My Landlord Cares: A Tenant-Focused Ethical Letting Agency

When Mahara founded My Landlord Cares, it was born from her frustration as a landlord unable to find a letting agent who shared her values of care and support. Now, she’s the director of a thriving ethical letting agency that goes beyond property management to foster community development and tenant empowerment.

What Makes My Landlord Cares Different?

At its core, My Landlord Cares is built on the ethos of supporting tenants to settle and stay. Unlike traditional letting agencies, the organisation adopts a bespoke approach to meet tenants’ needs.

“We’re not prescriptive or ticking boxes,” Mahara explains. “We help tenants access resources like local schools, employment opportunities, or anything they need at that moment in time.”

Their approach creates trust and long-term relationships. The average tenancy lasts 4.5 years—nearly double the private sector average.

Empowering Marginalized Tenants

With 60% of their tenants on low or no income, My Landlord Cares works with some of the most disadvantaged individuals. These tenants often face unequal power dynamics with landlords and lack knowledge of their rights.

Mahara’s team focuses on redressing this imbalance by providing safe, secure homes with reliable maintenance and giving tenants a voice. "We empower them to feel confident in their living situations and ensure they are treated with dignity," she says.

Building an Ethical Business

Though set up as a limited company, My Landlord Cares operates as a social business, reinvesting profits into the communities they serve. Mahara chose this structure to remain agile and cut through the red tape that can hinder innovation.

However, the path hasn’t been easy. “Running a business is tough,” Mahara shares. “There’s so much to learn, and you have to be comfortable with constant uncertainty. But focusing on what truly helps grow the company keeps us moving forward.”

Support from SEGA and the Social Enterprise Network

Mahara praises the Sheffield Social Enterprise Network (SENN) and the SEGA program for their role in her journey. From accessing grants for vital software to benefiting from peer mentoring, the resources have been invaluable.

“It’s a remarkable space for mission-driven founders,” she says. “The peer-to-peer support is incredible, whether it’s sharing advice or simply having a space to vent.”

Since joining SEGA, Mahara has significantly improved her financial acumen, a skill she considers crucial for business growth.

Looking Ahead

When asked how tenants find My Landlord Cares, Mahara highlights the power of word-of-mouth referrals and strong partnerships with local organisations. "Tenants often recommend us to their friends, which is a testament to the work we do."

As My Landlord Cares grows, its mission remains clear: to bring the care and support found in social housing into the private rental sector.

Final Thoughts

For other social enterprises, Mahara encourages joining networks like SENN and SEGA. "Running a business can be isolating, but these programs provide vital support and opportunities for growth. Sheffield is unique in offering something like SEGA, and I’d highly recommend it."

My Landlord Cares stands out as a beacon of ethical property management. Through its commitment to tenant welfare and community impact, Mahara’s enterprise is not just about managing homes—it’s about creating a foundation for better lives.