Join the team – Lettings Administrator

We have an exciting opportunity for a driven Lettings Administrator who is process driven and has a keen eye for detail, to join our energetic and dynamic team at The Letting Game.

We’re looking for someone with an administration background with good knowledge of Office 365 products, who can pick up new systems quickly and thrives in a busy environment, whilst having the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Upto £25,000 per year (dependent on experience)

What’s on offer?

Competitive salary (dependent on experience) Upto £25,000 per year

• 21 days annual leave (starting entitlement) plus bank holidays and an extra day off for your birthday
• Sick pay
• Charity leave
• Working from home opportunity
• Unbeatable company culture and supportive team environment
• Casual dress code and some work wardrobe pieces paid for
• Fleet of company electric vehicles available for business travel
• Full funding towards the Level 3 Technical Award in Lettings and Property Management
• Quarterly company social events
• Free on-site parking

Working towards a greener future

If you join The Letting Game team you’ll be working for Bristol’s first Carbon Neutral letting agency. We’re always looking at our team and their processes to make sure we have a positive impact on the world – that’s why we’re planting our own forest! For every property we let we plant three trees; one each for our landlord, tenant & one for our team – together we’re planting The Letting Game forest!

HMO Compliance and Licensing made easy

With over 14 years of experience managing and letting HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) across Bristol and the surrounding area, we’re the go-to HMO letting and managing experts. Below we talk about how our expert team can help support Bristol landlords, which includes our compliance and licensing expert Alex. Whether it’s looking to turn a property into a Bristol (or South Gloucestershire if on edge of Bristol) HMO, to understanding how the requirements for landlords have changed, we can help.

14 years of Bristol HMO experience

Since taking on our first let over 14 years ago we’ve seen a lot of changes to the HMO market; licensing, compliance legislation and zones developed. Throughout all that change, The Letting Game has been able to offer support and advice to new and existing landlords to make licence applications as seamless as possible. As licensing and compliance experts, we’re able to cater to our landlord’s HMO needs in-house.

Licensing Bristol HMOs

If you’re a landlord and we manage your property, we will take care of the whole process; from applying for the licence to attending inspections with the council, to arranging contractors for the schedule of works.

There is a lot to consider when making the licensing application. So if you are going it alone, it’s important you check local authority rules and requirements, they differ by area. For example, Bristol City Council requires a mandatory licence for properties with at least 3 tenants that form more than 1 household (with shared facilities like a bathroom or kitchen.) With additional licensing requirements for larger HMOs, there’s a lot to think about.

We’re always happy to have a conversation with potential new landlords who are considering going down the HMO route. We can give information and advice on what’s required, or do it all for you!

HMO Compliance Legislation

In applying for the licence, there are a number of considerations, responsibilities and legal requirements for an HMO landlord. From minimum bedroom sizes to fire safety measures, electrical checks and energy performance certificates, all of which are mandatory. 

Whilst it can seem very complex, we’ve got the expertise to make it simple and hassle-free for our landlords. We’re passionate about making the running of HMOs as easy as possible for our landlords. Owning and renting out an HMO can be very rewarding both personally (you’re providing multiple people with a lovely new home) and financially. The Letting Game just takes away the hassle! Find out more about our HMO expertise here> 

HMO Compliance and Licensing made easy

With over 14 years of experience managing and letting HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) across Bristol and the surrounding area, we’re the go-to HMO letting and managing experts. Below we talk about how our expert team can help support Bristol landlords, which includes our compliance and licensing expert Alex. Whether it’s looking to turn a property into a Bristol (or South Gloucestershire if on edge of Bristol) HMO, to understanding how the requirements for landlords have changed, we can help.

Ongoing until the 30th of September: The Van Gogh immersive experience

If you live in Bristol and have Instagram, chances are you’ve seen videos, pictures and stories from this amazing art installation. The exhibit is housed at Propyard in BS2 and invites visitors to step into more than 300 of Van Gogh’s sketches, drawings, and paintings by using floor-to-ceiling digital projection. A favourite of ours? The one-of-a-kind VR experience in a separate gallery allows you to spend 10 minutes in the life of the artist, showing the inspirations behind some of Van Gogh’s most famous pieces. One of Bristol’s best summer activities for all to enjoy!

28th August: Bristol Alternative Market – Trinity Centre

This community market event is the perfect spot to discover something different, full of all things left-field, dark, quirky, and new age. Spread across the full Trinity grounds, there’s a diverse selection of over 100 stalls, selling all kinds of things, including clothes, books, jewellery and more.

28th August: Propyard summer terrace party

Created by a group of friends with a big idea and a clear vision, Propyard is an event space like no other in Bristol. From amazing art exhibitions and yoga sessions to DJ sets, the St Phillips space hosts something for everyone. Sign off the summer in style with their Summer Terrace Party, and with tickets starting at £5, your Sunday rave doesn’t have to break the bank.

Ongoing until the 3rd of September: The BIG Summer Send-Off – Bristol Zoo Gardens

If there’s one event to make room for in your diaries, it’s the Big Summer Send-Off at Bristol Zoo Gardens. This iconic Bristol landmark attraction will be closing on the 3rd of September after more than 185 years, ahead of the opening of the new and improved Bristol Zoo at the Wild Place Project site. With a specially-commissioned giant Gorilla sculpture and an interactive theatrical experience, this promises to be a send-off to remember.

Ongoing: Wake the Tiger

How do you even begin to describe this utterly unique Bristol experience? Founded by the creative minds behind the internationally renowned Boomtown Fair, Wake the Tiger is an immersive experience, featuring 27 different environments, including artwork, soundscapes, installations, and secret passageways to bring a story to life. Think Never Ending Story meets Boomtown…a must-see!

28th and 29th: The Harbourside street food market

Combining street food and scenic spots, this food market is perfectly positioned to enjoy culinary city life! Running every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, The Harbourside Street food market celebrates Bristol’s incredible indie food and drink scene, along with DJ sets a few times a month. Check out the upcoming lineup on their website to ensure you don’t miss your favourites!

Bristol’s first Carbon Neutral Letting Agency

We know how important the environment is to the people of Bristol. Whilst we continue to challenge our standards, there is more we can do. We want to make sure we have a positive impact and help our tenants and landlords do the same. That’s why we became Bristol’s first Carbon Neutral Letting Agency by offsetting our Carbon Footprint with our partners Carbon Neutral Britain. This means we support carbon reducing activities across the world; including wind, solar, hydra and cooking stove projects, with a strong focus on offsetting that provides lasting social and economic benefits, in developing countries around the world.

Over the next few months, we’ll tell you about the projects that The Letting Game are supporting, starting with the Nicaforest in Nicaragua.

Nicaforest Reforestation Program

The Nicaforest is in Nicaragua, a country in Central America. The Nicaforest program has 1,210 acres of land, looking to contribute to the creation of a sustainable timber trade. By working closely with local landowners the project makes sure that all stakeholders are fairly rewarded for their efforts. The program plants teak trees and other species for future sustainable timber production, as well as supporting the local community.

The project protects the remaining patches of native forest land and creates additional protected areas on riverbanks and other watersheds. The forests offer a natural habitat for native animals and plants, protecting and enriching the soil as well as saving and filtering water. All this contributes to the fight against the greenhouse effect.

How does this help the environment?

• Reduced deforestation – Planted around 360,000 trees on 4 different farms.
• Removing CO2 – The project has supported cleaner air with 45.6 tonnes of carbon dioxide removed.
• Natural Forests and nature protected – About 25-30% of the farms are areas where natural forests are left protected; enhancing plants and wildlife.
• Watersheds protected – Trees are not cut down within 100 metres of the river and creek to protect plants, wildlife and soil.
• Creating jobs – The project has provided more than 200 jobs during the planting periods and approximately 30 permanent ones. Jobs come with salary contracts, social security and equal pay for men and women.
• Help for farmers – By signing a Shared Benefit Agreement with Nicaforest, the farmers are able to enter the international timber and carbon market. Something that wouldn’t have been possible without the program.
• Transfer of know-how – The training and education of staff is an important part of operations. Furthermore, students from universities of natural sciences participate in programs enabling them to complete their education through field studies.
• Local food growth – The program developed a system for people without land to grow food crops like beans in between rows of trees. Over 70 tonnes of crop has been produced so far.
• Increased community support – A more reliable income for farmers, as they benefit from both the timber and carbon market. The increase in job opportunities supports the local communities.

Bristol’s Greenest Letting Agent

We are really proud to be supporting projects like these on behalf of our tenants and landlords. We’re also proudly growing our own ‘Letting Game Forest’ on behalf of our Bristol landlords, tenants and our team, you can read more about it here. All in support of our mission to become Bristol’s greenest letting agent.

If you would like to let your property through Bristol’s greenest letting agent then please give us a call.

 

Find out more Call 0117 9898 215

Team TLG raise £1,060 for charity!

On Saturday the 30th July, some of our Letting Game team ran, walked and hobbled 100k around Bristol, raising funds for our official charitable partner, The Bristol Animal Rescue Centre (Bristol A.R.C). We are extremely proud to have raised over £1,000 for the Rescue Centre, and our team would like to thank each and every person who gave what they could. Your donations will help Bristol’s most vulnerable animals at our city’s oldest and largest animal rescue centre.

Here are a few shots of our team at the finish line. Head over to our Instagram for more exclusive snaps and videos of the event, as well as our pet-friendly properties!

Why did we do this?

We’re proud to be a Bristol independent business and wanted to do our bit for the City’s animals. As we launched Bristol’s first pet-friendly lettings service in 2018, it made sense to join forces with Bristol Animal Rescue Centre – Bristol’s longest-standing and largest local animal charity. Every pound raised will go towards rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming Bristol’s most vulnerable animals.

£5 could help provide an animal treat pack, such as a bouncy ball or tasty snack, which will reduce stress and brighten up their time with Bristol ARC

£10 could help provide warm comfy beds for our feline friends whilst they wait for their forever homes

£25 could help provide a well-being kit for the pooches, including providing calming music, soothing scents and a comfortable blanket to help reduce stress

On behalf of The Bristol A.R.C and our team, thank you for your incredible support!

So you’re thinking of becoming a Bristol landlord?

Over the next couple of months our letting team, with over 15 years’ experience running Bristol’s best letting agency, will use their expertise to give you some nuggets of information. We’ll help to set you on your journey to becoming a successful Bristol landlord. 

In this article we’ll talk you through where to start, the costs and give you some helpful tips. We really hope you enjoy the ride.

Becoming a landlord

While investing in the Bristol property market may be a way to see a sizeable profit when you eventually come to sell it – do bear in mind that particularly in the early days, you could be running at a loss. Things like getting your property ready to rent, maintenance, repairs, insurances, Health and Safety checks, voids in tenancy or a change in mortgage interest rates can all eat into profits. The key is to be realistic; if you are looking to make a quick buck, this probably won’t happen. That said, whilst there is always a risk, property investment can be both financially and personally rewarding.

Where do I start?

So you want to invest in Bristol property but are not sure where to start? Well first things first, do you have a property to let? If you already own a property you want to rent out then that’s step 1. However, if you do still have a mortgage then make sure you have a conversation with your lender – letting without the agreement of your provider could breach the contract.

If you don’t have a property to let and aren’t a cash buyer, you’ll probably need to find a mortgage. Spending time to find the best buy-to-let mortgage deal could save you a lot of money. This is also a good way of understanding what you can afford. Typically, with a buy-to-let mortgage, you’ll need a bigger deposit, interest rates tend to be higher, and the fees are often more expensive than for your home.

Costs include deposit, interest rates and fees, but be sure to read through all the charges including ‘early repayment’; consider how long you are looking to hold on to this investment when choosing a deal.

With some good mortgage research, you’ll understand your budget for your rental, but there are other costs to consider.

What are the costs of being a landlord?

Whether you own a property or are paying the mortgage, there are other expenses to consider as a landlord, including:

• Building Insurance – you’ll find this is a requirement of most mortgage lenders.
• Buying the property – Legal expenses, surveys, stamp duty etc.
• Legal and mandatory costs – Include landlord registration (depends on which council https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council), Energy Performance Certificate, Deposit Protection Scheme and ICO registration.
• Licensing costs – These range depending on the type of property you are letting e.g., Bristol HMOs have additional licencing requirements. We’ve got HMO licensing experts that can help you with this.
• Health & Safety Legal requirements – You’ll need to make sure that the property is safe for your tenants. This includes gas, electric and fire safety checks. If you are using a good letting agent then they can arrange these for you.
• Letting agent fees – You can pay a letting agency to take away the hassle of advertising the property (photos, floorplans and listing), book viewings, arranging the let and vetting the tenants (referencing and credit checks.) They’ll also draft the letting agreement and collect the security deposit. Find out more>
• Maintenance and repairs – Again, you can use a letting agent to manage your tenants and ongoing maintenance, but the property needs to be kept in a good state of repair. The Renters Reform bill will tighten the legislation around this.
• Tax – After all that if you’re still making a profit then HMRC will want their cut! You’ll have to pay income tax on any profits you make from your Bristol rental.

Head or heart

Some landlords fall into the trap of treating the property like it’s going to be their home, spending extra money on expensive finishes and furnishings. Remember, every tenant will have their own taste, with the majority looking for a clean and well-decorated property; neutral colours will usually make sure you don’t put anyone off. That being said, it is nice to have one or two touches to make the property feel more attractive and homely for a new tenant.

Think through all your expenditure; is this needed? Will this add value? Does it make the property more appealing? Will this have broad appeal? Can I afford it?

An easy-to-damage worktop might not be the right choice over a more durable surface that can still look good, but last for years. A high-spec fitted kitchen from a luxury or high-end brand may look brilliant but it might not draw you any more rent than a high-spec kitchen from a budget company. It might be an appropriate spend for a penthouse in Clifton, but maybe not a flat in Filton.
That’s not to say that investing in a nice kitchen and bathroom doesn’t pay, a nicer finish will often command a higher rent and make for a happier tenant. You also don’t want to buy something that’s not going to last; just be mindful that this is ultimately a business.

HMO Compliance and Licensing made easy

With over 14 years of experience managing and letting HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) across Bristol and the surrounding area, we’re the go-to HMO letting and managing experts. Below we talk about how our expert team can help support Bristol landlords, which includes our compliance and licensing expert Alex. Whether it’s looking to turn a property into a Bristol (or South Gloucestershire if on edge of Bristol) HMO, to understanding how the requirements for landlords have changed, we can help.

What’s your favourite bit of your job:

Do I have to say something nice about Jack here? Joking aside, I really enjoy getting involved in the social media side of the business, posting our ‘first look’ of properties on Instagram means I get to have a little nosey at all the lovely properties we’ve got coming onto the market.

Favourite thing to do on a day off:

This is tricky, but it depends on the weather. If it’s sunny, a walk around the harbourside is bliss for me, stopping off for a cheeky margarita at Cargo Cantina, obviously! If it’s a bit damp and drizzly, my husband is a bit of a film nerd, so a splurge on a cinema trip to Everyman is perfect, I can go to sleep on their comfy sofas with a blanket and he’d never know!

Best date night dinner out:

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.

Best pub:

This has got to be my local, The Grace, on Gloucester Road. The beer garden out the back is so pretty, with the added bonus of patio heaters, so it’s perfect all year round. The small plates make for the best sharing nibbles over a pint, and their Bloody Marys are the best, in my opinion! I would strongly recommend an order (or two) of their focaccia, unreal!

Go-to shop in Bristol:

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. I absolutely love Interior Design, and my home is filled to the brim with houseplants (you can never have enough), so both of these fantastic local businesses provide everything I will ever need!

Office lunch favourite:

Fridays tend to involve an office takeaway for lunch, which is usually Eat a Pitta, it’s a firm favourite for everyone, to be honest!

Top tip for city living:

City life, and life in general, can get a little loud at times. I live in Horfield, so one of my favourite retreats is to head for a walk up Purdown, towards the BT Tower and Stoke Park Estate. Looking back out across the city after a trek up the hill gives me a completely different aspect of the city, it’s strangely calming.

100k run for Bristol Animal Rescue Centre

HMO Compliance and Licensing made easy

With over 14 years of experience managing and letting HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) across Bristol and the surrounding area, we’re the go-to HMO letting and managing experts. Below we talk about how our expert team can help support Bristol landlords, which includes our compliance and licensing expert Alex. Whether it’s looking to turn a property into a Bristol (or South Gloucestershire if on edge of Bristol) HMO, to understanding how the requirements for landlords have changed, we can help.

What are we doing?

On Saturday 30th July some of our Letting Game team will be running, walking and perhaps crawling a total of 100k across Bristol, in support of our furry friends at the Bristol Animal Rescue Centre.

Why are we doing this?

We’re proud to be a Bristol independent business and want to do our bit for the City’s animals. As we launched Bristol’s first pet-friendly letting service in 2018, it made sense to join forces with Bristol Animal Rescue Centre – Bristol’s longest-standing and largest local animal charity.

Want to help?

We’d love your help raising money to support Bristol A.R.C’s vital work within the local community. Every pound raised will go towards rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming Bristol’s most vulnerable animals. If you’d like to donate visit our JustGiving page.

£5 could help provide an animal treat pack, such as a bouncy ball or tasty snack, to reduce stress and brighten up their time with Bristol ARC

£10 could help provide warm comfy beds for our feline friends whilst they wait for their forever homes

£25 could help provide a well-being kit for the pooches, including providing calming music, soothing scents and a comfortable blanket to help reduce stress

Bristol Animal Rescue Centre is the city’s oldest and largest animal rescue centre, helping, healing and homing thousands of animals each year.

HMO Compliance and Licensing made easy

With over 14 years of experience managing and letting HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) across Bristol and the surrounding area, we’re the go-to HMO letting and managing experts. Below we talk about how our expert team can help support Bristol landlords, which includes our compliance and licensing expert Alex. Whether it’s looking to turn a property into a Bristol (or South Gloucestershire if on edge of Bristol) HMO, to understanding how the requirements for landlords have changed, we can help.

Taran, one of our brilliant apprentices shares his experience:

“Being an apprentice allowed me to join The Letting Game team with little knowledge and be guided and developed to achieve the skills needed as a Property Manager. I joined The Letting Game because of the fun work atmosphere, and their modern, strong beliefs and values, such as going carbon neutral. My apprenticeship with TLG has given me a wealth of experience that will help me succeed in my current, and future roles.”

We’re committed to helping our apprentices develop their skills over several years, and have developed wonderful, high calibre colleagues as a result. This is why we’re delighted to introduce our new partnership with local Bristol providers, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College!

SGS stood out to us for their dedication to local businesses, their impressive Bristol Talent programme, and their drive to support the city’s current students and future professionals!

Watch this space to see our next apprentice vacancy in partnership with SGS!

100k run for Bristol Animal Rescue Centre

HMO Compliance and Licensing made easy

With over 14 years of experience managing and letting HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) across Bristol and the surrounding area, we’re the go-to HMO letting and managing experts. Below we talk about how our expert team can help support Bristol landlords, which includes our compliance and licensing expert Alex. Whether it’s looking to turn a property into a Bristol (or South Gloucestershire if on edge of Bristol) HMO, to understanding how the requirements for landlords have changed, we can help.

Our top picks

So here are some of our go-to places to eat for a first-night treat, second night, or third..

Chinese/noodle bars 

Wokyo, Wapping Wharf 

With plenty of options on the menu to cater to most dietary requirements and tastes, this award-winning Bristol hotspot is well known for its incredible ramen, and with a sensible price tag, this treat won’t break the bank.

Go for: Ramen, you just have to!

Stay for: The Bao buns, you’re welcome.

Indian

Urban Tandoor, City Centre 

As self-proclaimed “pioneers of Indian food in Bristol” the skilled chefs at Urban Tandoor create some beautiful dishes.  What makes them so unique is their approach, they use less oil, no artificial colours, and fresh ingredients so their cooking is always light and fresh.

Go for: Genuine authentic Indian street food. 

Stay for: An enjoyable, memorable dining experience.

Italian

Bosco, Whiteladies Road

From its chic interior to its incredible food and friendly staff, Bosco always delivers. The food is deliciously authentic, and with a small but perfectly formed cocktail list, a tipple is a must! A trip to Bosco wouldn’t be complete without tasting their iconic arancini balls, cheesy, ricey, deep-fried goodness!

Go for: Gorgeous Italian food in a chic setting.

Stay for: We’ve said it once, and we will say it again, arancini balls.

Burgers

Three Brothers Burgers, Welsh Back

If you love casual dining in a unique spot, head to Three Brothers, sometimes affectionately known as ‘the burger boat’. If you’re veggie or vegan, you might also find this one of the more accommodating burger joints, with most of their main menu available for differing dietary requirements.

Go for: Scratching your comfort food itch with freshly cooked burgers.

Stay for: Unique surroundings, and a great range of local beers and ciders.

Pub Grub

The Hobgoblin, Gloucester Road

This Gloucester Road establishment really encompasses what Bristol is all about, good food, a great atmosphere, promising a good fun time. With a varied menu, the food never disappoints, and their dirty fries are the perfect Sunday quiz night snack!

Go for: A proper pub experience.

Stay for: Beer and food, what else?

Steak

Pasture, Redcliffe

What list of ‘where to eat in Bristol’ wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Pasture? While you often have to book in advance, it is well worth it. Choose from their main menu of steaks or share one of their three specialities, just make sure you get their truffle fries!

Go for: The tastiest steak in Bristol, there you go, we said it!

Stay for: Delicious starters and friendly, helpful staff.

Vegan

Koocha Mezza, Cotham

You can’t miss this place. The exterior mural by local artist Alex Lucas means the beautiful blue building really stands out from the crowd. You can choose to order their small plates or a hearty, meat-free kebab, their creative menu is the gift that keeps on giving, and there’s a bottomless brunch…

Go for: A wide choice of delicious food.

Stay for: A fun atmosphere with the friendliest of staff.