The Definitive Guide to Retrofit Validation

With the spread of Covid-19 and the ensuing lockdowns, Housing Providers have been forced to find new ways to ensure their properties are safe and well maintained. The difficulty in scheduling in-person visits, due to the potential health risks and changing regulations means many providers have embraced technology with open arms. This move toward digitisation has allowed Housing Providers to gather data on their properties and to identify any potential problem areas within their homes and has exposed Landlords to the multitude of benefits digitisation holds.

Through the installation of technology and an overall shift toward digitisation, Housing Providers have been able to secure their properties while following Government Health advice. The usage of IoT gives Landlords the ability to communicate directly with residents to gather valuable feedback on the repairs process and how it has impacted tenants’ daily routines. This information paints a digital picture. Technology can be used to influence maintenance procedures and can identify any potential problem areas within the home before the issue spirals out of control, saving the Housing Provider money in the long-term. This limits the risk of additional damage and helps bring down the overall costs, it also ensures that all residents have access to a safe and comfortable home which is the central aim of the Social Housing sector. If maintained, this new method could continue to benefit Landlords in a Post-Covid society by increasing resident engagement and encouraging a proactive repair system.

But technology isn’t a picture-perfect solution – there are three important things that Housing Providers need to consider before retrofitting a property.