ABC Lettings, a lettings agency actually run by Ashford council in Kent, has won an award for helping thousands of people facing homelessness find homes in the private rented sector.

Kent Housing Group award judges said: “ABC Lettings is truly exemplary in the private rented sector. They continue to provide excellent services to landlords and tenants alike, as they’ve done since launching in 2012. Tenants have praised their caring, helpful and informative approach.

“ABC Lettings’ effectiveness and innovation shines through, sustaining tenancies, improving PRS housing standards and generating income for the council. All this despite challenges in the private rented sector.”

ABC Lettings manages more than 200 properties across Ashford, Folkestone and Hythe. It offers landlords what it calls “a no hassle, no hidden cost lettings service – all from an organisation which has a reputation for a careful and considered approach and is not motivated by profit.”

It offers a fully managed service for landlords who want a low-risk, hands off management service. For experienced landlords it also offers a tenant find service.

ABC Lettings manager Victoria Henham comments: “For more than a decade, ABC Lettings has been working with private sector landlords across the borough of Ashford and beyond to help thousands of people to find a safe and secure home.

“This Excellence Award is a testament to the hard work, dedication and innovation of our staff who always go that extra yard to match landlords with suitable tenants. The award also signifies the trust and faith that landlords place in us to help them find the right tenants for their properties. 

“The shortage of quality homes for rent across Kent is acute – in Ashford there are 21 applicants chasing every rental property new to the market. Tenants need greater choice and that means supporting responsible landlords to continue to provide decent quality housing. I know most landlords want to do their bit to help with the homelessness crisis, in Ashford and elsewhere.” 

“Landlords need help now more than ever before and that’s where ABC Lettings come in.”

And she concludes:“We have tenants who are ready to move into a landlord’s rented properties and we can offer a flexible package to suit each landlord’s needs. Our focus is ensuring that local people who might otherwise face becoming homeless are given the chance to make a longer term home for themselves in the private rented sector. Our message to landlords is that we can help, come and talk to us today.”