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From the frontline – Sanjeev Shah
Sanjeev Shah, private lettings manager at 220 Lettings, talks about helping people in real housing need
Tell us about your job.
Through 220 Lettings – Shepherds Bush Housing Group’s private ethical lettings service – I manage a portfolio of properties throughout west London that include temporary accommodation, safe houses, supported accommodation and private lets.
I manage the contracts, tender for new business and manage a team which looks after the needs of our tenants, many of whom are disabled and/or vulnerable.
How did you get into housing?
By accident, really. I used to be a manager at a luxury department store but about 12 years ago, I decided to move away from retail and saw an advert in the newspaper recruiting customer services officers at Shepherds Bush Housing Group.
At the time I had no experience in the housing sector, but I took a chance and applied knowing that I had very good customer service skills – it was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.
What is the best part of your job?
It’s knowing that all the work I do helps house people who are in real need and also gives them some stability.
We take on properties from landlords for guaranteed rents of periods between three and five years. This gives our tenants the security of knowing they won’t have to constantly move every six to 12 months, which is what happens a lot in the private sector. Our longest-staying private accommodation tenant has been with us for more than 18 years!
What’s the worst part?
Not being able to find enough accommodation to help more people. I’m always on the lookout for more private landlords in west and central London.
If you could be prime minister for the day, what would you do?
I would put forward two new laws. The first would be to make it illegal for landlords and agents to discriminate against tenants who derive some of their income from the state.
The second would entitle property investors to a rebate on their stamp duty if they use their residential property for social housing for five or more years.
What would your superpower be and why?
I’d like to be able to fly, as this would significantly cut down my three hours’ worth of commuting each day.
What’s the most private thing you’re willing to admit to your colleagues?
I am a massive UB40 fan. When I first visited the UK aged 15, they were the first band I was introduced to and Kingston Town was being played everywhere.
