Swansea’s largest independent estate agent Dawsons has partnered with flatfair, a payment technology firm making renting fairer, to bring deposit-free renting to Swansea, Llanelli and surrounding areas.
Dawsons’ forward-thinking approach means it is the first agent in the region to offer flatfair’s simple, safe and affordable alternative to costly tenancy deposits. flatfair’s No Deposit solution allows renters to pay a small, one-off fee equivalent to one week’s rent plus VAT instead of finding five times the amount to put down as a deposit. At the end of the tenancy, any payment for damages is mutually agreed and arbitrated by a third party, if necessary.
With the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 coming into effect later this year, which aims to simplify tenancy contracts, the new partnership will streamline the rental process even further.
The partnership, which will integrate flatfair with lettings platform Goodlord, allowing Dawsons to manage the process centrally, aims to take the stress out of the rental process for tenants and agents alike.
Gary Wright, co-CEO of flatfair, said: “It’s important for us to only partner with agents whom we fully trust, and Dawsons’ multiple awards and national recognition speak volumes about the care the company takes with its customers. Finding a tenancy deposit is becoming more difficult for people everywhere across the UK, and we hope bringing deposit-free renting to South Wales is a first step on the path to extending our services throughout Wales.”
Ricky Purdy, director of lettings at Dawsons, said: “We had been considering the option of a traditional deposit alternative for some time, taking our time to ensure any partnership and therefore our offering, aligned with our brand and service levels, along with the expectations of our landlords and tenants alike. Safe to say we have found that in flatfair, and are delighted to begin the journey offering our landlords such added value, reassurance and peace of mind, and of course our tenants the convenience and advantages during the new tenant journey and long after, that flatfair allows us to provide.”