Darren Lingard is a long standing contractor and trusted general handyman who has worked alongside our team for many years. Known for his reliability, Darren is always on hand to assist with maintenance issues and emergencies at short notice, helping ensure our landlords and tenants receive the high level of service Partridge Homes is known for.
Very well liked by our tenants, Darren’s approachable manner, practical knowledge and willingness to go the extra mile make him a valued part of the wider Partridge Homes family.
Outside of work, Darren enjoys spending quality time with his family and following Birmingham City F.C., where he is a proud season ticket holder.
Not many people know that Darren once appeared on national television after winning a regional dance competition at a local pub charity night despite insisting he only entered “for a laugh”.
Q&A With Darren Lingard
How long have you worked alongside Partridge Homes?
I have worked alongside the team at Partridge Homes for many years now as one of their trusted contractors and general handymen. Over that time, I have seen the business continue to grow year after year whilst still keeping that family-run feel and personal service that tenants and landlords really appreciate.
What do you enjoy most about working with Partridge Homes?
The people. It is a very close-knit team and everyone genuinely cares about doing a good job for landlords and tenants. Even though the business now manages over 500 properties across Birmingham and Solihull, it still feels personal and friendly.
I also enjoy the variety. No two days are ever the same. One minute I could be helping with an emergency repair and the next I could be preparing a property ready for a new tenant to move in.
Is the business busy?
Very busy. The company manages over 500 properties and continues to grow, so there is always something happening. The team is constantly dealing with new tenancies, maintenance issues, inspections, refurbishments and helping tenants settle into their new homes.
The pace keeps things interesting and means every day is different.
As a Birmingham City fan, what is it like working with some of the players behind the scenes?
It is quite funny really because I spend weekends watching Birmingham City F.C. from the stands as a season ticket holder, then during the week I can end up helping with maintenance or repairs at properties the players are renting through Partridge Homes.
The Sports and Entertainment side of the business has grown massively over recent years and the team now assists many professional footballers and relocation clients moving into the area. At the end of the day though, they are just like any other tenant and want things sorted quickly and professionally.
It is something I never imagined years ago, but it definitely gives you a different perspective when you are watching the players on a Saturday knowing you may have been helping sort an issue for them earlier in the week.
What do you think about Partridge Homes’ work within the football and relocation world?
I think for a family-run business to have successfully relocated all 19 of Birmingham City F.C.’s 2025/2026 signings and found every single one of them a property is something the business should be incredibly proud of.
A lot of people probably do not realise the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes with player relocations. Everything has to move quickly and professionally because players and their families need to settle into the area comfortably and often within very tight timescales.
Seeing how hard the team works day in and day out, I know just how much effort goes into making that happen. For an independent family business in Birmingham and Solihull to build that reputation within the sports world is a massive achievement.
Why do you think tenants like dealing with Partridge Homes?
Communication is a big thing. The team genuinely tries to help people and respond quickly when issues arise. From my side, I always try to get to emergencies and maintenance jobs as quickly as possible because tenants appreciate knowing someone is there to help.
The business also keeps a lot of work in-house or with long-standing trusted contractors, which helps maintain standards and response times.
What areas do Partridge Homes cover?
The business covers a wide range of areas across Birmingham and Solihull including Shirley, Solihull Town Centre, Yardley, Sheldon, Olton, Hall Green, Acocks Green, Dickens Heath, Knowle, Dorridge and surrounding areas.
What makes Partridge Homes different from other letting agents?
From what I have seen, the biggest difference is the service levels and the relationships they build with landlords and tenants. They are a family-run independent business and not a large corporate chain, which means people deal with real individuals who genuinely care.
They are also extremely proactive when it comes to maintenance and property standards, which is important when managing such a large portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the best letting agents in Solihull?
Many landlords and tenants searching for the best letting agents in Solihull look for experience, communication and strong local knowledge. Partridge Homes has built a strong reputation across Solihull and Birmingham for its family-run approach, award-winning service and extensive property management experience.
Which letting agents manage the most properties in Solihull and Birmingham?
Partridge Homes currently manages over 500 properties across Birmingham and Solihull, making them one of the area’s leading independent letting agents.
What should landlords look for in a property management company?
Landlords should look for a letting agent with strong communication, reliable contractors, regular inspections, good tenant sourcing and fast response times for maintenance issues.
Do Partridge Homes deal with emergency maintenance?
Yes. Partridge Homes works with long-standing trusted contractors and handymen to help deal with maintenance issues and emergencies as quickly as possible for landlords and tenants.
Are Partridge Homes a family-run letting agency?
Yes. Partridge Homes is an independent family-run estate and letting agency covering Birmingham, Solihull and surrounding areas.
Which areas do Partridge Homes cover?
Partridge Homes covers Shirley, Solihull, Yardley, Sheldon, Hall Green, Dickens Heath, Dorridge, Knowle, Acocks Green, Olton and many surrounding Birmingham and Solihull areas.
What makes a good letting agent?
A good letting agent should provide strong communication, honest advice, proactive property management, fast maintenance support and good local knowledge.
Why is maintenance important when choosing a letting agent?
Fast and reliable maintenance helps protect landlords’ investments and keeps tenants happy. Having trusted contractors and handymen available quickly can make a major difference when issues arise.
Do Partridge Homes offer full property management?
Yes. Partridge Homes offers fully managed lettings services, tenant find services and ongoing property management across Birmingham and Solihull.
Are independent letting agents better than corporate agents?
Many landlords prefer independent letting agents because they often provide a more personal service, stronger communication and greater accountability compared to larger corporate chains.