Landlords urged to leave social media for dedicated property app
A new app called Gatha has been launched by former estate agents to offer landlords and property professionals a focused platform, free from the distractions and advertising of mainstream social media.
Chris and David Tremlett, who previously worked at traditional and online agencies, have created Gatha to provide a dedicated social network for those involved in property and construction. They argue that platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn are not designed for property professionals and prioritise advertising revenue over user experience. Gatha aims to centralise property-related conversations, job postings, and project listings in one place.
Gatha offers tailored networking and resources for landlords
The Tremlett brothers describe Gatha as a free social media app exclusively for people working in property or construction. Unlike general social media sites, Gatha’s feeds are customised to a member’s role and geographic area rather than follower counts, giving sole traders equal footing with larger companies. The app includes a jobs board that connects tradespeople and developers directly without recruiters taking fees, and a projects board that lists sites and developments for sale or investment opportunities, filtered by strategies such as HMOs, buy-to-let, or student accommodation.
Members can message each other directly within the app, facilitating straightforward communication. The creators emphasise that Gatha is free to users and will be funded through sponsorship and company accounts, not by charging individual property professionals.
Context for landlords amid rental sector changes
The timing of Gatha’s launch coincides with significant regulatory changes affecting landlords in the UK, including the ongoing implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act and evolving safety and compliance obligations. Landlords often seek peer advice to navigate these complexities, but such information is currently fragmented across multiple social media groups and forums. Gatha’s focused environment could help landlords access relevant advice and support more efficiently.
Traditional social media platforms, while popular, mix property content with unrelated posts and advertisements, making it harder for landlords to find timely and practical information. The dedicated nature of Gatha may improve the quality and relevance of interactions among landlords, letting agents, tradespeople, and investors.
Practical implications for landlords and letting agents
For landlords managing small portfolios or letting agents, Gatha presents an opportunity to consolidate networking and information sharing in a single app designed specifically for their sector. This could streamline communication with tradespeople, facilitate access to investment opportunities, and provide a space to share experiences and advice related to tenancy law, possession procedures, and compliance with safety standards.
Using a dedicated platform may reduce the time spent sifting through unrelated content and advertisements common on mainstream social media. It also offers a more professional environment where landlords can engage with peers and service providers without distraction.
Uncertainties and considerations for adoption
While Gatha promises a tailored experience, its success depends on widespread adoption by landlords, letting agents, and other property professionals. The platform’s ability to maintain a high-quality, focused community free from spam or irrelevant content remains to be seen. Additionally, landlords should consider how Gatha will integrate with existing property management and compliance tools they use.
There is also the question of data security and privacy, which landlords must evaluate before sharing sensitive information on any new platform. As with any emerging technology, official guidance and user reviews will be important to assess its reliability and usefulness over time.
What landlords should consider now
Landlords and letting agents interested in improving their professional networking and access to sector-specific information should explore Gatha as a potential resource. It may complement existing channels by providing a centralised, distraction-free environment focused solely on property and construction.
However, users should continue to rely on established official guidance for compliance and legal matters, using Gatha primarily as a peer support and networking tool. Monitoring the platform’s development and user feedback will be important before fully integrating it into business practices.
Supporting landlords through regulatory changes with TLA
The Landlord Association (TLA) offers members access to compliance resources and practical information to help manage rental properties effectively amid ongoing regulatory changes. TLA’s developing property management platform, ORBIT, currently in BETA testing, aims to assist landlords and letting agents in organising portfolio documentation, recording key actions, and accessing compliance support.
ORBIT’s tools for managing rental documents and recording communications could complement the networking and information-sharing functions of platforms like Gatha. TLA membership provides a reliable source of up-to-date guidance on tenancy law, possession, rent, safety obligations, and other critical landlord responsibilities.
Landlords looking to stay informed and organised during this period of rental sector reform may find value in exploring TLA’s membership options and ORBIT BETA access.
Looking ahead, the emergence of dedicated platforms like Gatha reflects a growing demand for specialised digital tools tailored to the rental sector. Landlords and agents should keep an eye on how these technologies evolve and consider how they might integrate with existing compliance and management practices.
Sources: Landlord Today
TLA - The Landlord Association