The Power of IoT Within Social Housing
Invisible Systems highlight the value of using Internet of Things technology and the data it provides within the social housing sector. More than ever, decisions are being made based on technology and the data that it delivers.
Each day, we use technology to improve our lives. Be it the use of wearable technology to track our activity levels, the algorithm within music apps to introduce us to new things we might like, or the traffic app on your phone to plan your quickest route and make you aware of any incidents. With technology playing such a huge role in our lives, it’s becoming more evident that the technology we use within our homes isn’t quite keeping up. This is particularly prevalent within the Housing Sector.
More tech-savvy, environmentally conscious tenants are providing a growing challenge for landlords and building managers. There is an expectation for improved systems and services that not only benefit the tenant individually, but the environment around them. In the past, home-based tech has been considered a nice to have, a fun addition featured in the homes of the affluent.
However, the advancement of IoT technology has not only made technology for homes more accessible, but far more beneficial – not just for residents, but for landlords too. Managing a substantial number of properties provides a significant challenge. Following the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act, all tenancies starting on, or after, 20th March 2019 must begin, and remain, fit for human habitation. The act provides significant criteria to dictate what is required and, if not met, residents are able to claim disrepair.
So where can IoT play a part?
Mould Prevention
Approximately 30% of housing stock is considered to be at high risk of damp, mould and condensation. On average, a cost of a disrepair claim for mould is £10,000. For a housing provider or landlord with 10,000 properties, this totals £30 million of potential exposure to disrepair claims for this problem alone.
For tenants, mould, damp and condensation issues can have significant impact on health. It can lead to allergic reactions and even asthma attacks.
Technology-led solutions can prevent the growth of mould within residential property. By monitoring the temperature and humidity within a property, preventative action can be taken.
Fuel Poverty
It’s estimated that over 13% of households in the UK are considered fuel poor. Fuel poverty can have a domino effect on those living within it, potentially leading to social isolation, depression and hunger. The introduction of Internet of Things technology has made data, never previously available, easily accessible to social landlords and their tenants. Smart sensors are enabling better control over domestic heating and enabling social landlords to build profiles of individual residences without being intrusive.
With readily available data displayed on easy-to-use dashboards, landlords have the capability to provide alerts when domestic temperatures drop below a safe level. Steps can then be taken to protect residents and prevent fuel poverty. Within the social housing sector, IoT sensors have the ability to transform the health and well-being of tenants whilst making the maintenance of properties easier for landlords.
We’re supporting Housing Associations across the UK to implement IoT solutions within their properties. Book a consultation today to find out how we can support you.