Online resources for tenant help
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of people renting from private landlords. This is particularly true for millennials who have become a generation of renters. A study by the Association of Residential Letting Agents predicted that the number of households renting would rise from 20% in 2015, to 29% by 2025.
The cause of this is down to a lack of expenditure in social housing, a decrease in new house construction and tougher mortgage lending criteria. These issues meant that less people could attain mortgages and so the demand for renting went up. Rent then increased due to the demand, and so now renters struggle to save up a deposit to buy a house. Thus, we have generation rent.
Renting a house can work out well, however tenants can face many issues. Some challenges that renters face include: competing with other prospective tenants, finding quality accommodation at an acceptable price, deposit disagreements and difficult landlords.
Due to the surge in renting, there have been many websites and apps created to help tenants with any problems they may have. Here are our top picks:
The Tenants Voice – Website
This website has been designed to help tenants with their renting problems and provide a platform for them to ask any questions they may have. The site features a help and advice section featuring a variety of articles, a forum to discuss issues and free downloadable guides.
This is an extremely useful website which provides a large resource of information for tenants.
Tenant Loop – App
This is a new app created to enable landlords and tenants to communicate with each other quickly and efficiently. On the app tenants’ can message their landlord directly, send service requests (by taking an image or video of the problem) and store important documents. The app can be accessed on desktop, tablet and mobile so it is great for when you are on the go.
This is a handy app for easy communication between landlord and tenant. It eliminates the need for countless phone calls and acts as a record of communication.
Splitwise – App
This is a good app for tenants who are in a house or flat share. The app can assist tenants in splitting bills between housemates. They can check how much they owe others and how much people owe them. They can also create email reminders for upcoming rent bills.
This can help tenants keep on track with their bills and split the rent equally, decreasing the chance of arrears.
Tenants Tips – Website
Tenants tips provides a wealth of information and advice for tenants. The site has a latest news section to keep tenants up to date on any news that may affect them. It also has an FAQ section and a forum to find the answers to some of the most common tenant questions. There’s also an option to sign up for a free newsletter meaning tenants can have the latest news affecting them and their rights delivered straight to their inbox.
This is another very helpful tenant advice website.
Our Opinion
Both websites are brilliant for tenants who need help with a specific problem but need information that is detailed and reliable. The forums and discussion areas also provide a space for tenants to ask their own unique questions that can’t just be “Googled”. These would be perfect for new renters, those facing issues or looking to extend a tenancy or move out. We would recommend sticking to the resource that you find easiest to use.
The two apps serve as great methods of easing communication between tenants and their landlords. ‘Tenant Loop’ would be advantageous to both the landlord and tenant when it comes to preventing and resolving repair disputes. However, most tenants in the UK may have to liaise with a letting agent, not the landlord directly.
The ‘Splitwise’ app may be amongst the most useful for tenants in assuring the security of a shared home. The app creates easy communication when it comes to bills and rent, preventing the household from falling to debt and conflict between tenants. Landlords deem tenants that pay their bills and rent on time more reliable and trustworthy, therefore the likelihood of an extended tenancy is higher if wanted. The app can also be applied to grocery shopping, eating out, holidays and more, meaning ‘Splitwise’ could benefit other areas of your life and finances.
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