We are pleased to announce the launch of one of our recent projects – the London Lettings Network, a new platform developed to simplify the search for rental properties in London that accept Housing Benefit. Built in collaboration with our client, Housing Justice, it aims to provide a centralised, user-friendly resource for both clients seeking housing and caseworkers who assist them.
The London Lettings Network is an online tool that collates property listings across London that accept Housing Benefit. It currently covers 25 locations across Greater London, and has an inventory of properties that is regularly updated to ensure users have access to real time information. The site is designed to be accessible on both desktop and mobile devices, making it easy for users to search at their convenience.
A key feature of the platform is its ability to serve both individuals seeking housing and the caseworkers who support them. For clients, it provides a single, centralised website to find properties that meet their needs, eliminating the need to navigate multiple websites or email lists. For caseworkers, it helps them assist their clients more effectively by providing a comprehensive view of available options.
In addition, users can apply for funding for the properties listed on the site but also any suitable property that they may find elsewhere. By offering funding for properties not listed on the site, the London Lettings Network extends its support beyond its own listings, ensuring broader access to housing.
The technology behind the platform utilises the Google Maps API to automatically find and embed maps of each property and its location (based on address), which speeds up and streamlines the process of listing properties. The platform also provides a map of all currently available properties so users can search by location first, as well as a sortable listings approach. Property listings can be managed via the CMS and via a large Smartsheet-style spreadsheet, which makes editing multiple properties at once far easier. As part of the many proprietary solutions for this platform, we wrote a custom process to sync this data to the platform; updates are live as soon as the sync request completes.
Since its launch earlier this year, the London Lettings Network has already made a substantial impact – it recently won the London Homelessness Awards in recognition of its innovation and contribution to the sector.
You can view the platform at lettingsnetwork.housingjustice.org.uk