When we speak to estate agents for the first time, the reaction is often the same; curiosity, hesitation and lots of questions. Many haven’t come across what we do before, which is understandable but something we want to change. Helping people with disabilities secure a rental home is a niche part of the property world, and it comes with its own pressures, responsibilities and emotions.
But once an agent has worked with us, the atmosphere changes. A wall comes down, conversations become easier, trust builds and more often than not, they say something along the lines of: “I didn’t realise how straightforward this could be.”
That shift in understanding is why this blog exists.
This isn’t about telling agents how to do their job. It’s about sharing what the process looks like from our side, why we approach things the way we do, and how we can make life easier for one another, all while helping someone find a home where they can feel safe, supported and comfortable.
The First Hurdle: Understanding What We Actually Do
One of the biggest challenges we face with agents is simply being understood.
Many assume our clients won’t pass referencing, or that the process will be complicated, risky or full of red tape. Some think adaptations will “ruin” a property. Others don’t understand how the litigation process works, which makes them cautious.
We get it, property is fast-paced, and anything unfamiliar feels like a delay.
But this is where we gently change the narrative:
- Our clients are cash-secure through the legal process and can pass references in the usual way.
- Rent is paid directly by the legal team, on time, every time, providing the most secure tenancy for any landlord.
- Adaptations are professionally installed and fully reinstated at the end of the tenancy, at our client’s cost.
- We provide clear communication, so agents aren’t left chasing answers.
It’s often only when agents meet us face-to-face that everything clicks. They realise the process isn’t complicated, it’s simply unfamiliar.
A Relationship Built on Communication
What agents value most often isn’t the paperwork. It’s the way we communicate.
We keep things simple, direct and consistent. We answer questions quickly. We explain the person’s needs sensitively and clearly and we guide the landlord through anything that feels daunting.
Because many of our team previously worked within estate agency, we understand the pressure agents are under, the negotiations, the timeframes, and the anxieties behind the scenes. That shared knowledge helps. It means we’re not working against them but with them.
When that relationship clicks, great things happen. We have firms that now call us as soon as something suitable comes on the market and are excited at the prospect of working with us again. Agents who tell us: “We didn’t know this type of support existed”. Others who have had personal experience with disability instantly understand the importance of getting this right and are keen to help.
Those connections matter. They create smoother tenancies, faster deals and a shared feeling that we’re all doing something meaningful.
What We Bring to the Table
Agents who work with us regularly quickly notice the benefits:
- A reliable and secure tenancy backed by legal funding and expert knowledge.
- A motivated team that keeps communication flowing.
- Clear needs and clear expectations, reducing back-and-forth.
- A respectful, human approach to viewing and negotiation.
- Straightforward adaptations carried out properly and reinstated at the end.
Above all else, and perhaps most importantly:
Agents have the opportunity to help someone who truly depends on finding the right home — a safe, accessible space that supports their daily life and overall wellbeing.
That sense of purpose goes a long way.
Handling the Tougher Moments
Not every interaction is smooth. Some agents gatekeep, some are dismissive and some simply don’t understand our process and need reassurance.
When that happens, we do three things:
- Stay calm and clear.
- Speak to decision makers. Often experience is the key to understanding the situation more quickly.
- Stay consistent. Trust is built through steady communication, never pressure.
Even the trickiest relationships tend to soften once trust is built. Once an agent sees how we work, they usually come back to us with more opportunities.
Adaptations: The Part Agents Worry About Most
We understand why landlords and agents get nervous when they hear the word “adaptations”. They imagine structural changes that could put their property at risk.
So we explain the reality:
- Ramps, widened doorways, wet rooms and/or through-floor lifts are the most common.
- Everything is installed by qualified professionals.
- Everything is taken out at the end of the tenancy.
- The home is returned to its original condition.
- All of the above, at our client’s cost.
This simple reassurance often changes the conversation. It turns fear into understanding and understanding into support.
Why This Relationship Matters
At the heart of all this is the person we are trying to help.
Someone who needs a safe and accessible home right now. Not in six months and not “when the market improves”.
When estate agents work with us openly and collaboratively, they become part of that positive change. They help someone move from uncertainty into stability, from difficulty into comfort and that is something we never take for granted.
A Final Thought for Agents
If there is just one thing we’d say to any estate agent who hasn’t worked with us yet, it’s this:
We make your life easier, not harder and together, we get to help someone who truly needs the right home.
If you ever want to know more about how we work or even just want to talk through a property you’re unsure about, we’re always happy to chat so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
