Q&A: Get to know adviser Sally

In the latest of our meet the team blogs, get to know one of our advisers, Sally (pictured below) better.

Sally is one of several advisers on the landlord advice team who provides advice on tenancy regulations in Wales. With housing in England and Wales devolved, Sally helps landlords with properties in both countries understand tenancy regulations. 

Here, we chat to Sally about some of the changes ahead for landlords in Wales this year, what she enjoys the most about being an NRLA adviser and their favourite piece of advice.

Read more in our series of Q&A blogs. Get to know NRLA Wales representative Gill Owens and NRLA Wales operations manager, Steve Bletsoe. 

Hi Sally. Lovely to meet you! Tell us a bit more about you. What is your role at the NRLA?

I am an adviser on the NRLA advice team, and I have been an adviser for 14 Years, originally working  for the National Federation of Residential Landlords based on the South Coast. I remember I first started not long after the introduction of Deposit Protection Legislation. (I know I can’t believe it’s been that long since it was first made law!). I have been in customer service type roles for all my working life, including 15 years as cabin crew. I have recently been promoted to one of the Team Leaders for the Advice Line.  

What do you enjoy most about your role as one of our expert advisers

I am a landlord myself so I have always had a keen interest in this sector but I really enjoy being able to help people and put them on the right track. It’s very rewarding to be told that I have been able to assist a landlord with sorting out a difficult situation, or to be thanked for having put their mind at ease.

Are there any queries that have been particularly memorable, and what advice were you able to give?

We do get to hear all sorts of strange and unusual situations. We have probably heard most things so members should not worry about asking us. Some memorable ones include swans nesting in the garden pond, one tenant moving in 22 cats (without consent), to unscrupulous individuals advertising on- line services with the landlords property as the backdrop!!  

As a very experienced adviser, you have given advice on so many different scenarios. If there was one piece of advice you'd give to a would-be landlord, what would it be?

My one piece of advice would be RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH. (or is that 3 pieces of advice?) But my point is firstly to research the property, the area, market values, and your potential tenant market. Are you going to be renting to a family for example, or single professionals. Are there any Local Authority restrictions ? For example Licensing schemes, that may affect your plans or your profits. And most importantly, know what the law requires of you. Being part of the NRLA is crucial to this. We can provide you with the knowledge, resources and continuous updates to ensure you don’t fall foul of the law.

Sound advice. What's the best piece of advice you have received?

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS is one. Mainly because as a landlord you often have to follow your gut instinct, which 9 times out of 10 proves to be correct. Also KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON. A cliché,  but so true when all seems to be going wrong, just keep going, work through it, try not to let it stress you out and it will pass, eventually.

When you're not giving our members expert advice, what do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy fitness and running,  5-10 K distances usually, although I did do one half marathon not so long ago. Walking my 2 dachshund dogs on the south downs or the beach.  And of course spending time with my family, especially if it involves a country pub lunch .