Emerald Design, a Manchester-based developer of smartphone ‘apps’, has released Habitapp, a multi-module app for the housing sector covering repairs reporting, choice-based lettings, job searches, surveys, rent payments and landlord newsfeeds. Habitapp is available on both the Android and iPhone platforms and can be linked to any existing back-office system.
Mosscare Housing Group launched the repair reporting module to its tenants in August 2011, enabling them to submit a repair request including images of the damage or problem using their smartphones. Habitapp can then also be used by Mosscare’s repairs team to provide photographic evidence of the completed repair.
Grace Hughes, customer service centre manager, Mosscare Housing Group, said, “It makes sense to tap into this innovation as we want to make it easier for tenants to report repairs. It’s also very helpful when tenants give our customer service staff extra information about the nature of a repair, as well as for tenants to be able to take a picture of the problem when English may not their first language.”
Moorlands Housing is expected to launch the choice-based letting module of Habitapp this month, allowing registered applicants to view available properties, bid for properties, and view recent lettings results using their smartphone, with the app integrating with Moorlands’ CBL website to deliver real-time updates. Habitapp also provides a platform for Moorlands staff to bid on behalf of applicants if they have limited internet access or need help with bidding.
