Why I Joined Good Place Lettings
I’ve spent years in the housing sector, from working in the local authorities’ homelessness department on the front lines of the UK’s homelessness crisis to providing specialised housing advice at a London Legal Advice Centre. Throughout this time, I’ve witnessed firsthand the struggles people face - having no choice but to move into ever-poorer quality accommodation while paying ever-higher rents. The attitude of local authority homelessness teams, through necessity, often appears resigned to the worsening quality of accommodation they are pushing people into. Many more are left with no accommodation at all.
I was left feeling that the system was failing at an exponential rate, with nothing being done on the scale that the crisis required. Something radical was needed.
It’s this drive for change that led me to Good Place Lettings, a social enterprise lettings agent with a mission to reshape the private rented sector. I was inspired by their commitment to creating a more ethical, responsible approach. With social housing no longer an option for the majority of households, reshaping the private-rented sector may be the most important policy goal in UK housing.
The housing crisis in the UK is worsening alarmingly quickly. Social housing, once a lifeline for those in need, is now effectively a non-option due to long waiting lists. Management issues and funding levels also mean this accommodation is often poor quality and plagued with issues. In my time working with local authorities and legal centres I’ve seen how homelessness is often tackled with temporary fixes: pushing people into substandard emergency accommodation, such as bed & breakfasts or hotels, which fail to provide a long-term solution.
I have seen appalling standards and offensive levels of customer service in my time battling housing associations to meet the bare minimum, let alone provide decent homes.
Of course, the crisis extends beyond just the social housing sector. The private rented sector has become a catch-all for those left with no options. With demand far outpacing supply, tenants are forced to accept poor living conditions and rising rents. Unfortunately, there is a minority of unscrupulous landlords happy to take advantage of this, providing accommodation barely considered liveable while bullying or ignoring their tenants.
I’ve worked with countless clients in these situations, and it’s clear that the current system is failing to meet the needs of those most at risk.
The Good Place Lettings Approach
Good Place Lettings stands out because it’s built around a social enterprise model that prioritises ethics, fairness, and responsibility over shareholder profit. Their mission is simple: to provide high-quality homes to those in need while creating a sustainable, profitable environment for landlords. By focusing on the needs of tenants, landlords, and the community, Good Place Lettings is driving meaningful change in a sector that has often been indifferent to its social responsibilities.
One of the key aspects that sets Good Place Lettings apart is its focus on affordability without compromising on quality. In addition to market-rent properties which make the model sustainable, they work hard to secure properties at truly affordable rents for tenants. With the profits going back into the community, Good Place Lettings is helping to slow the rapid rise in rental prices that are squeezing so many people out of stable homes.
Why Landlords Should Choose Good Place Lettings
In my experience, the worst elements of the private rented sector are driven by corporate-style property management: focused on numbers above people. Good Place Lettings offers a refreshing alternative. We provide full property management services, ensuring your property is well-maintained and your tenants are happy - all while helping you achieve both profitability and a social impact.
We want to make sure you have the highest levels of service. We’ll give you the knowledge and transparency to let us manage your property with confidence (without breaking the bank!)
Good Place Lettings offers a partnership that delivers real value. We’re committed to keeping rents reasonable, maintaining high standards, and ensuring you have good tenants through professional management. By working with us, landlords can feel good knowing they’re contributing to their communities while still making a profit with a management fee of 12.5% and no unnecessary charges. It’s about creating a sustainable, socially responsible rental business that works for everyone involved.
If you’re a landlord tired of the traditional lettings model, get in touch today to learn how Good Place Lettings can help you make a profit while doing something incredible for your community.
