My role as Residential & Commercial Lettings Manager at National Trust by Jo Doran

Working for the National Trust is a privilege - particularly in the role of Residential & Commercial Lettings Manager. My office views are unparalleled, and I’ve learnt so much more than just lettings!

Based within the London & Surrey Team, I support the Estate Manager for London in looking after the day-to-day management of Commercial & Residential tenancies. I’m responsible for looking after residential rent reviews, renewals and reletting properties within the patch. I also manage inspection schedules with the Building Supervisor and Estate Manager and offer support to tenants.

The team’s made up of several Estate Management and Building professionals. There’s a shared ethos and we all work together to achieve the best results for the properties we look after. I get to be involved in various projects, which helps broaden my knowledge and interests.

Working in lettings for the National Trust is very different from a high street operation. The properties we look after are steeped in history and generally character properties which need a little more creative thinking in approach to letting than your average two up, two down. These properties can be sat within the pay barrier of a tourist attraction or part of a working Estate. Our properties often come with their own unique challenges; it’s so rewarding to match the right tenant with the right property and see them thrive in their new environment. Historic houses are not for everyone!

Our team’s always watching for new developments within the lettings industry and practices change all the time to meet the demands of this ever-evolving industry. The National Trust has let properties for a long time, and is investing in its stock and its people, expanding this area of the business so it is recognised not as just one of the largest landowners in the country but striving to be one of the best landlords as well.

This is the only lettings role where you can interview candidates to rent a wing of a stately home in the morning, and help herd sheep in the afternoon!