The Inventory Professional

Recording of the Propertymark webinar presented by Approved Industry Supplier Inventory Base.According to research by Citizens Advice (Feb 2023), 1.6 million children reside in damp, mouldy, or excessively cold private rentals. Shockingly, over half of England's private renters (2.7 million households) have had or are currently reporting and or battling these problems. We can change this!With winter fast approaching and heating costs set to rise, agents need to support landlords and ready themselves to face the challenges ahead. In this webinar, you will learn essential strategies to minimise the risks of mould, gain practical tips for proactive management, reduce disputes and keep tenants safe.Here's what you can expect from the webinar:Understand the underlying causes, complexities and statistics around mouldDiscover the strategies and approach to mould preventionLearn the importance of property visits, and capturing vital evidence Importance of Ccompliance - 3 tier approach to inspectionsPractical strategies for educating tenants on mould growthSignificance for landlords of yearly building inspectionsPitfalls of redecoration and how to navigate them effectivelyJoin Sián Hemming-Metcalfe and Michaela Anaka to discover crucial tips on how to reduce mould risks and embrace proactive management.Presenter: Sián Hemming-Metcalfe - Operations Director and Head of Training - Inventory Base, ARLA Propertymark Advisory Panel Member - Inventories Co-Presenter: Michaela Anaka - Director My Home Bespoke, Accredited Mediator, South East London Regional Executive ARLA Propertymark & Property investor

Building a successful property reporting service can be both a professional and personal exploration. But how can you ensure that you have the essential strategies, strength, and ability to thrive in this challenging industry?Join Sián as she delves into the key factors that can help you build a thriving reporting service.Discover the significance of defining your service and how it will set you apart from the competition. Learn the fundamentals of developing a solid business plan that aligns with your goals  and gain valuable insights on how to create a strong brand that reflects the values that will resonate with clients.By tuning in, you’ll have the opportunity to find out more about why you should define your niche, the importance of building your brand based on quality, why assembling a strong team means a strong business and how staying informed will allow you to adapt in a rapidly evolving industry.Unlock your full potential as an inventory professional and set yourself on a pathway to success in this exciting field of property management with InventoryBase Academy Do you have an important topic you want to share? Want to join in on our next podcast? Email sian@inventorybase.com and get involved!For more information or to book a free demo and trial visit inventorybase.co.uk

Hosted by Propertymark in March 2023, Sián Hemming-Metcalfe, Operations Director of Approved Propertymark Supplier Inventory Base explains how to use smart home data (think temperature sensors, safety alarms, home security and more) to gain a deeper understanding of your property portfolio and make data-driven decisions that increase your bottom line.In this webinar, Sián explores:Why proptech and real-time property data are game-changers for agentsThe types of data that can help you make smart decisionsHow easy it is to collect and use data to gain insightsPractical steps for integrating data into your day-to-day operationsListen in and discover how real-time property data can provide the tools you need to stay ahead in the fast-paced world of real estate.For more information or to book a free demo and trial visit inventorybase.co.ukTo access the video recording of this episode go to our YouTube channel - Inventory BaseHave an important topic you want to share? Want to join in on our next podcast? Email sian@inventorybase.com and get involved!

In this episode of The Inventory Professional podcast; Sián talks with Angelique Matthews, an inventory specialist in South Africa who ran her own business for over 10 years before making the shift from practitioner to proptech expert. Sián asks Angelique what the response has been like since the law changed last year (2022) making property inventory reports and inspections mandatory in South Africa.We discuss barriers and benefits and the response from the industry including the challenges of implementing the legislations. Angelique provides her insight into how the rental process works and how property reports are intrinsically tied to ensuring that tenants are involved in the reporting process from the very start of the tenancy. And finally, Sián asks what the UK rental housing sector can learn from the South African approach to inventory reports, inspections as well as tenant-landlord relationships?To access the video recording of this episode go to our YouTube channel - Inventory BaseHave an important topic you want to share? Want to join in on our next podcast? Email sian@inventorybase.com and get involved!

From the 23 January 2023, new regulations make it a legal requirement for responsible persons for all multi-occupied residential buildings in England with storeys over 11 metres in height to:- undertake quarterly checks of all fire doors (including self-closing devices) in the common parts- undertake – on a best endeavour basis – annual checks of all flat entrance doors (including self-closing devices) that lead onto a building’s common parts.While these regulations will create additional checks for property managers, landlords and agents it is also an opportunity for Inventory Professionals to utilise your reporting skills by completing the fire door safety checks on behalf of the responsible person.In this recording of the webinar released on 20th January 2023, Siàn takes a look at how inventory providers can complete fire door safety checks including:- Background to legislation - Understanding who is a 'responsible person' - 6 Key inspection check points - Frequency of reporting - Compliant reporting & supporting the responsible personTo access a visual copy of the slides and webinar; click on the link here

The unprecedented demand for property, largely fuelled by a buoyant sales market, has impacted stock levels especially as increased legislation forces some landlords to reevaluate their role.Sián highlights the pressure these changes are exerting on the inventory supplier market, the imminent introduction of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act and how this will directly affect the assessment of rental properties prompting the question; is the testing of alarms a moral or legal duty for inventory professionals? Melissa talk about why we should establish more focused training, develop better processes for information sharing and the overriding need to change the reporting industry so that as more legislation is introduced, we are all better prepared.With no one body or association taking responsibility for this particular section of the PRS, Sián highlights the potential for complacency to creep in, and asks whether now is the time to take more control of our industry so that we continue to be part of the solution that supports the industry?Our blog on the imminent regulation and changes to renting in Wales can be found here: Renting Homes (Wales) Act Have an important topic you want to share? Want to join in on our next podcast? Email sian@inventorybase.com and get involved!

The podcast is a recording of the webinar hosted by David Mintz of Kerfuffle with Sián from Inventory Base and James Kent from Safe 2 - The Leading Provider of Property Safety Certificates.In this recording, the panel discuss:Why should landlords invest in regular boiler maintenance? (safety)Can servicing your boiler help save money when it comes to fuel bills?  HMO traditionally have fuel bills included in the rent - is this likely to now change?What devices or software can landlords use to monitor usage?How can landlords and tenants check that the gas engineer is qualified and insured?Fire safety - why its important to check your doors Listen in as David, Sián and James highlight why ventilating is as equally as important as heating the property, why testing alarms every two weeks could save lives, the benefits of preventative maintenance and why checking your fire doors can give occupants vital time to leave the property in an emergency. To find out more about Gas Safety Week visit: https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/gas...To find and book the services of a qualified and resisted Gas Safe engineer visit: https://www.safe2ltd.comTo find out Inventory Base can help agents, inventory professionals and landlords manage property more effectively and safely visit: https://inventorybase.co.ukTo discover how Kerfuffle can help agents find the best industry suppliers visit: https://www.kerfuffle.com/deals/inven...

Although there is no actual data on missed appointments or cancelled reports for the supplier industry, it is a well known issue and a more than regular occurrence for some providers that has a real impact on their 'bottom line'.Listen in as Sián highlights some of the reasons behind those missed appointments, the costs to the industry and why communication is key to reducing the actual costs involved with a report not going ahead.Finally, Sián offers practical solutions and key takeaways to reduce the disruption to schedules and alleviate the impact of lost revenue.A blog on this subject is also available: Missed Appointments – What Inventory Clerks Need to Know

David asks - Why should you vote for Sián and what vision does she have for Propertymark's future? Where does she stand on the key issues effecting our industry and how is she going to help you? Supplier and agents - are we united as one, or is there a divide? Listen in and find out what Siȃn hopes to achieve for the supplier industry, her strong views on why the industry needs to work with inventory suppliers and that putting herself forward for the role is not about a title but about affecting change including setting standards and working collaboratively with agents throughout the sector.

In this episode Sián and Melissa explore why complaints are made and what constitutes a low, medium or high level complaint. Sloping shoulders is a term often associated with business practices however there is a growing feeling that agents and landlords are attempting to deflect responsibility when in fact most complaints could be easily resolved if only all parties talked to each other and inventory providers are included in the conversation. As Sián points out, if adjudicators do not have the right information then the dispute is often lost before it even hits their inbox so getting to grips with the issues or complaint early on can only benefit all the key people involved in the tenancy. Melissa refers to the tendency of some providers (and software!) to rely on terms such as Poor, Fair or Good (or The Good, The Bad and the Ugly as Sián likes to call them!) when reporting conditions in an attempt to be more 'time efficient' when in fact they are storing up a host of problems when it comes to the checkout where liability, damage and costs are levied against the tenant and their deposit. Melissa also points out the fact that it is often the inventory clerk who is the 'first port of call' when a complaint is made often bypassing the actual reason for the issues in favour of a 'quick resolution'. Another key reason for complaints being raised is the lack of detail in the report. Brief or 'stock comments' are often the cause of misinterpretation by the reader and so by the time the deposit goes to dispute its too late to rectify what could be minor issues or complaints leaving the inventory clerk holding the proverbial can. Both Sián and Melissa agree that the best way to head off any complaint is to first compile a detailed property report based on fact, evidenced by comprehensive pictures or video (not the bubble / 360 kind) and to then deal with complaints rather than leaving them to languish in the 'too hard to deal with' drawer. Finally; Sián shares her 6 top tips for managing complaints:  Respond - Don't ignore the complaint!  Take ALL complaints seriously  Don't accept blame - its not always that straightforward  Set out time frames for your response and keep to them! Keep everything professional - it's easy to get emotional so take a breath and give yourself time to think  Learn from each complaint Have an important topic you want to share? Want to join in on our next podcast? Email sian@inventorybase.com

If you have established yourself as a property inventory clerk you’ll be well aware of the very specific skills and abilities the job demands. If you’re at the start of your career you’ll learn about them very quickly as you develop your service.A successful inventory clerk balances very strong interpersonal skills with a highly organised approach and precise attention to detail. Most clerks are self-employed; your livelihood often depends on getting as many jobs as possible, which is why both in slow periods and as part of your business planning, you should really think about how the skills you use in your primary work can be transferred to other vital processes and opportunities. The is why I want to talk to you about why you shouldn't meet the expectations of others, why you need to redefine yourself and your service, why you should make the most of what you’re good at, why you should extend yourself and why I say - 'Don't stay in your lane!'This short podcast (which can also be seen in webinar format) is about getting you thinking about your options.For more information on training to become an CPD accredited inventor provider visit Inventory Base Academy to explore the available courses and get your business in the spotlight with Inventory Base property reports and inspection templates.To read the full blog please visit: https://inventorybase.co.uk/blog/dont...To view the webinar recording please visit Inventory Base YouTube Channel

In this episode, our webinar panellists discuss 3 key subjects affecting the property industry:Sustainability in the lettings sector - impacts and optionsEffects of the levelling up white paper - the repeal of Section 21 and what that means for the service industry Contracts and SLA’s - are they a realistic option or do clerks just need to act like a service business to affect change? Our industry experts are:Ben Shaw - representing Trust Inventory Emily Joyce - Director of AJPSMark Lazarus - Director of Storm Inventories Melissa Guthrie-Noyce - Director of MGN InventoriesCharlie Saunders - Director of Assist Inventories Sián Hemming-Metcalfe - Director of The Metcalfe Partnership and representing Inventory Base Academy Listen in as we share our thoughts and offer expert views on the future of the reporting industry.Join in, learn and share your expertise; Inventory Base Academy

In this podcast John and Sián discuss three key topics:Being a mentor for the real estate industry - what attracted John to that particular roleRoPA - Regulation of Property Agents - how it can improve the property industryThe role inventory professionals play in supporting the industryJohn talks about his mentoring, how people buy from people and the trust needed to be able to complete a transaction in a world where technology can de-personalise the experience.Sián asks John whether external inventory suppliers (who are not included in the initial RoPA guidelines) if inventory professionals can be part of the conversation rather than just the afterthought they often are when it comes to shaping the industry.Disrupter or disruptive - both John and Sián feel that the terminology comes across as aggressive and that using the word 'improvement' is a more inclusive term when talking about all the changes to the industry.  Sián comments that the wealth of knowledge and skills in the industry can help form a more standardised reporting format and the benefits of using the term 'professional' when it comes to referring to clerks in order to change the industry's perception of the role. And finally, John talks about his experiences in an adjudication and how a judges words made a lasting impression.For more information and to connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnking56/Link for further information on RoPA - https://www.propertymark.co.uk/professional-standards/uk-regulation/ropa.htmlHave an important topic you want to share? Want to join in on our next podcast? Email sian@inventorybase.com

Sián and Zoe discuss how service and acting as an extension of an agents brand plays a huge role in supporting clients, keeping landlords engaged and more importantly, happy!We also talk about the need for transparency and honesty; we may get things wrong but it is how we manage our mistakes that can make all the difference to your service delivery. Zoe comments on how happy she is to have Inventory Base and the support team behind her services, how their developers provide everything she needs to keep exceeding her clients expectations including training with Inventory Base Academy to support her clerks and keep them up to date and safe whilst out in the field.Sián asks whether there is more inventory providers can do to add value and celebrate Zoe's success at the recent ESTA's where she was nominated and has received an ESTA Peoples Award, 2021.Finally; for Zoe's top tip she highlights that, as industry suppliers, we all should remember that agents, landlords and tenants are people and why its important (now more than ever) to be kind to each other and ourselves.For more information on Assist Inventories visit their website: https://assistinventories.co.ukHave an important topic you want to share? Want to join in on our next podcast? Email sian@inventorybase.com

In this episode we discuss the volume of student property reports carried out each year and whether there is a need to have a conversation with agents about the quick turnaround of properties which can mean a lack of detail in the inventory / check out report or employing less than robust reporting methods 'just to get the job done and turned around'. Sián highlights that at some point inventory providers are likely to be 'held to account' or have more industry oversight when ROPA comes in for letting agents so is now the time to tackle the thorny issue of standardisation and qualifications within the inventory reporting industry?Sián also points out that there is no one in the industry really fighting the corner of the industry professional and support from the two main self styled inventory associations (ARLA Propertymark / AIIC) is very lacking.On the issue of COVID - both Melissa and Sián highlight the potential for restrictions to be reintroduced as infection number climb and why many in the industry are concerned that the lack of stock and number of inventory providers available to carry out reports and how they are being impacted by the economic affects of the pandemic. Sián and Melissa discuss the need to plan for any downturn in work including contingency planning for business owners if they become unwell and unable to manage the business.And on a lighter note; Melissa talks about inventory clerks and business owners using the quieter winter months to start the planing process for 2022. She highlights the need for us all to take time out to recharge batteries, meet family, relax before getting the spreadsheets out and starting to plan out what the next 12 mths will look like both from reporting numbers and potential revenue. She does like a bullet point list and action plan!Finally; is now the time to use the winter months to not only plan for 2022 but also to review report rates? #FoodforThought Read Inventory Base's latest blog - Is the Private Rental Sector ready for a COVID Winter?Have an important topic you want to share? Want to join in on our next podcast? Email sian@inventorybase.com

Virtual property viewings are the inevitable technological next step in securing a rental in today's modern, fast paced market but how effective are they in enabling potential tenants to assess the properties they are considering making their home? How does the mechanism work, what are its advantages and disadvantages, and how can a renter get the most out of the virtual experience?Join Sián as she walks you through the processes involved in viewing property virtually and what to do to avoid making the wrong choice. Have an important topic you want to share? Want to join in on our next podcast? Email sian@inventorybase.com

In this episode Sián is joined by James Kent; managing director of Safe2Ltd - The Leading Provider of Property Safety Certificates.James talks about how Safe2 has managed the logistics of getting rental properties up to standard and the barriers electrical engineers have faced when attempting to enter the property and carry out EICR’s.We discuss the key issues around non compliance including the potential for landlords to be fined up £30,000 for failures and non compliance.Sián asks if there is any leeway on the current 28 days allowed if the property requires remedial work and why Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is a legal requirement for HMO's but that it makes sense for landlords to have all appliances provided for tenants use tested. Sián looks at the risk involved with more tenants working from home and how landlords really do have the lives of tenants in their hands.James gives his Top Tips to help landlords remain compliant and avoid fines including using registered, insured and experienced engineers to avoid issues at the end of the tenancy with automated certificate renewals and subscription based compliance options with Safe2Rent and Safe2Buy services. Final comments are from James who provides advice for landlords on a little known option to extend the length of the Gas Safety Certificate. Want to know more? Listen in to find out how! Have an important topic you want to share? Want to join in on our next podcast? Email sian@inventorybase.com

Join Sián as she discusses pets in rental properties with special guest Natasha Homer-Earley from PetsScore; UK's soon-to-launch first national pet referencing system.In this episode of The Inventory Professional; we look at the issues surrounding landlords reluctance to have pets in the rental home and how capturing data, specifications of the property and the history of the pet owner can help influence and balance their decision with relevant and optimised performance data. Listen in as we discuss how the private rental sector is missing it's greatest trick by not including pets in the referencing process and why Natasha believes that up to 30% renters could be hiding their animals for fear of being evicted. With so many families unable to buy a property or opting to rent; we explore the misinformation around property damage and perceived issues whilst Natasha highlights the imbalance in the rental sector and how addressing those issues will help landlords to find qualified applicants who are more likely to rent long term which, in turn, will reduce void periods and lead to much happier and better tenants.And finally; Sián highlights the issue of pet welfare; "the property has to be as suitable for the pet as the pet is to the property!" and how proptech can analyse and predict the type of pet that is right for the rental home.If you want to know more about how landlords, tenants and pets can live in harmony visit PetsScore.comHave an important topic you want to share? Want to join in on our next podcast? Email sian@inventorybase.com

In this episode of The Inventory Professional; we look at the different options to capture tenant feedback and what to do with it!Sián explains that tenants that take the time to comment are likely to be more involved in the tenancy process and is a way of engaging with clients and giving tenants a much needed 'voice'. The hosts try and drill down to what are the barriers to tenants, landlords and agents engaging with the report; is it a case of too much detail that is confusing and makes reading it more like 'trudging through treacle"?Melissa reflects on her experience with more than one report where measuring of the finest of marks gets the tenants full attention and wants to know if using language that is plain and simple, that everyone understands is the key to a successful inventory reporting service?Listen in as we discuss whether toning down the use of acronyms will help people to engage with the property reports and why gearing the report towards the adjudicator should always be every service providers aim.Have an important topic you want to share? Want to join in on our next podcast? Email sian@inventorybase.com

Sián explains the need for inventory professionals to look at the 4 step plan and why aligning a review of current operating protocols with each step will be key to ensuring that agents, landlords and tenants are kept up to date.Melissa recognises the need for clerks to feel safe during the transition and ensuring that communication is kept open so everyone has the bialy to express concerns and deliver a service that everyone is happy with. And service is key here; keeping to the guidelines and the law is paramount but the safety of inventory professionals should not be pushed to one side as businesses gear up for what we all hope is a very busy second quarter of 2021 and beyond.To help inventory clerks and property report specialist we have compiled a blog and a template to help you with drawing up new protocols and steps in line with government advice:Blog: Road to somewhere – Government announces 4 Step plan out of lockdownHave an important topic you want to share? Want to join in on our next podcast? Email sian@inventorybase.com