A property and tenancy management app originally designed for the social housing sector is offering its service to private HMO landlords.

Called RoomApp, it was created to help those who are homeless or vulnerable, such as those leaving care, to find accommodation from their local council or social housing providers.

But the app’s founder says he has subsequently realised that the app’s digitalised property management system is a useful tool for landlords and tenants in the HMO sector and those providing exempt or supported living.

RoomApp enables renters to find properties and manage appointments but also enables landlord and tenant to communicate via a single chat service about ongoing tenancy and property issues, and for tenants to pay their rent ‘in-app’.

'Archaic methods'

“The archaic paper-based methods currently employed by most landlords and housing associations to record, store and share information, such as maintenance requests, are failing and putting tenants’ lives at risk,” says founder Camarlo Richards (pictured).

“Using AI tech 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.

“An effective, strong working relationship between tenants and landlords is fundamental.”

The app requires landlords to upload details of their property’s compliance and safety certificates such as gas, electric and EPCs and in many ways is one way for landlords to get ready for the Government’s looming property and landlord database contained with the Renters’ Rights Bill.

RoomApp, which available on Google Play and Apple's AppStore, is free for tenants to use but charges landlords a monthly subscription of £10 per room after the first month’s ‘free trial’ is over.