New lettings agency launches to bring social purpose to the private rented sector

A new lettings agency has launched to tackle housing inequality by “bringing more social purpose to the private rental market”.

Good Place Lettings, created as a joint venture between the national homelessness charity Crisis and Homes for Good, claims it offers “a socially responsible alternative” for landlords who either self-manage or rely on traditional lettings agencies.

With new regulations and reforms prompting many landlords to exit the market, the lettings agency says it “offers an alternative and aims to build a network of socially minded landlords who share its vision of a rental market that works for everyone”.

Regulation to the PRS are making it more complex and challenging to be a self-managing landlord

The lettings agency is a Community Interest Company (CIC), and profits generated by the agency will be reinvested into supporting people experiencing homelessness and those on low incomes to find affordable homes in London.

The model works for landlords who want to offer their properties to those who might otherwise be excluded from the private rental market, such as people recovering from a personal housing crisis, or on low incomes who often face being pushed out of their local areas.

Ben Rayner, director at Good Place Lettings, explains the lettings agency offers an alternative to the rental market.

He 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.”

A severe shortage of social housing

Matt Downie, chief executive of Crisis, says they are looking forward to working with responsible landlords to tackle the housing crisis.

He said: “Good Place Lettings is a truly exciting new initiative. It shows that the private rented sector can and should be a place where people on low incomes, or facing homelessness, can build a life with a safe and secure home.

“With such a severe shortage of social housing, it’s vital that we have an inclusive private rented sector that provides good quality, genuinely affordable homes. Without this, we’ll see homelessness continue to rise and more people stuck in shoddy temporary accommodation.

“As we work to tackle the exclusionary practices that have left too many people without a settled home, it’s terrific to see Good Place Lettings open for business.

“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, said: “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.”

Landlords can find more by clicking here.