In the ever-evolving landscape of UK housing, meeting the needs of tenants while adhering to regulatory standards is a delicate balancing act. Recent legislation and standards emphasise the importance of tenant satisfaction, compliance, cost management, and data accuracy.
To navigate these challenges effectively, housing providers are turning to technology for innovative solutions. Let's explore four ways that technology can bridge the gap and enhance property operations in light of the latest UK housing legislation.
1. Swift repairs and enhanced tenant satisfaction
One of the primary concerns for social housing tenants is the timely and efficient resolution of repair requests. With the incorporation of Awaab’s Law and the implementation of Tenant Satisfaction Measures, housing providers are under increased pressure to deliver high-quality repairs promptly.
Technology offers a solution through dedicated customer portals that empower residents to log complaints 24/7. By streamlining communication between residents, customer service, and contractors, technology ensures quicker resolutions and fosters a more customer-centric approach.
Housing Associations such as L&Q and Shepherd's Bush have achieved remarkable results, reducing turnaround times and increasing first-time fix rates with the aid of technology.
2. Compliance made seamless
The Ombudsman Complaint Handling Code and strict timeframes for complaint resolution highlight the importance of efficient complaint management. The right technology can be used to manage this with automated milestone reminders and case management tools, ensuring compliance and timely responses at every stage of the complaints process. In addition, dedicated software solutions provide an audit trail, offering housing providers peace of mind and accountability in their compliance efforts.
3. Optimising void management
Void periods are challenging for housing providers, as they lead to financial losses and decreased tenant satisfaction. With demand for social housing consistently outweighing supply, efficient void management is crucial. Technology facilitates faster property turnarounds by streamlining repair cycles and task allocation. By reducing handover delays and ensuring seamless coordination, technology minimises void periods and maximises occupancy rates, ultimately mitigating financial losses for providers.
4. Data-driven decision-making
Accurate and accessible data is key to effective property management and regulatory compliance. Yet, many providers struggle with outdated and unreliable data, hindering decision-making and compromising safety standards. In this scenario, technology offers a solution by centralising data management and automating everyday tasks. Property management software ensures real-time data accuracy, enabling housing providers to maintain compliance with regulatory standards such as the Safety & Quality Standard. By freeing up staff time and streamlining data processes, technology empowers housing providers to focus on delivering high-quality services and maintaining tenant satisfaction.
As new housing laws and regulations are introduced, technology becomes a powerful tool for housing providers. By addressing key challenges such as repair management, compliance, void optimisation, and data accuracy, technology enables providers to deliver a tenant-first experience while maintaining regulatory compliance.
As the housing landscape continues to evolve, embracing technology will be essential for housing providers striving to meet the needs of their tenants while staying compliant.
The State of Social Housing 2024
For a deeper look into the insights discussed here and to explore further actionable strategies, download Plentific’s State of Social Housing 2024 whitepaper
