Comment by savgore
16 hours ago
Our waitlist is open for https://flatm8.co.uk - the platform for anonymous reviews of Landlords and Estate Agents in Britain and Ireland.
We’re working directly with partner housing unions and charities in Britain and Ireland to build the first central database of rogue landlords and estate agents. Users can search an address and see if it’s marked as rogue/dangerous by the local union, as well as whether you can expect to see your deposit returned, maintenance, communication - etc.
After renting for close to a decade, it’s the same old problems with no accountability. We wanted to change this, and empower tenants to share their experiences freely and easily with one another.
We’re launching in November, and I’m very excited to announce our partner organisations! We know this relies on a network effect to work, and we’re hoping to run it as a social venture. I welcome any feedback.
I tried launching something similar 15 years ago, admittedly as a noob to both tech and business. Here's hoping you succeed, it's sorely needed!
I’d love to know how it went for you and if there’s anything we can learn from your experiences - you’re right that it’s sorely needed! The statistics are getting worse and worse and worse… please feel free to email any thoughts or ideas based on your launch to team @ domain !
Aren't UK libel laws super strict?
It's not libellous to publish a factual statement (ie the landlord didn't return my deposit).
Sounds like it’s done by address, so the slumlord’s name isn’t necessary. Seems like a great idea.
Exactly this - reviews of addresses and businesses, not of people!