The race for dominance in the deposit alternative field continues apace.

Now franchise giant Hunters has teamed up with flatfair to bring deposit-free renting to tenants across its national network of over 200 offices.

Hunters tenants now have an option on certain properties instead pay what the agency calls “an affordable one-off membership fee” at the beginning of the tenancy. 

End-of-tenancy charges are settled on a pay-as-you-leave basis – the agency says this provides improved transparency and more control to both tenants and landlords.

A statement from Hunters adds: “Landlords can also benefit from the new scheme with flatfair’s unrivalled protection, faster pay-outs and fewer void periods between tenancies. flatfair is insured by an A-rated financial institution and works with government-authorised adjudicators, so tenants, landlords and agents can all enjoy peace of mind.”

And Hunters lettings director Carrie Alliston says: “We aim to make the lettings process as easy as possible for our customers and are committed to innovation. flatfair’s digital platform makes registration and resolutions quick, easy and accessible and is a welcome addition to our lettings proposition.”

Franz Doerr, chief executive and founder of flatfair comments: “We are incredibly proud that Hunters has selected flatfair as their deposit alternative of choice in the UK. We strongly believe that our technology solution offers a safer, more streamlined approach in comparison with the numerous insurance products that have entered the deposit replacement market and are pleased that Hunters has recognised that.”

Flatfair and Zero Deposit are the two deposit alternative companies that appear to be slogging it out for dominance in the growing sector.