A new letting agency, Good Place Lettings, has launched today in London with the goal of offering a more socially responsible approach to property management in the private rented sector.
Based on Brick Lane in the East End, the agency works with landlords to provide quality homes at both market and affordable rents. This includes housing for tenants receiving housing benefit.
The agency is a joint venture between national homelessness charity Crisis and Glasgow-based letting agency Homes for Good. It draws on a property management model developed by Homes for Good over the past decade, which combines standard lettings services with a focus on ethical management and tenant support.
Good Place Lettings is a Community Interest Company (CIC), meaning any profits will be reinvested into helping people facing homelessness or on low incomes access affordable homes in London.
The agency is already working with a group of landlords who offer properties at a range of rent levels, including homes for people at risk of exclusion from the private rental market. Tenants may include individuals recovering from housing crises or those on low incomes who are increasingly priced out of local areas.
Start-up funding for the initiative was provided by Lloyds Banking Group and The National Lottery Community Fund.
Ben Rayner, director at Good Place Lettings, said: “The private rented sector in London is under huge pressure from low levels of new supply which are limiting choice and pushing up rents. It has been very encouraging to meet and work with landlords who want to offer good quality rented homes at varying rent levels to help a wider range of renters with different backgrounds, while helping to improve standards in the rental market.
“Regulation and reforms to the private rental market are making it more complex and challenging to be a self-managing landlord, which is why some are looking to exit the market. We offer an alternative and landlords interested in making a lasting difference to the experience of private renting in London should get in touch.”
The official launch will bring together partners, supporters, and stakeholders to celebrate the agency’s mission and ambitions for a sustainable response to the housing crisis. It will showcase the work already done and the path ahead, outlining how people can get involved, whether as landlords, or supporters.
Susan Aktemel, founder of Homes for Good, commented: “At its heart, Good Place Lettings is a values-led business, just like Homes for Good, driven by a determination to make the rental sector a thriving market where both tenants and landlords get what they need. We are delighted to bring our model to the London market.
“The team are committed to building a reputation as the go-to agency in London for landlords who want their property rented out easily and ethically, and for tenants who want an affordable home from an agency they can trust.”
