Online portal simplifies property maintenance

A new online tool aims to automate property maintenance, saving time and money for rental agents and landlords.  

The Home+ Property platform connects property managers to a network of tradespeople, closing the loop between tenant, property manager, landlord and service provider.

“Our platform and network of verified tradespeople make managing multiple properties with multiple tenants easier, more efficient and it reduces risk while doing so,” says Home+ Property business development and partnership head Adriaan Hugo.

The service-on-request process works as follows: A tenant logs a job on the platform and the Home+ Property system requests approval from the managing agent and/or landlord. If approved, the agent assigns a verified tradesperson (termed ‘Hero’) to the job while giving all parties visibility. The ‘Hero’ accepts the job, visits the property on the scheduled date and provides a quote if the cost is over R1000.

If the agent approves the quote, the tenant is prompted to schedule a time for the service provider to return. Once the job is complete, the service provider takes photographs of the completed work and invoices the client. Payment is made on invoicing. Should there be a dispute, payment is withheld.

Tenants can add pictures before the work starts and the service provider is also prompted to take photos. Service providers are guided to provide detailed quotations and assessment by adding timestamps. All actions are digitally recorded for an end-to-end report, helping to ensure transparency throughout and allowing agents to track all maintenance tasks throughout their portfolio in real time.

The service providers listed on the platform are fully qualified and insured, and undergo a vetting process that includes:

• Clear criminal record
• References checked 
• Good service standards 
• Ensuring that a strong user-rating is maintained
• Verified professional qualifications
• Verified qualifications for specialist work

Service providers include: 

• Plumbers
• Locksmiths 
• Gas installers
• Electricians 
• Glass fitters
• Pest controllers 
• Landscapers 
• Deep cleaners
• Air-conditioner installers
• Flooring contractors
• Waterproofers
• General maintenance
• Rubble removers

Home+ Property says that its Web-based platform is a first-of-its-kind in South Africa,  offering real-time tracking and communication between landlord and/or agent, tenant and vendors. The system is cashless, which further reduces the risk for all parties, and customers are also rewarded with loyalty points which can be used at Home+ retail partners.