Summer in Bristol

Summer in Bristol; the time of year our city really comes into its own! From extravagant hot air balloons to pop-up cinemas, food stalls to festivals, summer in Bristol has something for everyone. Our experts have compiled a list of their favourites from the summer lineup to make your life easier when choosing your weekend activities.

Harbourfest – 14th July

This annual event is nothing short of spectacular. With rides, live music, food stalls and culture around every corner, this simply has to be marked in your calendar as a must-attend!

Grease Summer screenings – The Mall Gardens Clifton 18th July

A beautiful setting to watch a proper cult classic under the stars. Grab yourself a drink before getting comfortable for the screening, not a bad way to spend summer in Bristol!

Tom Zanetti – Motion 22nd July

Hosted in the Container Yard at Motion, Leeds DJ, Tom Zanetti is scheduled to grace the stage along with some very special guests. Think Ibiza, in Bristol.

Bristol Balloon Fiesta – 10th – 13th of August

A globally famous event, the Balloon Fiesta sees visitors from across the globe make their way to our city to see the incredible spectacle. The morning ascent and nightglow can not be missed.

Sunset Party at Clifton Observatory 11th August

Not able to make it to the Balloon Fiesta? Not a problem, get yourself a perch at one of the most iconic spots in Bristol to watch the balloons float by with a drink in hand and a live DJ to follow.

Glasshouse summer day party – The Full Moon 19th August

With five DJs lined up, the Glasshouse crew are coming back strong following a successful set last year. Dancing the night away in an outdoor bar? There are worse ways to spend summer in Bristol!

Rental market peace of mind

Whilst there is a fair bit of legal jargon in the world of letting, it isn’t as regulated as something like financial services. So how do both our landlord and tenant clients know they are dealing with a trusted Bristol agent and that their money is safe? Well we choose to be regulated in an industry that’s not, providing our clients with rental market peace of mind.

These independent 3^rd parties help protect landlords and tenants, providing peace of mind you’re working with a letting agency you can trust:

Property Redress Scheme

Basically, resolving disputes and fostering trust! A property redress scheme provides a way for resolving disputes between landlords, tenants, and letting agents. However, we choose to be regulated in an unregulated world providing reassurance to our clients. We’re registered with ARLA Propertymark a recognised property redress scheme, therefore, offering peace of mind and a pathway to resolution.

Client Money Protection Scheme

The Client Money Protection Scheme is a little extra reassurance for landlords, tenants, and third parties. The scheme reimburse these parties, in the event that an agent misappropriate their rent, deposit, or other client funds.

The Property Ombudsman

Your property peacekeeper! The Property Ombudsman is an independent UK body that resolves disputes between consumers and property agents, including letting agents. Basically they provide a neutral platform for complaint resolution, promoting fairness and transparency in the property industry.

Landlord Insurance

Protecting the Protector! This is for additional peace of mind. An insurance policy that covers risks associated with renting out a property e.g. property damage, liability claims, or loss of rental income.

Meet our Bristol Lettings Manager Tracy

Tracy joined The Letting Game in January 2022, having worked in the property industry for over 19 years. Bringing with her a wealth of experience and passion for people and building relationships with both landlords and tenants. It was a perfect fit for our Lettings Manager role.

Our amazing Bristol Lettings Manager Tracy

How long have you been in the lettings industry?

“I started my career back in 2004 in South Africa working in residential sales. Moving into lettings and property management in 2008. Having owned my own real estate business for 10 years I developed strong relationship management and industry knowledge and experience. I’ve since moved to the UK and gained over 5 years of market experience here. I’m passionate about providing a great service to our clients.”

What does a Lettings Manager do?

“Key to my role is building strong relationships with our landlords and tenants. Also supporting my team to do the same. Understanding the needs of our landlords and making sure we find them fantastic tenants is important to me.
We’ll make sure that our landlord’s properties are shown in their very best light. With fantastic photographs, virtual tours, floor plans, and unique property descriptions as standard. Our incredible marketing also gets eyes on your property quickly. Our ‘first look’ on Instagram creates an initial buzz around your property, before it even hits the property portals like Rightmove. This means we often book a block of viewings within the first 24 hours.
My team then runs professional viewings and will manage the negotiations on behalf of our landlords. We’ll also provide feedback to our landlords and discuss the tenant offers with them. Making sure there is strong communication between my team, landlord and tenants is an important part of my role. Something I review regularly with the team.
Once we’ve found great tenants, I make sure that the communications and processes within the business are smooth. Always looking for ways to improve, its all part of our landlord service.”

What are you working on at the minute?

“The team and I are always busy preparing to advertise our landlord’s properties, running viewings, and having discussions with Bristol tenants. Just before this chat, I was writing a property description for one of our Bristol landlords’ properties. Pulling out some of the property and local Bristol highlights – something that only a local Bristol letting agent can provide.“

A green letting agent striving to do more

We have offset our carbon emissions for the second year in a row. Continuing to help our Bristol landlords and tenants make a positive impact on the world. This year, we’re excited to support two extra projects through Carbon Neutral Britain. With projects in India and Costa Rica added, and continuing our support in South-West Australia and Uruguay – it’s great that a Bristol letting agent and its clients can have a positive impact on the world.

The Letting Game - Driving to be Bristol's greenest letting agent

Energy efficient lighting in India

A project developed to promote energy-saving lighting in India, reducing the electricity and therefore carbon produced through the grid. At the start of the project coal generated around 76% of India’s electricity. The project offsets 35,000 tonnes of CO2e each year due to the reduction in energy use by improving efficiency.
The project aims to get households to use energy efficient lightbulbs, supplied at the same cost as the less efficient lamps. It also looks to educate people about saving energy at home. Helping provide a saving to households, with lower usage therefore money off their monthly bill. Saving on the cost of living is something I’m sure we can all relate to!

Costa Rica improved biodiversity and mixed reforestation

The tree planting project in Costa Rica follows high-quality standards for forests. It’s a carbon offset project that brings benefits to the local community and environment.
This project focuses on planting trees that are native to Costa Rica, aiming for an eco-friendly and socially responsible approach. So far, it manages 2,115 hectares of land that used to be used for cattle. Out of this, 1,280 hectares have been replanted with diverse forests that closely resemble natural ones.
By constantly monitoring all the different life in the area, this project has discovered 70 new species of amphibians and reptiles have settled on the land. And its even helping one of Costa Rica’s most endangered species of tree.

Improved biodiversity & mixed reforestation in Costa Rica - one of the carbon offsetting projects we support via Carbon Neutral Britain

Other carbon-offsetting projects

We are also continue with our support of the forest planting projects in South-West Australia and Uruguay.

The Letting Game supporting carbon offsetting projects like reforestation on degraded land in Uruguay

Rental market peace of mind

Gas Safety Certificate

Safety first! This vital certificate makes sure that the gas appliances in the rental property have been inspected and approved by a registered Gas Safe engineer. Helping to keep everyone safe from potential gas related hazards. This is required by law to be updated once every 12 months.

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

This certifies that the electrical installations in the rental property have been checked and approved by a certified professional. A landlord is required to have the property certified every 5 years – but we can arrange this for you.

EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)

Let’s save the planet! An EPC rates the energy efficiency of a property, helping landlords and tenants understand the impact on the environment and provide suggestions for improvement. Although a requirement once complete an EPC is valid for 10 years.

Following an announcement in parliament it has been cofirmed that plans to require EPC rating to C or above have been scrapped, Something that has also been confirmed in the latest renters reform discussions.

Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)

Prioritising well-being! HHSRS is a risk assessment tool used to evaluate potential hazards and determine the overall health and safety of a rental property. We assist landlords in meeting the required standards and creating a safe home for tenants.

Fire Safety Regulations

Fire safety protects lives and properties! These include measures and requirements that make sure a rental property meets the safety standards. This includes fire alarms, extinguishers, escape routes, and other precautions.

Damp and Mould

The unwelcome guests! Damp and mould occurs when too much moisture builds up in a property, leading to ugly patches, musty smells, and potential risks to health.

Gas Safety Regulations

Breathing easy! Gas safety law makes sure that gas appliances in rental properties are checked and well maintained. So, this will help prevent carbon monoxide leaks and other hazards.

When a property is managed by The Letting Game, your property manager can look after all the above for you. Please give us a call on 0117 9898 215 to discuss our services.

Best Bristol independent businesses

As a Bristol independent business, we are really proud of how the community support local businesses across Bristol. We asked some of our Bristol letting experts who have brilliant local knowledge about some of their favourites and we’ve got a real mix for you across the city.

Millie’s top pick:

I’m interior design and houseplant obsessed! If ever I’m lost and people need to find me, I will either be in Fancy Plants at the top of Gloucester Road, or Mon Pote on North Street, in BS3. My home is filled to the brim with houseplants (you can never have enough), so both of these fantastic Bristol independent businesses provide everything I will ever need!

Kieran’s top pick:

I love a good pub garden, and now is as good a time as any to get out and enjoy the sunshine! The Ostrich down at the harbourside, has plenty of outdoor seating, and over the summer, the food hut outside serves delicious snacks and burgers to enjoy with an ice-cold pint. A pub on the waterfront, you can’t go wrong!

Tobi’s top pick:

For me, it’s’ a complete toss-up between two of my favourite restaurants, I just can’t decide! Bosco on Whiteladies Road is a go-to for me if we fancy the best Italian in town, there I said it! I also love Bravas on Cotham Hill, the food and atmosphere are unlike anything else in the city. Both places are super relaxed and the staff go above and beyond, a true representation of a Bristol independent business.

Paul’s top pick:

As a music lover, I love nothing more than perusing around a record shop, and seeing what hidden treasures I can find. Friendly Records on North Street, Bedminster is a brilliant Bristol Independent business that specialises in new and used records, they stock all genres, so you’re sure to find some proper gems in there.

Summer in Bristol

So, what do we know about the Rental Reform proposals?

Removal of Section 21s

As expected, the much-publicised removal of Section 21 (the so-called ‘no-fault eviction’) has been included. This means that a landlord can only bring a tenancy to an end if they have a valid ground for possession. Some of the reasons include:-

the sale of the property
either the landlord or a close family member wishes to move in
tenants willfully do not pay the rent
repetitive anti-social behaviour (new tools will be introduced for landlords to deal with repeat offenders)

No more fixed-term tenancies

The end of fixed-term tenancies is another big change. This means landlords and tenants will enter a periodic (rolling) tenancy whereby a tenant can choose to give notice (a minimum of 2 months) at any point. Whereas the landlord will have limited powers to regain possession of their property.

Whilst it does mean that a tenant could leave quickly, the demand in the market outweighs the supply, therefore we feel it’s unlikely to result in a spike of short-term tenancies, though there will be some. Part of a good Bristol Letting Agents job is to find you good quality tenants, that will look after the property as their own and stay longer-term (if that’s what the landlord is looking for) so this doesn’t change.

Rent increases

Whilst serving rental increases is still possible, landlords will have to submit a form and serve this to the tenant. It’s then with the tenant to accept and pay the increased rent moving forward. Alternatively, if the tenant doesn’t feel it’s in line with market value they can raise a dispute which results in a “First-tier Tribunal.”

Other headlines include:

Changes will be introduced alongside a reformed court process. Digitising some of the processes to reduce delays.
New digital portal to make sure landlords understand their obligations and support tenants in deciding whether to sign a new tenancy agreement.
Outlawing blanket bans on families with children or those in receipt of benefits.
Tenants’ request for having a pet in the property must be considered by the landlord and cannot unreasonably be refused.
Create a new ombudsman to deal with tenancy disputes quickly.
Improve the standards of the private rental sector by applying the Decent Homes Standard.
Give councils stronger powers to drive criminal landlords out of the market
Shield tenants from excessive deposits and fees through the Tenant Fees Act 2019.
Notice periods will be reduced if tenants have been “irresponsible” e.g. breaching the tenancy agreement.

At this stage, the bill has not been passed by parliament and inevitably there will be some changes as it’s debated. The above is our interpretation of what is known so far, but the government have published some guidance on the reform which you can read through here.

There is quite a bit to digest, and we’ll keep you informed on how it impacts Bristol’s landlords. We’ll be here to support our landlords with these changes.

Rental market peace of mind

Deposits, fees & guarantors

Security Deposit

A little “peace of mind” that the property will be looked after. It’s a sum paid by tenants to our landlords at the start of the tenancy, held as a guarantee against any potential mishaps or unpaid rent.

Holding Deposit

A sum paid by tenants to express their commitment to renting a property. It shows goodwill and holds the property off the market until the tenancy agreement is finalised.

Holding Fee

In short a token of intent! Another word for a holding deposit

Guarantor

A helping hand that can step in if needed. A guarantor is an individual who vouches for the tenant’s financial responsibility, providing an extra layer of security for landlords in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Deposit Protection Scheme

Safekeeping for everyone! Deposit protection schemes are government-backed initiatives that securely hold tenants’ deposits during the tenancy. They offer impartial resolution services in case of disputes between tenants and landlords. The Letting Game use mydeposits.

Tenancy Deposit Scheme

Keeping your funds safe! A tenancy deposit scheme securely holds tenants’ deposits and provides protection and dispute resolution services. By all means we can help landlords through the process of complying with deposit protection requirements.

Deposit Dispute Resolution

Finding a middle ground! Resolution processes provide impartial mediation and arbitration services to settle disagreements between tenants and landlords, over the return or allocation of the deposit at the end of the tenancy.

Rent terminology

The payment made by tenants to landlords in exchange for a rental property they can call “home.” There are several other terms linked to this: –

Rent Arrears

Rent arrears occur when, for whatever reason, the rent goes unpaid, resulting in a debt owed by the tenant to the landlord. It’s a situation we tackle head-on, offering guidance and support to find a resolution. There are options for landlords to protect against this with Rental Protection Insurance – ask one of our team.

Rent Review

Keeping up with the times! A rent review is a periodic reassessment of the rent amount to ensure it remains fair and in line with market conditions, offering a balanced approach for both landlords and tenants.

Fair Rents

Keeping it reasonable! Fair rents are rental prices that are considered reasonable and in line with market conditions, striking a balance between affordability for tenants and fair returns for landlords.

Rental Yield

The return on investment! Rental yield is the annual return on property investment, comparing the rental income generated to the property’s value or purchase price.

Looking to get an idea of rental income? Talk to a Bristol letting expert

Rental market peace of mind

Tenancy Agreement/Rental Agreement

All agreed! A tenancy agreement is a legally binding document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. We craft clear and comprehensive rental agreements to establish a strong foundation for the tenancy.

Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)

The type of agreement we and most landlords use in the UK! This provides both landlords and tenants with the peace of mind of a fixed-term agreement while allowing landlords the ability to regain possession through a Section 21 notice. The renters reform is likely to impact this area of the rental market when introduced. Here is our latest renters reform update.

Tenancy Renewal

The stay continues! A renewal allows tenants to prolong their term in the property, securing their continued enjoyment and rent payment in the home. Providing peace of mind for longer-term tenants to the landlord. We guide them through the process with expertise and care.

Periodic Tenancy

At the end of the fixed-term our tenancies switch onto periodic – without a fixed end date. This provides an ongoing arrangement whilst providing the option to conclude or renew at the end of each period.

Remember, we can help Bristol landlords with all the above and are happy to answer any questions from our Bristol tenants.

Ending a tenancy or regaining possession of the property

Ending a tenancy/regaining possession of the property

These are some of the key terms explained for bringing the agreement to an end, or the moving out of tenants:-

Repossession

Repossession is the legal process through which a landlord regains possession of a property. We guide landlords through the steps of repossession, ensuring compliance with the legal process.

Giving notice

Time to say goodbye! Giving notice is a formal notice served by either the landlord or tenant to end the tenancy and inform the other party of their intention to part ways.

Eviction

Last resort, explored thoughtfully! Eviction is the process of legally removing a tenant from a property. We prioritise open communication and explore all alternatives before considering eviction, striving to maintain a good landlord-tenant relationship.

Grounds for possesion

The valid reasons! Grounds for possession are the legally acceptable reasons for a landlord to regain possession of a property, such as tenant arrears, breach of the tenancy agreement, or property damage.

Meet The Letting Game’s Marketing Manager Bradley

Bradley joined The Letting Game as Marketing Manager in January 2022, with over 15 years of marketing experience working for big well-known UK Brands. Having spent his career in larger organisations, Bradley wanted a new challenge in a role where he could influence across the broad world of marketing, in an organisation looking to be the best in their market, so he joined us!

Bradley Rennie - Marketing Manager for The Letting Game

Meet Bradley, Marketing Manager

“I moved from Norwich to Bristol in 2012, initially living in Redland. I’ve built a great group of friends through joining a Bristol Downs League football team. I love Bristol, particularly the independent shops, restaurants and pubs. I try to support local businesses like Pawsons (fruit and veg) and Dave Giles (butchers) on Gloucester Road. So, it was great when the opportunity to work for a Bristol Independent came along.

Working for The Letting Game has been a great opportunity to work for a company striving to be the best. I’m proud to be part of the team that won the allAgents award for best Bristol letting agent and the 3rd best in the UK.”

What have you been working on?

“Since joining The Letting Game I’ve rolled out our re-brand which I believe strongly represents who we are; a Bristol independent, professional, expert business thats proving we don’t play like the others. We are working hard to improve the world of lettings for our landlords and tenants alike.

The rebrand included a brand-new website, which I’m proud to say ranks us at the top of Bristol letting searches. We’ve also introduced a ‘first look’ of our landlord’s properties on Instagram (flattering to see some competitors trying to copy.) I believe our properties are the best presented on the market, with professional photography, unique descriptions, and virtual tours.

We were also very aware that the people of Bristol are very conscious about the environment and their impact on it, something we care about too. So, we set a target of becoming Bristol’s Greenest letting agent. Whilst there is more we can do, we are now Carbon Neutral, we’ve gone electric with our fleet of Minis and we even plant 3 trees for every let we do. One each for the landlord, tenant and our team – we want to make sure we do our bit for our clients.”

What’s your favourite thing about working for The Letting Game?

“It has to be the people! I work with a great bunch who are always willing to help. It makes me proud to work with a team that represents the brand and our values so well. They really are hard-working and dedicated, with expert knowledge and experience of the Bristol rental market.”