Meet and greet! What are your backgrounds?

[MrShed]

Well, just thought following a question from a poster, that it would be interesting to see what peoples background is in letting, in particular for the (few!) regular posters/"resident experts" in this section.

I personally, do not actually come from that strong a letting background. I do not work in the industry, and I am actually an IT technician. But, I am basically a very avid "student" of letting law, it is one of my hobbies so to speak(sad I know!). I always try to keep up to date with it, and I have the NAEA qualification in letting. I also manage a small portfolio of properties, mainly flats. In these respects I am mainly aware of the theoretical side of the law, but I try to keep up to date with the theory of the practical side if that makes sense - IE I ensure I know the practice, even if I have not done it personally myself.

*EDIT* thought, might be useful to add my particular knowledgeable areas and the opposite!

Key areas:
- Assured Shorthold Tenancies generally, including the obligations and rights of landlords during such tenancies.
- Deposit disputes
- Section 21 and Section 8 notices(evictions)
- Resolving repair issues

Weak areas:
- HMOs(homes of multiple occupancy)
- Council rehousing law and policies
- Legal minimum conditions of properties(electrical regs, definition of uninhabitable, fireproofing etc)
- Tenancies other than assured tenancies(in particular rent act tenancies and Scottish tenancies)

Whos next?

[Joa]

well, nice to meet you sheddy.
my name Joanna and i am a CAG addict.
my background is shrouded in cobwebs of a CAB office in a deprived outer London where i did time (3yrs). currently, moved up in a world (sarcasm is my favourite past-time in private) and serve students in a large London student union. my specialities (and i use this term lightly, because there are days when my brain evaporates!) are: cream cakes, welfare benefits, private sector housing and homelessness, debt managment and employment law.
i am a passionate ME campaigner, have 5 cats and i am POLISH (yes, we are taking over).

[MrShed]

Originally Posted by Joa

well, nice to meet you sheddy.

After all this time and you reckon you've only just met me!! how rude!

[Joa]

we have never been formally introduced! i feel so much better now

[MrShed]

Oh and to add, my "real" name is Scott and I am from sunny Newcastle!

[demon_x_slash]

First-time tenant, problem-free tenancy (so far, touch wood!) coming up for three years now. I don't like to be plunged in at the deep end, so I read up My particular skill? Absorbing information. I can read 'n' read 'n' read 'n' read, then regurgitate in simpler or more complex form, depending on the audience.

Oh, and my real name is Demon_x_slash...

[Planner]

26 Years Old

Town Planner (Boo Hiss)

Northwest of England

Renting since 2000 (three different Houses and Three Different Landlords)

Had to to take last LL to Small Claims to return deposit. Went all the way to a hearing before he was ordered to return it.

Currently at present rent for 1 1/2 years - no problems so far!

[Pacm0n]

My background in a nutshell...

Started working for large corporate Letting agency in 2003. Started out there as a Assistant Property Manager. Achieve a distinction in ARLA level one and taking ARLA level 2 later on this year, (July 20th or thereabouts).

I now work for a letting agency in the midlands who have been established for 2 1/2 years. (My previous area manager of the large corporate company set the business up and took me with him) We started with 10 Managed Units and now Manage 767 (end of April 2007).