In our ongoing efforts to improve the rental landscape in Cheltenham, we have an exciting proposal that could set new standards for the local market: the establishment of an ethical letting agency. This innovative approach could benefit both tenants and responsible landlords, while raising the bar for letting agent behaviour across Cheltenham.

What is an Ethical Letting Agency?

An ethical letting agency is a property management service that prioritizes fair treatment of tenants and promotes responsible landlord practices. Unlike traditional letting agencies that often prioritize profit over people, an ethical agency would:

1. Eliminate fees for tenants
2. Minimize fees for landlords
3. Ensure properties meet high standards of safety and quality
4. Mediate fairly between tenants and landlords
5. Promote long-term, stable tenancies

How Would It Work?

The proposed ethical letting agency could be set up as a partnership between the Cheltenham Tenant Union, responsible landlords, and Cheltenham Borough Council. Here's how it could function:

1. Utilise Existing Resources: The agency could leverage the expertise and resources already available through Cheltenham Borough Homes, the council's arm's-length management organisation for social housing.
2. Comprehensive Property Management: Offer full property management services to landlords, including maintenance, repairs, and tenant placement.
3. Fair Fee Structure: Implement a transparent, fair fee structure that eliminates charges to tenants and minimizes costs for landlords.
4. High Standards: Set and maintain high standards for property conditions, using the council's environmental health knowledge to ensure all properties meet or exceed legal requirements.
5. Mediation Services: Provide impartial mediation services to resolve disputes between tenants and landlords fairly and efficiently.
6. Promote Stability: Encourage longer-term tenancies to provide security for tenants and stable income for landlords.

Benefits for Tenants

1. No letting agency fees
2. Higher quality, well-maintained properties
3. Fair treatment and representation
4. Increased housing stability
5. No eviction for good tenants

Benefits for Landlords

1. Lower management fees
2. Professional property management and maintenance services
3. Reliable, pre-vetted tenants
4. Reduced vacancy periods
5. Support in meeting legal obligations

Impact on the Cheltenham Rental Market

By setting a new standard for ethical practice, this agency could:

1. Force other letting agencies to improve their practices to remain competitive
2. Provide a benchmark for fair fees and quality service
3. Improve overall housing standards in the private rental sector
4. Encourage more responsible landlords to enter the market
5. Reduce instances of tenant exploitation and unfair practices

How Can the Cheltenham Tenant Union Make This Happen?

Make rent an election issue, at every election.

While 35% of Cheltenham's council taxpayers are renters, the Borough Council seems to ignore their needs despite having power to help. In some wards, over 50% of voters rent. If councillors realize these residents will vote for pro-tenant candidates, democratic pressure could drive positive change.

Renters must act together by voting for candidates who pledge to deliver an ethical letting agency and enact and enforce airbnb regulation.

What next?

Leaflets: A Simple, Effective Way to Grow Our Union

5,000 low-budget A5 leaflets cost £100 to print and £400 to deliver. On average, each leaflet grows the Union by 50-100 members. The more leaflets, the more members—it's simple and effective. But we need your help to make it happen.

If you can't print or deliver, you can still help by donating to fund this vital work.

Make a one off donation

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An ethical letting agency in Cheltenham could be a game-changer for our local rental market. By taking the lead on this initiative, the Cheltenham Tenant Union has the opportunity to create lasting positive change for renters and responsible landlords alike. Let's work together to make this vision a reality and set a new standard for fair, ethical renting in our community.