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Tonbridge estate agent offers two bed apartment to Ukrainian refugees

A Tonbridge estate agent is offering sanctuary to Ukranian refugees in the form of a two-bedroom apartment, thanks to the generosity of a landlord he works with.

The pair are hoping to help people looking to escape the war in eastern Europe, as it was announced today Britain are seeking help more refugees and organise a hotline where people will be able to offer rooms to those escaping the conflict.

Jamie Rodgers has been helping any way he can for those in Ukraine.Picture: Jamie Rodgers
Jamie Rodgers has been helping any way he can for those in Ukraine.Picture: Jamie Rodgers

The landlord offered the flat after an impromptu conversation with the director of Open house Estates, Jamie Rogers.

The 28-year-old said: "The landlord messaged me about when I was available to come and evaluate the house as he initially wanted to sell it.

"We got to talking and I said I wouldn't be available for a while as I was planning to drive out to Poland.

"One thing led to another and he instead, very kindly, offered the property out to me as a rental property for refugees who may need it."

According to Mr Rogers, the two bed apartment could comfortably house two families of four.

The landlord, who wishes to remain anonymous, has offered the place at the cost of maintenance and bills for the flat.

The estate agent is offering sanctuary to Ukranian refugees
The estate agent is offering sanctuary to Ukranian refugees

Mr Rogers said: "He doesn't want to make money off this. He'd need about £500 a month but that would all go to paying the bills for the flat.

"He also agreed to wave aside the references and background checks for refugees needing somewhere to stay."

Open house is matching the landlord's generosity and has offered a payment of £3,000 to cover six months of living costs.

Mr Rogers said: "The company has offered to pay for the first six months of fees and have also set the flat up with wifi so anyone staying there is able to keep in touch with what's going on in Ukraine."

Jamie is hoping landlords with rented properties spare will follow suit in this act of genuine kindness and offer their listings out to those looking to escape the turmoil.

Jamie Rodgers and friends will be driving two vans full of donations to the Polish border Picture: Jamie Rodgers
Jamie Rodgers and friends will be driving two vans full of donations to the Polish border Picture: Jamie Rodgers

He said: "I am hoping others follow in his footsteps.

"There is one other landlord we are speaking too and he has discussed his thoughts but we hope more come forward also."

Jamie is part of a group of six volunteers, each from a different walk of life, heading to the Polish border this weekend to deliver supplies that have been donated by the community.

Mr Rogers said: "I am going over to Poland this weekend, me and five others.

"We only have two vans at the moment but we have six vans worth of stuff to take over. the round trip will cost about £1,000 a van."

Donations being shipped to Poland. Picture: Jamie Rodgers
Donations being shipped to Poland. Picture: Jamie Rodgers
Group heading to Poland with supplies. Picture: Jamie Rodgers
Group heading to Poland with supplies. Picture: Jamie Rodgers

The round trip was paid for by a GoFundMe page the group set up as well as others who were happy to contribute.

Mr Rogers said: "We take things for granted here. I've got two young children and I am not fighting a war so I want to do everything I can to help."

They are looking to make a second trip in a couple of weeks' time to take the rest of the donations to the frontline.

To donate to the fundraiser click here.

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