Shelter Scotland mobile app tackles letting rows
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-19458793 Version 0 of 1. A mobile phone app which aims to reduce disputes between landlords and tenants has been launched. Developed by Shelter Scotland, the "Housemate" app generates a full digital inventory of a property's contents and condition. Its backers have said the app should provide proof at the end of a tenancy of how a property was when it started. Orchard and Shipman's Edinburgh letting agent Letfirst has been testing the technology prior to its launch. Shelter Scotland Director Graeme Brown said: "Too many tenants have all or part of their deposit withheld unfairly and their chances of arguing successfully for its return are often compromised by a lack of evidence. "With Housemate, both tenant and landlord will have the proof they need. "Not only does it create a full record of what a property contains and the condition it's in, it also includes photographic evidence." The information can be shared by landlord and tenant through email. Mr Brown added: "It's simple but highly effective." A trial of the app by property group Orchard and Shipman was described as a success. Director Angela McLachlan said: "Tenants and landlords are often unsure what to expect from or how to create an inventory. "This app demystifies the entire inventory process." |