Landlord-tenant matching service Capital Letters has signed a deal with digital firm EVO to speed-up its repairs and compliance services.

The not-for-profit body set up by councils in London, which is funded by DLUHC, says the new partnership will help it to raise living standards for 5,000 tenants it has found homes for.

While those in temporary accommodation in London currently totals 56,500, and 68% of those with children, Capital Letters expects the figure to almost double to 100,000 in the next 12 months. The company has homed over 4,000 families since it was formed in 2019.

EVO’s digital platform connects tenants and landlords with skilled tradespeople, allowing for issues to be resolved in the shortest possible time.

Tenants can raise problems as they happen, and landlords do not have a long-term build-up of issues or consequential property damage.

Serious problem

Sue Coulson, CEO of Capital Letters, says: “This partnership adds breadth and depth to the company’s range of services as well supporting our primary objective of finding good quality, affordable secure homes so families can move out of temporary accommodation or avoid becoming homeless.

“Our partnership with EVO will allow us to add further value to our work with our member boroughs, increasing supply to address the homelessness crisis in London, driving up standards in the private rented sector and supporting successful tenancies for both landlords and tenants.”

Steven Rae, CEO of EVO Digital Technologies, says: “EVO was born from a desire to improve tenant and landlord experience, as well as to tackle the serious problem of homelessness.

“I am really pleased that we have found a partner fully aligned with our core values and beliefs.”

Main picture: left to right: Craig Calder, commercial director, EVO, Steven Rae, CEO, EVO, Elizabeth Harper, director of operations, Capital Letters, Fiona Hollingsworth, head of housing and growth, Capital Letters, Lowri Lawrence, asset and contract manager, Capital Letters