Chester-raised Northwich resident launches new property rental scheme on-line

Mar 6 2009 by Chris Smith, Chester Chronicle

A YOUNG entrepreneur believes his new on-line rental firm will help residents through the recession.

Gareth Pugh says his website will give homeowners income during the credit crunch by allowing them to let out their spare rooms.

And for potential tenants who are matched with landlords, the scheme will provide much-needed, low cost accommodation.

The 26-year-old, born and raised in Chester and now living in Northwich, is confident the website, www.FlatMateRooms.co.uk will be a huge hit.

He said he came up with the idea while travelling. “I needed somewhere to stay and went into an internet café to look for adverts for rooms.

“Chatting to the other seven people using computers there, I realised they were after the same thing. It was the same situation in two other internet cafés I visited.”

After much research he realised the housing market, credit crunch and recession has made the demand for rooms bigger than ever, with many people looking for ways to make and save money.

He said: “You can earn up to £4,250 a year, tax free, renting a room. Some landlords earn more than £6,000 a year doing it.

“That’s vital cash that could keep a family afloat during the hard year ahead and it helps tenants who can’t afford to get a place of their own.”

The site allows users to easily search for potential rooms and tenants, and lets both landlords and tenants produce adverts.

They can upload photos and even videos of the properties to make them stand out more.

The site also has a free advice centre, packed with helpful information, for landlords and tenants.

Mr Pugh added: “Many homeowners are really feeling the pinch at the moment. This idea puts the two together so everyone benefits.”