A landlord determined to repair the broken social housing system has created an app to streamline the outdated methods currently being used.
Camarlo Richards, who is based in Birmingham, has housed hundreds of people and used his years of experience to develop RoomApp, a digitalised property management system.
As well as helping landlords to manage their businesses, RoomApp also supports those who are homeless or vulnerable, such as care leavers, to find accommodation from their local council or social housing providers.
Camarlo said: “Although social housing is vitally important for millions of people, the sector has been slow at times to make use of the power of tech, resulting in tenants’ lives being put at risk and landlords struggling to cope with their workload.
“Using RoomApp to streamline this broken system, increasing the visibility and accountability of all parties involved, is the answer to ensuring all properties are safe and secure for residents.”
The app requires providers to upload details of a property’s compliance and safety certificates such as gas, electric and EPCs, getting them ready for the property and landlord database contained within the Renters’ Rights Bill.
With the housing sector constantly moving and regulation ever changing, it’s vital for landlords and housing associations to make use of technology which can keep up with the pace.
RoomApp works in real time, saving landlords time and money. There’s no need to wait for identification or financial paperwork to be completed by hand, photocopied and filed. Everything can be done digitally.
Intuitive tools on the platform enable tenants to organise appointments and visits, ensuring they feel empowered, seen and heard. Property maintenance requests can be submitted and tracked, providing peace of mind for both landlords and tenants.
Camarlo added: “Having housed hundreds of people I became acutely aware that an effective working relationship between tenants and landlords is fundamental to a successful let.
“In addition, a tenant’s connection to their support worker has a lasting impact. RoomApp harnesses the power of AI to help support workers in their roles, giving them more time to focus on resident care. They can quickly and easily find essential services like food banks and GPs and use location technology to pinpoint the nearest options.
“It’s about providing the whole package of care, not just a roof over tenants’ heads.”
Technology enables tenants to manage their tenancy with intuitive tools to organise appointments and visits, ensuring they feel empowered, seen and heard. Dedicated communication platforms can be used to report any concerns or issues quickly and easily and see progress being made. Property maintenance requests can be submitted and tracked. Online payment portals make transactions easy and provide a secure record for both parties.
Data analysis of issues raised by tenants can highlight common concerns and inform future activities, saving landlords time and money.
An effective, strong working relationship between tenants and landlords is fundamental. Not only is this connection beneficial to both parties, it’s also important for society. Tenants living happily and independently create cohesive communities and reduce the toll on the NHS because they are less likely to need mental or physical care, saving billions of pounds.
The financial benefits of tackling the housing crisis are enormous. But the gains made aren’t only financial. They are societal and have a fundamental impact on generations to come.
To book a 30 day free trial of RoomApp or to find out more please contact Camarlo Richards at camarlo@360saas.co.uk.
