A new social enterprise lettings agency has opened in London, offering landlords property management that reinvests profits into supporting people experiencing homelessness.

Good Place Lettings is a joint venture between homelessness charity Crisis and Homes for Good, the award-winning Glasgow ethical lettings agency. Based in Brick Lane, it replicates the property management model Homes for Good has run for over a decade.

Director Ben Rayner (main picture) says his agency is looking for landlords who understand the importance of providing quality homes and want services rooted in ethical management practices, accountability, clear communication, tenancy support and transparent fees.

He says: “Regulation and reforms are making it more complex to be a self-managing landlord, which is why some are looking to exit the market.

Making a difference

“We offer an alternative and landlords interested in making a lasting difference to the experience of private renting in London should get in touch.”

As a Community Interest Company, profits are reinvested into supporting people experiencing homelessness and on low incomes to find affordable homes in London.

The agency manages properties let at both market and affordable rental levels, including to people who receive housing benefit. While many tenancies will be at market rents, the model works for landlords wanting to offer homes to those who might otherwise be excluded.

Susan Aktemel, Founder of Homes for Good, says: “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.”

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.”

Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis, says: “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.”

The launch has been made possible with funding from Lloyds Banking Group and The National Lottery Community Fund.