Is it really the most wonderful time of the year?

The financial strain on residents during December is a huge factor in increased vulnerability. With Christmas expenses looming and budgets becoming tighter, the last thing tenants need is to contend with temporary repair costs while landlords are less responsive and repairs are delayed or postponed. Landlords need to recognise this and streamline the repair request process to alleviate financial burden and stress on their tenants. While landlords may not have control over residents' budgets, they can certainly control the efficiency of their response to repair requests, saving headaches and sleepless nights.

Tenant vulnerability and loneliness during the festive season are equally as concerning as property maintenance. The emotional strain of the holidays can make tenants more susceptible to stress and anxiety, especially when facing housing issues. Timely and efficient repairs can contribute to easing the emotional burden on residents. Conversely, delays and complications in the repair process can exacerbate feelings of vulnerability and loneliness. With the cost-of-living crisis affecting even more UK households, landlords should recognise the human aspect of tenancy and strive to provide sufficient support. Peace of mind goes a long way - basic availability is one thing, but 24/7 availability and proactive, caring support make a huge difference.

Frosty the snowman window-destroyer

The colder and damper weather in December often leads to an increase in maintenance requests. Structural damage caused by ice and frost is not uncommon during this season. When Bing Crosby said he was dreaming of a white Christmas, he definitely didn’t mean frost and ice on the inside of his windows. Condensation build-up between double glazed windows means that the seal is broken, and left unaddressed this can get exponentially worse. With no seal and frost continuing to damage the window further, tenants might not get the silent night they were wishing for. The holiday season often sees landlords operating on reduced schedules, which can result in delays to these types of urgent replacement tasks. It is crucial for landlords to proactively address these weather-related concerns and provide a seamless repair request process to mitigate any further potential damage.

Active Housing: A Great Gift for Tenants

The Active Housing solutions presents an ideal solution to the maintenance challenges posed by the Christmas period. This self-service customer portal offers a range of features designed to empower tenants in managing vital aspects of their tenancy. 

In the digital age, resident expectations for customer service have heightened. With the majority of customer-facing services adopting digital-first approaches, residents expect a similar level of convenience in reporting and staying informed about issues affecting their homes. The Active Housing solutions align with these expectations by being available digitally, 24/7 via their computer, tablet or mobile, residents can feel empowered and worry-free around the clock. This not only meets tenant minimum expectations but also serves as an opportunity for landlords to enhance the overall tenant experience.

If you’d like to find out more about the Active Housing solutions, and see how you can roll-out a 'self-service' platform that will keep tenants happy this Christmas, click here.