Frequently Asked Questions
About District Nest
Who is District Nest for?
District Nest supports local authorities, housing associations, charities, support services, organisations, contractors and landlords who want to create safe, stable homes. We help you find and manage suitable properties, explore LHA and social housing options, and make better-informed decisions about your housing plans.
Are you an estate agent or letting agent?
No. We are not a traditional estate or letting agency. District Nest focuses on social impact housing, property sourcing, landlord support and partnership work with councils and housing providers. We often work alongside agents and other professionals, but our role is to connect the right people, properties and services rather than simply listing and letting homes.
Which areas do you cover?
Our core focus is the West Midlands and Peterborough, but we also work with partners across other parts of the UK where there is clear demand and a suitable property network. If you’re unsure whether we can support your area, get in touch and we’ll discuss what’s possible.
Councils, Housing Associations & Charities
How can District Nest help councils and housing providers?
We help councils, housing associations and charities source and assess suitable properties for temporary, emergency, move-on and longer-term accommodation. We focus on matching property types to client groups, aligning with Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates where possible, and supporting better communication between landlords, providers and support teams.
Can you work within our local standards and frameworks?
Yes. We start by understanding your local standards, policies and commissioning priorities, then use those to shape the properties and partners we target. We will be clear about where a
property fits, where it falls short and what may be needed to bring it up to the standard you require.
Do you only work with one council or can you support multiple authorities?
We can work with multiple authorities and housing providers, but we aim to avoid conflicts and overpromising. Our goal is to build long-term, realistic partnerships. Where there is potential overlap, we will be transparent and agree sensible boundaries and expectations.
Landlords & Property Owners
I’m a landlord how can District Nest help me?
We can help you in several ways, including:
• Reviewing your property for LHA or social housing suitability
• Exploring management and maintenance options
• Reducing voids and improving stability
• Preparing for changes such as the Renters’ Reform agenda
• Looking at exit or creative solutions if you’re thinking of leaving the market
We’ll start with a conversation about your goals and then suggest a route that makes sense for you.
Do I have to use my property for social housing to work with you?
No. Although we specialise in social impact and LHA-aligned models, we understand this won’t suit every property or landlord. In some cases a standard tenancy or a different arrangement may be more appropriate. We will be honest about where each option fits and what it means for you.
Do you charge landlords upfront fees?
Our fee structures depend on the type of service and agreement. In some situations there may be sourcing or setup fees; in others, fees are built into ongoing arrangements. We will explain the structure clearly before you commit to anything, so you understand what you’re paying for and when.
Organisations & Contractors (Long-Stay Accommodation)
What can you offer organisations and contractors needing accommodation?
We help organisations and contractors secure long-stay accommodation for staff and service users who need to be in a specific area for weeks or months. This might include healthcare teams, support workers, project-based contractors or other essential staff. We focus on practical locations, clear terms and properties that support safe, consistent service delivery.
Can you provide short-stay or nightly bookings like a hotel?
Our main focus is medium to longer-term stays rather than nightly bookings. If you’re unsure, tell us about your project or service and we’ll let you know whether we can help or whether a different type of accommodation provider may be more suitable.
Property Sourcing & Deals
What do you mean by “Property Sourcing & Deal Packaging”?
Property sourcing is the process of finding opportunities that meet certain criteria (for example, LHA-compatible properties, HMOs or homes suitable for certain client groups). Deal packaging is how we present those opportunities – with clear numbers, pros and cons, and risk considerations – so landlords, investors or partners can decide whether to proceed.
Can you guarantee returns or deals?
No. Property always carries risk and we cannot guarantee returns, income levels or that every deal will complete. What we can do is structure deals clearly, highlight risks and make sure you are not making decisions based purely on headline figures or unrealistic assumptions.
Resources, Reports & Insights
What kind of landlord resources and tools do you offer?
We offer checklists, templates, guides and readiness tools to help landlords prepare their properties, improve safety and organisation, and get ready for changes such as Renters’ Reform. Some resources are free, while others sit within paid support or subscription packages.
What is included in your Research, Reports & Market Insights subscription?
Our research subscription is designed for landlords, investors and organisations who want deeper, tailored insight. For an annual fee, you receive detailed reports produced every six months, focusing on areas and topics agreed with you – such as LHA trends, local demand, policy changes and associated risks and opportunities. Each report includes practical recommendations rather than just data.
Affiliates & Partners
I have a product or service that could help your clients – can we work together?
Possibly. We welcome conversations with affiliates and partners whose services genuinely support safer, better-run housing – for example, direct booking optimisation, specialist maintenance, technology platforms or professional services. We will want to understand your offer, values and track record before making any commitment to our clients.
How do you decide which affiliates to work with?
We look at fit with our values, the quality of your service, how you treat clients and whether there is a clear benefit to the people we support. We also start small, gather feedback and only deepen relationships where we see real, consistent value.
Data, Privacy & Complaints
How do you handle personal and sensitive information?
We handle personal data in line with UK GDPR and our Privacy Policy. Because we work in the housing and social care space, we are especially careful about how we handle sensitive information and only collect what is necessary for a clear purpose. If you would like to know more, please read our Privacy Policy or contact us.
What should I do if I’m unhappy with something?
We want to know if something has gone wrong so we can address it. In the first instance, please contact us using the contact form on our website and outline what has happened. We will acknowledge your message and explain how we will look into it. If your concern relates to how we handle personal data, you can also refer to the complaints section of our Privacy Policy.
Getting in Touch
How is it best to contact District Nest?
The simplest way is through the contact form on our website. This helps us gather the basic information we need so that the right person can respond. If your enquiry is about a specific service – such as landlord support, council partnerships, accommodation for organisations, or potential affiliate work – please mention that in your message so we can respond more efficiently.
