental property. This is valid for ten years and must be provided to tenants at the start of every new tenancy. An EPC sets out how energy efficient a property is, which is an indicator of how low (or high) energy costs will be. All rental properties must have a minimum of an E rating by law.

Protect Yourself

Landlord insurance exists to protect your interests and your property. It’s set up to cover any damage or unforeseen issues to your investment and can cover you for any missed rent payments. In fact, landlord insurance can be set up to give you as much (or as little) protection as you like.

Like any insurance, there will be a monthly payment, however many landlords choose to overlook this and get lumbered with huge costs in the event of any issues arising.

How Can Brookings Help

We look after landlords throughout East London and Essex and in the following areas: Romford, Hornchurch, Upminster, Barking, Dagenham and Havering. We are an experienced team of letting agents and work alongside exceptional property managers who deal with anything from rent collection to repairs for our landlords.

We would love to help you let out your property and would be more than happy to discuss our management services to ease the burden and stress of renting out a property.

Give us a call on 0208 591 9088 so we can discuss your rental needs today.

As experienced letting agents, at Brookings, we understand that you may want to avoid paying out for our services, especially if you plan to manage the property yourself. What you’ll miss out on is the peace of mind that comes with working with a company that really knows what it takes to protect you and your property.

It’s not just a way to get your business – of course we want more landlords to trust us to find their tenants and manage properties – but by going it alone, you might be putting your rental income and property at risk.

Read on for why DIY tenancies could lead to disaster.

Online Tenancy Agreements
Any search engine will give you thousands of results when you search ‘tenancy agreement’. So, getting the right documents for your tenants is easy, right? Wrong. Many of these contracts have not been checked by legal professionals. They could contain misinformation that puts you at risk if ever there is a tenancy dispute. Our contracts have been put created by legal professionals AND are regularly updated our legal team, so we know that both the landlord and tenant are covered. Don’t make the mistake of using a non-legally compliant contract when you’re about to trust your property to tenants.

Referencing
A reference gives you confidence to know whether your tenant will be able to afford the rent you are charging. Without a thorough reference check, you won’t know if a tenant has the right to rent, their employment status, rental history and so on. If something goes wrong, you might not be able to claim on your insurance if you haven’t got all the correct information and if a tenant does not have the right to rent, you could face some serious fines.

Letting agents always carry out reference checks and always provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Starting a New Tenancy
Before a new tenant moves in, there are a number of steps you should go through to ensure your property is looked after. A check in or inventory report is vital so that you receive the property in the same condition as it was provided in when a tenant moves out. Without an inventory, you may have to foot the bill for any damage, as it would be difficult to prove that it was caused during the tenancy period. Letting agents will work with trusted and reliable inventory professionals who can get a detailed report ready prior to check in.

Reminders
Most landlords have full-time jobs, busy schedules and lots going on. So, it’s easy to forget details of your tenancy as time goes on. For example, are the smoke alarms working? Have you had them checked? Is the gas safety certificate in date? Is the EICR in date? Has the fixed term tenancy agreement come to an end? You can save yourself the stress and hassle of trying to remember everything that needs to be done by working with an agent who will ensure you know what to do and when.

The Rental Market is About to Change
By the end of 2025, the Renters’ Rights Bill is due to be made law. This is one of the biggest upheavals to the UK rental market in a long time and will bring huge changes with it. As an experienced landlord, you’ll need to keep on top of all these changes and make sure you’re compliant. And if you’re doing things without the guidance of a letting agent you could miss out on some of the major details that will affect every single tenancy and landlord once the law is passed. As letting agents, we live and breathe rentals, and we will already have prepared our landlords to ensure they meet all the new changes, so can you really afford not to have the right information?

Our Service

At Brookings, we offer our landlords a variety of services to make sure their income and investment is protected whilst also making sure their tenants are happy. We offer three types of letting service: let only, fully managed and our premier service. So, if you’re renting out a property in East London or Essex, get in touch with us on 0208 591 9088 to see how we can help.