Annalese Walmsley - Commercial Director at flatfair

Who are you and what does it say on your business card?

Annalese Walmsley - Commercial Director at flatfair

What is flatfair and what do they do?

flatfair is a deposit alternative that offers market-leading protection to landlords and reduces the upfront costs of renting for tenants. We also integrate with the three main deposit schemes in the UK, allowing tenants to make an informed choice as to which deposit options suit them best.

What services do you offer and in what ways do you work with estate and letting agents?

Our core product is No Deposit, which is offered through over 2,000 partner agents. We also offer integrated referencing, and deposit lodging and work closely with some of the largest CRM and referencing providers in the UK.

At the core of what we do, is offering tenants a choice - something I and my team feel passionately about and something I can see growing in popularity at a time of financial strain for many tenants.

What makes your product different and how does it benefit agents?

We offer landlords and agents up to 10 weeks of protection against accidental damage and/or rent arrears. Our newest solution, Deposits, allows agents to streamline their deposit registration process all while remaining compliant with the Tenant Fees Act.

What is the most satisfying part of your job?

The most satisfying part of my job is knowing that our product makes a difference in tenants' lives. Having been a renter in the past and experiencing the challenge of saving for a deposit whilst still renting, it’s great to see more and more agents embracing these types of solutions and embedding them into their businesses.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing estate and letting agents at the moment?

The Renters Reform Bill represents a significant challenge for letting agents, but also an opportunity to demonstrate their professionalism and expertise in adapting to changes in the industry.

To comply with the new legislation, landlords will need to work more closely with letting agents to ensure that their properties meet the new standards and that any changes to their business practices and procedures are implemented.

At flatfair, we only work with approved letting agents, who demonstrate commitment to the knowledge and good practice that is not only required but expected by landlords and tenants.

Country house or city apartment?

The mum in me says country house, due to having a small child who loves the outdoors, but when I retire (which is a long way away) I wouldn’t mind city living and being in the hustle and bustle.

What is your favourite room in your home?

My favourite room in my house has to be my kitchen. I love to entertain and cook and it’s the most social space for my family. I particularly enjoy being the “TV cook” for my 6-year-old as we introduce her to new foods, flavours and cuisines.

Homes under the Hammer or Location, Location, Location?​

Oh, this is a tough one as I love Location, Location, Location but I am more of a Grand Designs girl - I like to imagine I have the time (and the money) to build my own dream home!