Author: Zara Bridle

The holiday season is upon us – a time of joy, community, and increased interaction. With 26% of consumers planning to spend more on Christmas this year, it’s clear that the festive spirit sparks heightened participation in events, gifting, and social activities.

For property managers, this presents a golden opportunity to enhance resident experiences and foster a stronger sense of community. At the same time, these busy months can add stress to the workload of property staff, but Spike Living is here to help reduce that burden. 

Spike Living not only elevates the resident experience but also streamlines property management tasks, making it easier than ever to balance festive cheer with operational efficiency. Here’s how: 

Parcel Management for Holiday Deliveries

The Christmas season brings a significant increase in parcel deliveries as residents order gifts, decorations, and festive supplies. Managing this influx can quickly become overwhelming, but Spike’s parcel management system, along with our Parcel Pending by Quadient integration, helps property staff keep things running smoothly.

With automated notifications, residents are promptly informed when packages arrive, allowing them to collect their deliveries at a time that suits them. This reduces the need for property managers to answer parcel-related queries, streamlining the process and easing the workload. During the busy holiday season, this feature ensures a seamless experience, giving residents peace of mind and freeing up staff to focus on other tasks.

Seasonal Maintenance Management & Automated Reminders

The winter months bring unique challenges, particularly when it comes to maintaining property infrastructure. Spike Living’s maintenance reminder feature allows property managers to proactively communicate essential tasks, such as heating system checks or snow clearance schedules. This ensures that residents are prepared for seasonal changes, promoting safety and comfort during the colder months.

Additionally, residents can easily send maintenance requests through the platform, which can be tracked and monitored throughout the process. This feature reduces the workload on property staff by centralising all maintenance tasks and allowing for efficient follow-ups. Property managers can monitor progress, ensure timely responses, and maintain a smooth flow of communication without the need for constant check-ins.

With this system in place, along with our Fixflo integration, property managers can reduce stress, stay ahead of any potential issues, and keep residents informed, creating a warm, welcoming environment during the festive season.

Digital Events Booking for Festive Celebrations

The holidays are the perfect time for bringing people together, and Spike Living’s event booking feature makes it simple to organise holiday celebrations. Whether hosting a Christmas tree-decorating party or a New Year’s Eve bash, residents can book and stay updated on event details through the platform, streamlining the entire process for property managers.

This feature not only fosters a sense of community but also reduces the time property staff would otherwise spend handling event bookings and organising logistics.

For property managers seeking inspiration, Spike’s 2024 Community Engagement Guide is packed with creative ideas to make holiday events special. From crafting workshops to holiday movie nights, the guide offers actionable suggestions tailored to enhancing resident satisfaction and fostering a sense of togetherness.

Exclusive Christmas Promotions

The holiday season is a time of giving, and exclusive promotions are a fantastic way to show appreciation for your residents. Through Spike Living, you can share offers from local businesses, such as discounts on holiday meals, festive shopping deals, or even New Year’s fitness packages.

Not only do these promotions enhance the resident experience, but they also strengthen partnerships with local businesses, positioning your property as an integral part of the wider community.

Engage Residents with Seasonal News & Updates 

Spike Living‘s news feature is a hub for festive updates, ensuring residents stay informed about seasonal happenings. Property managers can share information about local Christmas markets, community carol services, and nearby winter wonderlands.

In addition to event updates, you can also use this feature to highlight important announcements, such as holiday office hours or safety tips for the colder months.

This feature saves time by reducing the need for multiple emails or in-person updates. It allows property managers to share important information in one place, streamlining communication and reducing the workload for staff, all while keeping residents well-informed and engaged.

24/7 Amenity Reservations for Festive Moments

During the holiday season, communal spaces like dining rooms, gyms, and screening rooms become highly sought-after. Last year, we saw a significant increase in amenity bookings, as residents took advantage of these spaces to host Christmas dinners, organise festive movie marathons, and ramp up their fitness routines ahead of the New Year’s celebrations.

Spike Living’s amenity booking feature simplifies the booking process by allowing residents to reserve specific time slots directly through the app. This ensures that shared spaces are utilised efficiently and fairly, while avoiding double bookings and scheduling conflicts. For property managers, this feature alleviates the stress of managing these high-demand spaces, automating the booking system and keeping everything organised. No more juggling schedules or responding to last-minute booking requests – Spike Living takes care of it all.

By streamlining the booking process, property managers can focus on delivering excellent resident experiences, while reducing their workload during this busy time of year.

Bring Joy to Your Community with Spike

This festive season, Spike Living not only provides the tools to create a seamless and festive experience for your residents but also reduces the strain on your staff by automating key processes. By streamlining parcel management, event bookings, amenity reservations, and communication, property managers can enjoy a smoother holiday season while enhancing the resident experience. 

Ready to see how Spike Living can transform your property this holiday season? Book a personalised demo today and see how our platform can bring your community closer this holiday season. 

As the property management sector continues to adapt to new regulations and increased scrutiny, the latest Housing Ombudsman report highlighting over 100 severe cases of maladministration related to damp and mould serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for better property management practices. These cases reflect a range of failures, from delayed responses to inadequate repair work and poor communication with residents. 

This report follows shortly after our previous blog on Awaab’s Law, where we explored the legal obligations surrounding damp and mould and the devastating impact these issues can have on residents. With the Housing Ombudsman’s findings revealing that damp and mould complaints remain a significant challenge, the question arises: how can property managers ensure they are not only compliant but also proactive in preventing these issues from escalating?

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

The timing of this report couldn’t be more crucial. Following the enactment of Awaab’s Law, property managers now face stricter compliance requirements, with penalties for non-compliance growing more severe. Awaab’s Law mandates landlords to address mould and damp problems within strict time frames and ensures that tenants have better avenues for reporting these issues.

However, as the Housing Ombudsman report reveals, it’s not just about having the right policies in place; it’s about the effectiveness of implementation. This is a reminder that compliance alone isn’t enough – property managers must actively engage with tenants, ensuring that their concerns are heard and that solutions are both timely and sustainable.

At Spike, we know that effective property management relies on seamless communication and efficient workflows. Our award-winning Spike Living platform is designed to help property managers address damp and mould issues quickly and efficiently, ensuring that all tasks, from reporting to resolution, are tracked and completed in real-time, with the golden thread of information easily accessible.

How Spike Living Can Help Address Damp and Mould Issues

Spike Living offers a range of features that can be integral in preventing, managing, and resolving damp and mould issues:

1.) Real-Time Reporting and Communication
Delays in addressing damp and mould issues can have serious consequences, not just for tenant health but for your reputation as a property manager. Clear communication channels and a system to track complaints can prevent issues from spiraling out of control.

What’s more, many of the Ombudsman’s findings pointed to a breakdown in trust between tenants and property managers. Keeping residents informed about the steps you’re taking to resolve their complaints is critical for maintaining good relationships and ensuring their concerns are addressed promptly.

With Spike Living, tenants can easily report damp and mould issues through the platform, ensuring their concerns are logged promptly. Property managers are immediately notified, enabling fast action to address the issue. The platform’s built-in messaging system allows seamless communication with residents, ensuring they are informed of progress and outcomes.

The platform integrates with tools like Fixflo, enhancing the repair and maintenance workflow. This ensures that reports are automatically transferred to the correct teams for action, allowing residents’ concerns to be addressed promptly and efficiently. 

2.) Maintenance Tracking and Scheduling for Proactive Maintenance 
Preventative measures, such as regular property inspections and maintenance checks, can go a long way in identifying and mitigating damp and mould risks before they become major issues. Ensure your team is trained to spot early signs of these problems.

Spike Living allows property managers to schedule, set reminders for regular property inspections and track maintenance tasks. With a centralised system to manage repairs, you can ensure that any issues related to damp or mould are identified and addressed quickly, before they escalate.

The platform also provides data-driven insights that allow property managers to identify recurring issues across properties. If there are patterns related to damp or mould, this can trigger proactive action, such as improving ventilation or scheduling more frequent inspections in affected areas. 

3.) Documentation and Case Management 
As the report demonstrates, maladministration cases often arise from a lack of thorough documentation. It’s essential to keep records of all communications, repairs, and inspections related to damp and mould issues to avoid potential legal challenges.

Spike Living allows property managers to document all complaints, communications, and resolutions in one place. This feature provides a comprehensive record of all actions taken to resolve damp and mould issues, which is critical for compliance and accountability, especially when dealing with regulatory bodies or in the event of a dispute.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Property Managers

As the Housing Ombudsman report and Awaab’s Law highlight, it’s clear that the traditional methods of property management may no longer be sufficient to meet the demands of today’s regulatory environment. Property managers must embrace a more proactive and technology-driven approach to keep pace with evolving regulations and resident expectations.

Spike Living not only helps property managers stay compliant with the latest legislation but also fosters better communication with residents, ensuring that issues like damp and mould are reported and resolved in real-time. By leveraging technology, property managers can stay one step ahead, helping to avoid the pitfalls outlined in the Ombudsman’s report, and ensuring they provide the safest, healthiest living conditions for their residents.

Book a demo today to learn how Spike Living can help you stay on top of damp and mould issues and maintain the safety of your properties. 

As we approach the end of the year, property managers may feel inclined to delay new initiatives until January. However, setting up your resident engagement platform now, rather than waiting for the post-holiday rush, can set you apart and position your property for a strong start to 2025.

Here are 5 reasons why Q4 is the ideal time to implement your resident engagement portal and how it can give you a strategic advantage:

1. Start the Year Strong 

January often brings a flood of new tasks and budget planning, leading to an operational backlog for many companies. By implementing your resident engagement portal now, you bypass this bottleneck, allowing your team to focus on driving resident engagement without the chaos of the January workload.

Smooth workflows mean fewer disruptions and delays, and a more streamlined experience for everyone involved, thereby allowing you to build early momentum and hit the ground running into 2025. 

2. Leverage Q4 Downtime for a Seamless Setup

Q4 is typically a quieter period operationally, making it an ideal time for setup, troubleshooting, and refining processes without disrupting day-to-day activities. Using this downtime to familiarise your team with the platform ensures a seamless transition, allowing for hands-on training and troubleshooting before the busy new year.

A recent survey revealed that 63% of businesses implementing digital solutions in Q4 experience accelerated results within the first quarter. By taking advantage of this lower-traffic period, you’re positioning your team to overcome early hurdles, ensuring your portal is fully functional when residents need it most.

3. Get Ahead of the Competition

Companies that embrace technology early on gain a head start over those who wait until January. With many property managers scrambling to implement systems in Q1, you can stand out by being ready to engage residents from day one of 2025. Implementing now gives you the competitive advantage of a system that’s already optimised, with a trained team and established workflows in place.

Waiting could mean missing out on early engagement opportunities – and possibly facing onboarding delays as others rush to set up their systems. According to McKinsey, companies that adopt tech tools ahead of the competition see up to a 20% higher rate of resident retention. The preparation now can also help you avoid onboarding delays and any early hurdles, ensuring that your property stays ahead of the curve and well-prepared for resident expectations in 2025.

4. Maximise Resident Engagement Over the Holidays

The holiday season offers a unique opportunity for resident engagement. Many residents are more active and interested in community events during this festive period, and with a solution like Spike Living, property managers can enhance communication through clubs and forums, promote holiday events, and organise activities that build community spirit.

Spike Living‘s extensive features, such as event booking, announcements, and push notifications, allow you to easily share holiday promotions, send reminders for events, and encourage interaction among residents. By launching your portal now, you’re creating a platform where residents can easily access information and register for Christmas events, community activities, and holiday-themed promotions. This not only helps build goodwill and strengthen relationships but also fosters a sense of community that enhances satisfaction and retention.

Launching during the holiday period can create a connected, festive environment that resonates with residents, showing them that your property is invested in their experience.

5. Enjoy Quick Setup and Immediate Benefits

One of the biggest misconceptions about implementing Spike’s technology is that it requires a lengthy time commitment. In reality, our setup process is streamlined, allowing you to have your resident engagement portal ready to go in just a few weeks. This means you can launch well before January, giving residents immediate access to its benefits. 

Residents today expect digital solutions. A recent report found that 93% of resident portal users consider this technology to be important. What’s more, The National Multifamily Housing Council found that 55% of residents expect tech-driven engagement options to be available by 2025. By implementing your engagement platform now, you’re meeting these expectations early and enhancing resident satisfaction, positioning your property as both forward-thinking and resident-focused. 

Don’t Wait – Make Q4 Your Competitive Advantage 

Taking action in Q4 gives you a head start, positioning your property for a seamless and productive beginning in 2025.

By implementing your resident engagement portal now, you’ll not only avoid the January rush but also provide your team and residents with the tools they need to thrive from day one. This proactive approach leverages the quieter months to set up, train, and tailor the platform, while the holiday season adds an ideal opportunity to foster community spirit and build resident connections. Make this season a launchpad for a smooth, resident-centered experience that sets your property apart and establishes momentum for the year ahead. 

Ready to get started? Book a demo with us today to explore how Spike Living can help you make the most of Q4 and prepare for a successful new year! 

We are excited to announce that Spike has been shortlisted for the PropTech Innovation category at the prestigious News On The Block Property Management Awards (PMAs) 2024. This nomination celebrates our commitment to driving technological innovation within the property management sector, recognising Spike as a leader in transforming property operations and resident engagement through our revolutionary technology solutions.

A Year of Innovation and Excellence 

Over the past 12 months, Spike has focused on driving efficiencies, enhancing communication, and ensuring compliance across the property management sector. We are proud to be trusted by over 100 property management companies worldwide, serving more than 100,000 residential units. In 2024, we launched a significant software upgrade, making our market-leading resident engagement platform, Spike Living, even more user-friendly, allowing property managers to streamline day-to-day operations, automate manual tasks, and gain greater visibility over building safety and resident engagement.

Spike Living has helped clients reduce communication time by 89% and time spent on repetitive tasks by 76%. With an average 87% adoption rate of our resident app, we are leading the way in transforming the property management experience, delivering tangible results to our clients.

Shaping the Future of Property Management 

Spike’s platform is at the forefront of innovation, enabling property professionals to automate routine processes, centralise data, and significantly improve their operational efficiency. By integrating with finance, CRM, and maintenance systems, we offer a holistic view of property management operations. With Spike, tasks like service charge updates, defect reporting, and fire safety communications are simplified, and essential information is accessible to residents, ensuring compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022.

The industry’s adoption of technology is critical, and Spike is proud to be part of the movement that helps property managers modernise their operations and create safer, more engaged communities.

Leading the Way in Resident Engagement and Compliance 

Our technology is not just about improving efficiency; it’s about creating stronger, more transparent relationships between property managers, tenants, and leaseholders.

As the Hackitt inquiry highlighted, the lack of access to safety information and poor engagement with residents can have severe consequences. Spike Living ensures that building managers remain compliant, while also giving residents the tools they need to manage their own properties effectively.

With Spike, property professionals have the technology they need to meet today’s challenges, while preparing for the future of the property industry.

Celebrating Industry Achievements 

We are incredibly grateful to the judges for considering Spike for this award and recognising our contribution to the industry. The award ceremony will take place on 21st November 2024 at City Central, at the HAC, and we look forward to celebrating the achievements of the sector alongside the most forward-thinking companies in property management.

For the full award shortlist, click here. 

Thank you once again for this honour, and we look forward to continuing our journey of innovation and excellence in the property management industry.

Last Sunday, team Spike joined thousands of runners for the annual Run Bournemouth 2024 event, with Jack, Aaron, and Ben taking on the Supersonic 10k route. The race started at Hengistbury Head and ended at the iconic Bournemouth Pier, with our team powering through the scenic coastal course – all in the name of raising awareness and funds for Hope for Food, our Charity of the Year.

At Spike, community is at the core of our values, and supporting charities like Hope for Food is a natural extension of that commitment. Hope for Food is a charity close to our hearts because of the vital services they provide to individuals and families in need. Their work ensures people have access to meals, food parcels, clothing, and basic household items, giving hope and dignity to those facing hardship. We are proud to support their mission, as it aligns with our dedication to building strong and supportive communities.

Participating in this event wasn’t just about crossing the finish line, it was about running with purpose; to make a tangible impact on our community and support those in need within our local communities. Hope for Food tirelessly works to combat food insecurity, and by running this race, Jack, Aaron, and Ben aimed to make a meaningful contribution to their efforts. 

We couldn’t be prouder of their dedication and hard work in training and running the 10km. Taking on the challenge wasn’t easy, but their strong performances, combined with their commitment to the cause, made their efforts even more impactful.

We’d also like to extend a massive thank you to everyone who has donated so far. Your contributions directly support Hope for Food’s mission, and if you haven’t had the chance yet, there’s still time to get involved. Every bit helps make a difference to those facing hardship in our community. You can donate through our JustGiving page here.

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, property management is evolving. As landlords get younger and tenants increasingly rely on apps, the need for a tenant and leaseholder app has never been more critical. Property managers must adapt to these shifts to streamline communication, improve efficiency, and meet the rising expectations of tech-savvy landlords and tenants.

Here are 4 reasons why property managers should be looking to introduce a leaseholder app into their business:

1. The Changing Demographics of Landlords

The average age of landlords acquiring new rental properties with buy to let mortgages has fallen over the past decade, driven by strong growth in the proportion of landlords in their 30s. Paragon Bank analysis of industry data shows that the average age of buy to let landlords acquiring new property with a mortgage fell from 46.4 years of age in 2014 to 42.9 last year. The reduction in age has been driven by the proportion of purchases amongst landlords in their 30s increasing over the period. In 2014, 21% of purchases with a buy to let mortgage were made by a landlord in their 30s, compared to 31% last year.

Millennials and Gen Z landlords have grown up with smartphones and are accustomed to handling nearly everything via apps – from banking, organising their social life to shopping. They are increasingly expecting the same ease and efficiency when managing their properties. They no longer want to rely on traditional methods such as emails, letters, or phone calls to Instead, they seek the convenience of handling everything from a single, user-friendly app, with over 80% believing that apps are a convenient or must-have feature for property managers. 

2. Real-Time Communication and Responsiveness 

Property managers are responsible for managing a property owner’s assets. As such, open communication becomes key when it comes to updates on the condition of the property, financial reports and other key details. This also helps establish a sense of reliability and trust between property owners, property managers and tenants.

One of the key benefits of having a leaseholder app is the ability to send and receive messages in real-time, whether it’s an urgent maintenance issue or a general update on upcoming works, property managers can quickly communicate this information with the knowledge that its much more likely that their message will be seen. Whilst emails typically have a 20% open rate, push notifications typically have anything from 50% to 95% open rate.

In addition, for leaseholders, this means they no longer must wait on the phone or send an email into the void, hoping for a response. They can submit requests, ask questions, and receive updates via their app instantly. By keeping owners informed, you can make them feel reassured in your ability to professionally manage their investment.

3. Centralised Management

Providing a platform that leaseholders can easily access empowers them to self-serve and obtain key information independently. This includes frequently asked questions, fire safety procedures, and the latest community news. With all this information readily accessible, leaseholders can often find what they need without having to contact their property manager. Furthermore, Spike’s solutions offer transparent insights into financial transactions, allowing leaseholders to view detailed service charge statements and transaction histories, which ensures clarity and accountability in financial matters. Additionally, they can also make service charge payments electronically, further enhancing transparency and convenience.

4. Increased Efficiency for Property Managers

Efficiency is the cornerstone of good property management, and instead of juggling multiple platforms like email, text, or phone calls, having a single app in place can provide a unified system. It allows property managers to track all conversations and requests, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. This reduces administrative burdens, freeing up time for more strategic tasks.

Furthermore, Spike automates many of the manual and time-consuming tasks that a property manager must perform, such as sending out service charge statements reminders, inspection reports, and other important documentation, saving time and reducing the administrative workload.

As Spike maintains a clear audit trail of correspondence, with all activities logged against a property, resident and leaseholder, this forms a key part of the golden thread, helping property managers comply with the record-keeping requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022. This ensures that every interaction is documented which can be used as evidence in case of future disputes.

Summary

As the property management landscape continues to evolve, property management apps are no longer a luxury—they’re a necessity. With younger landlords embracing technology and residents relying on apps for their day-to-day interactions, property managers must adapt to stay competitive.

A leaseholder app improves communication, increases efficiency, and fosters a sense of community, making it an essential tool for modern property management. Embracing this technology is not just about keeping up with the times; it’s about creating a better experience for both leaseholders and property managers. 

We are delighted to share that Spike has been nominated for the Supplier of the Year (Technology) – Apps award at The Negotiator Awards 2024!

This nomination is a testament to our dedication to delivering innovative solutions that address the most pressing challenges in property management today. By streamlining processes, improving compliance, and elevating tenant engagement, Spike is not just a technology provider – we’re a partner in creating safe, connected, and vibrant communities.

Tackling the Challenges in Property Management

The property management landscape is facing unprecedented challenges due to recent changes in building safety legislation, evolving tenant expectations, and the increased emphasis on community engagement. At Spike, we understand that property managers are juggling complex tasks – whether it’s ensuring compliance with regulatory changes, fostering a sense of community, or maintaining seamless communication with tenants and leaseholders. 

A recent survey by the Health and Safety Executive found that only 50% of tenants are satisfied with their building management companies. This statistic highlights the pressing need for improved communication and transparency, and it’s an area where our solutions have made a significant impact. 

How Spike Are Addressing Current Needs

Our solutions are designed to address the most pressing challenges in the industry. Here’s how our solutions stand out:

1. Compliance with Building Safety Legislation: Spike’s platform offers property managers full visibility of every tenant and leaseholder within a building, making it easier to stay compliant. 
2. Enhanced Communication: Communication breakdowns have long been a pain point in the sector. With Spike’s tenant portal, we have achieved an impressive 87% uptake across our client base, allowing for effortless, direct communication via push notifications and real-time updates. This ensures that tenants and leaseholders receive essential information promptly and have access to a self-service platform, reducing the need for direct contact. 
3. Automating Manual Processes: Property managers often spend up to 288 hours annually on repetitive tasks, such as service charge notifications and defect reporting. Our system automates these tasks, resulting in an 89% reduction in communication time and a 76% decrease in time spent on repetitive processes, freeing up managers to focus on delivering exceptional service. 
4. Centralised Data and Integration: Spike integrates seamlessly with finance, CRM, and maintenance systems, providing a single, unified view for property managers. This centralised approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also strengthens the golden thread of information, ensuring that all data is easily accessible and up-to-date.

Summary

As we continue to adapt and develop our solutions, we remain committed to supporting property managers, tenants, and leaseholders with solutions that not only meet their current needs, but also anticipate future challenges. Our focus on combining technology, community engagement, and regulatory compliance ensures that we remain at the forefront of property management. 

As we eagerly await The Negotiator Awards gala dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, on 29th November 2024, we extend our gratitude to the judges for recognising Spike’s contributions to the industry.

Congratulations to all the finalists who made the shortlist! We’re looking forward to an exciting night celebrating innovation, excellence, and the future of the residential property industry.

See the full shortlist here.

As a property manager in the residential sector, ensuring the health, safety, and satisfaction of your tenants is paramount. 

The recent introduction of Awaab’s Law, a pivotal part of the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023, is set to extend its reach into the private rental sector. This landmark legislation mandates stringent timelines for landlords to address hazards such as mould and damp, enhancing the living conditions for renters.

Understanding Awaab’s Law 

Awaab’s Law was introduced following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, whose respiratory condition was linked to mould in his social housing residence. The law, driven by the campaign efforts of Awaab’s parents, supported by Manchester Evening News and Shelter, seeks to prevent such incidents by imposing specific timelines for addressing mould and damp complaints:

• Investigate hazards within 14 calendar days of receiving a complaint. 
• Provide a written report of the findings. 
• Begin repairs within 7 calendar days if the hazard poses significant risks to health or safety. 
• Complete repair work within a reasonable timeframe. 
• Complete emergency repairs within 24 hours. 
• Maintain clear records of all correspondence with tenants and contractors.

With statistics showing that 14.2% of people privately renting in the UK are experiencing Category 1 hazards, including dangerous forms of damp and mould, the law aims to improve living conditions and protect tenants.

Labour’s pledge to extend Awaab’s Law to private landlords means that property managers need a reliable system to manage and document maintenance issues in order to adhere to these timelines. 

How can Technology Can Help? 

With 81% of tenants saying that it’s important or very important for them to be able to access a portal from a mobile device, it’s paramount that you have a system in place that is mobile-friendly. This will encourage tenants to report issues when they spot them rather than having to wait until they are back in front of a computer or at the front desk.

What’s more, The Health and Safety Executive revealed that 4 in 10 tenants think it’s difficult to raise an issue, whilst maintenance issues take up to 80% of a property managers time. Without a central system in place, tenants will use email, WhatsApp messages or text messages to report issues. Sporadic messages and using different channels make it challenging for property managers to keep track of what has been reported and run the risk of duplicating reports, making it even harder to keep tenants updated on the progress. Not to mention making it almost impossible to track against Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and performance metrics for response times.

Spike offers robust, innovative solutions to help property managers not only meet these compliance requirements, but also significantly improve tenant satisfaction. Here’s how Spike’s solutions can streamline your operations and ensure your properties remain compliant:

1.) Streamlined Reporting Process 

Our comprehensive maintenance reporting module is designed to help property managers meet these new compliance standards efficiently. The platform offers a seamless way to manage maintenance requests, ensuring that issues are addressed promptly and thoroughly.

Tenants can easily log maintenance issues through an app, allowing staff to receive real-time notifications on their management dashboard and ensures immediate action, driving tenant satisfaction. 

2.) Increased Transparency 

Two-way communication is facilitated through the platform, allowing tenants to receive updates on their requests and maintenance staff to communicate directly with them. For instance requesting additional information or clarification on an issue, as well as arranging a suitable time for an inspection.  

3.) Efficient Tracking and Prioritisation 

Property managers can track all maintenance requests through a centralised management dashboard. Issues can be prioritised based on their severity, ensuring that high-risk problems are addressed first. 

4.) Enhanced Response Times 

By streamlining the maintenance process, Spike helps speed up response times, ensures that complaints are investigated within the mandated 14-day period, repairs are initiated within the 7-day window, and facilitates the swift management of emergency repairs within the 24-hour timeframe.

This also leads to higher tenant satisfaction, as timely repairs are a key factor in positive reviews. 

5.) Detailed Documentation 

The platform maintains a clear audit trail of all correspondence, with all activities logged against a property and tenant, helping property managers comply with the record-keeping requirements of Awaab’s Law. This ensures that every step, from complaint to resolution, is documented, in case of future disputes.  

6.) Proactive Fault Diagnosis 

As tenants can attach photos to their maintenance requests, this allows maintenance teams to diagnose issues ahead of time and arrive prepared with the necessary tools and parts. This increases the likelihood of fixing the issue in their first visit and reduces response times by 30%.

Property Managers can also benefit from Spike’s powerful reporting module, allowing them to spot any wider issues which could lead to mould, such as leaking internal pipes or poor ventilation, thereby identifying the root causes of damp and mould in the development before it can escalate or spread further. Furthermore, setting up automated tasks can ensure that routine follow ups or check ins are being conducted to ensure these potential hazards are being monitored and addressed.

Summary

As the residential sector braces for the extension of Awaab’s Law, property managers must adopt systems that ensure compliance and elevate tenant satisfaction. Spike’s solutions offer comprehensive maintenance reporting, transparent communication, and efficient tracking of issues. By integrating Spike technology into your property management operations, you can provide safer, healthier, and happier homes for your tenants, ensuring that the demands of Awaab’s Law are not just met, but exceeded.   

For more information on how Spike’s innovative solutions can help you meet compliance requirements and improve tenant satisfaction, book a demo today. 

Selected by our staff, as Spike’s chosen Charity of the Year for 2024, Hope for Food is a volunteer-driven charity dedicated to providing essential services to individuals and families facing homelessness, poverty, and food insecurity in our local area. Their mission, built on respect and dignity, aligns perfectly with our own company values.

Our last distribution drive with Hope for Food was incredibly rewarding and left a lasting impression on everyone involved. So, with great anticipation, we embarked on our latest initiative, eager to build on the positive experiences of the past. This time, we decided to infuse a bit of cultural flavour into the community meals by introducing a beloved South Indian dish: vegetable biryani.

Bringing Cultures Together Through Food

In a bid to diversify the meals we provided at the community event, Sriya and Shimna, part of our Quality Assurance team, kindly took time out of their day to cook 45 portions of vegetable biryani.

Hailing from South India, this dish holds a special place in their hearts, and they were proud to share it with the community. By sharing this dish, they hoped to offer the community not just a meal, but a taste of their culture and a piece of their home. Biryani is also a favourite when brought in for our office socials and gatherings! 

The Power of a Shared Meal

The sight of the cooked biryani drew smiles and sparked curiosity among the guests, as many of them had never heard of biriyani before, let alone tried it. Our distribution team, alongside Hope for Food volunteers, eagerly served the hot meals, ensuring everyone had a helping of this delicious dish. 

In addition to our contribution, we were delighted to work alongside Leah from White Elephant (By Sala Thai), a local, family-run Thai restaurant that regularly volunteers their time and culinary expertise. They prepared delicious Thai curry dishes for the community meal distribution. The combination of Indian biryani and Thai curry offered a unique and delightful dining experience for the guests, showcasing the rich diversity of flavours from different cultures.

Beyond just serving food, the team engaged with the guests, helping to clean up, hand out toiletries and fresh produce, and most importantly, offer a listening ear. Many of the guests face loneliness and hardship, and the simple act of sharing a meal and a conversation can make a significant difference in their lives. 

A Taste of Home, a Touch of Care

The guests appreciated the effort of bringing something new and flavourful to the table. One guest remarked, “I’ve never had this before and didn’t know if I would like it, but I’m glad I tried it, it was delicious.” This sentiment was echoed by many others, who expressed gratitude for the warmth and friendliness of all those who volunteered their time to take part in the community meals.

For Sriya and Shimna, this experience was particularly meaningful. They were able to share a piece of their heritage and see the joy it brought to others. It was a reminder of how food can bridge cultural divides and bring people together in unexpected ways.

Reflections and Looking Forward

Our second experience with Hope for Food reinforced the importance of community and the power of kindness. It was heartening to see how a simple dish like biryani could bring so much joy and comfort. This event also highlighted the value of cultural exchange and the ways in which our diverse backgrounds can enrich the lives of others. 

As we look forward to future collaborations with Hope for Food, we are inspired to continue exploring new ways to support and uplift the community. Whether through meals, conversations, or shared experiences, we are committed to making a positive impact. 

You can help support their fantastic work here. 

In a world where connectivity is abundant, we ironically find ourselves less connected to the physical world than ever before. With 75% of residents expressing a desire to expand their social network and get to know their neighbours, it’s clear that many crave access to a connected community. Yet less than 40% feel they belong in their community.

What’s more, a recent study by the National Multifamily Housing Council found that resident satisfaction is strongly correlated with retention rates. Communities with higher resident satisfaction scores tend to experience lower turnover rates, with 75% of residents reporting that addressing wellbeing is important to community management.

With this in mind, developers are increasingly looking for ways to integrate health and wellness into their core offerings. Technology can play a crucial role in fostering this culture. Here’s how resident engagement portals like Spike Living can help build a wellness-focused community. 

1.) Facilitating communication and connection 

Online Community Clubs and Forums

Resident portals like Spike Living empower residents to meet their neighbours via online clubs and forums, then organise real-life meetups whenever they feel ready. From fitness clubs for activities like running, walking, and cycling to clubs focused on living with particular health issues, these groups encourage residents to stay active and build strong social connections. Unlike traditional social media, Spike Living can only be accessed by residents, ensuring that they are communicating with genuine neighbours without the risk of scammers and strangers.

Event Notifications 

Findings from the HomeViews Build to Rent Report 2024 indicate that residents participating in community challenges are 20% more likely to report higher levels of overall satisfaction with their living environment. By providing the ability for developers and operators to promote events directly to residents via the Spike Living app, this can increase participation by 46%, and as events can be ticketed, this allows staff to know in advance how many residents to expect.

In addition, community challenges are a fun and effective way to engage residents and promote a culture of wellness. Spike Living makes it easy to organise and manage fitness challenges such as step count competitions, cycling miles, or group workout sessions. Residents can track their progress and see how they rank against their neighbours, adding a friendly competitive element. As well as encouraging residents to participate in healthy eating challenges by sharing recipes, creating cooking workshops, and tracking participants’ progress through the portal. 

2.) Promoting Mental and Physical Health 

Access to Amenities 

According to Mind UK, there are numerous studies that reveal how physical exercise can improve mental health, from lifting moods, to improving sleep and a great way to connect with others.

By utilising  Spike Living, residents can view and book available fitness classes and amenities within a few taps, all from the comfort and convenience of their homes. Spike Living also allows amenities and fitness classes to be ticketed and chargeable, providing an additional revenue stream for property managers.

Access to Information

Recent statistics from HomeViews’ 2023 Build to Rent (BTR) report show that communities with regular health and wellness communications have a 15% higher engagement rate among residents, demonstrating the impact of consistent and valuable information on resident participation.

Resident portals like Spike Living allow developers to share regular articles, tips, and updates related to health and wellness. Whether it’s advice on maintaining a balanced diet, the benefits of regular exercise, or mental health support, these updates keep residents informed and motivated. In addition, developers can also create and schedule monthly newsletters that highlight upcoming events, success stories from residents, and new health initiatives within the community.

3.) Fostering a Sense of Belonging 

Over 80% of residents report that they want to live in a neighbourhood with a thriving array of local businesses, Spike Living’s ‘around me’ feature encourages newcomers to explore their local area by providing a guide to all the places around them, and by partnering with local businesses, residents can benefit from exclusive discounts, encouraging them to fall in love with their independent chains. 

Summary

Technology plays a pivotal role in building a strong community culture around health and wellness by facilitating communication, promoting education, encouraging physical activity and mental well-being. As operators continue to navigate the demands of modern living, integrating resident engagement portals like Spike Living into their developments is not just beneficial – it’s essential.

Looking for more ideas on how to incorporate health and wellness events into your development? Download our 2024 Community Engagement Guide, which outlines numerous health and wellness related events throughout the year.