Introduction
ResiSure is an innovative solution that delivers critical insights into tenants' living environments across the UK. By using smart devices powered by Internet of Things (IoT) technology, ResiSure’s suite of products provides real-time monitoring of crucial factors such as damp, mould, heat loss, tenant vulnerability and air quality.
ResiSure’s devices gather data remotely, creating a “digital picture of a tenant’s environment” which allows landlords and property managers to proactively address potential issues before they escalate, ultimately creating healthier and safer homes. ResiSure’s devices also possess the unique ability to validate retrofit work, therefore ensuring properties are energy-efficient, helping to reduce carbon footprint and promote long-term sustainability.
The Challenge
ResiSure emerged in response to a pressing need in the housing sector, namely landlords’ inability to monitor tenant living conditions effectively, particularly in relation to damp, mould, and energy inefficiency.
Changes in legislation, like Awaab’s Law, which was introduced after tragic incidents linked to poor housing conditions, along with the Building Safety Act, have increased pressure on UK landlords to ensure safer living environments and respond more quickly to reports of poor conditions. In addition to increasing efforts by the new Labour government to reduce state expenditures on housing benefits, there is a strong emphasis on ensuring that individuals have access to safe and secure living environments.
However, traditional monitoring solutions on the market often required intrusive installation processes, including Wi-Fi or electrical connections, which tenants were hesitant to accept. Combined with the fact that property managers were then faced with high costs and complex logistics when implementing these systems at scale.
In order to create a non-invasive solution that did not require a Wi-Fi connection, ResiSure turned to NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) powered devices which provide consistent performance across a variety of properties.
What is Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT)?
Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) is a low-power, wide-area network (LPWAN) technology specifically designed for connecting a large number of low-bandwidth, battery-powered devices to the internet. It operates on existing 5G cellular networks providing enhanced coverage due to its low frequency, particularly in challenging environments like underground or rural areas.
One of the key benefits of NB-IoT is its low cost, which enables widespread deployment of IoT devices without significant investment. It also boasts low power consumption, allowing devices to operate for years on a single battery charge.
The Solution
Having reviewed the market, ResiSure partnered with Onecom due to their expertise in IoT and long-standing relationship with Vodafone, having been named Vodafone’s Strategic Partner of the Year for 13 consecutive years.
Unlike other providers, Onecom's proactive approach to customer support was also a major differentiator. ResiSure valued the ability to easily contact Onecom’s team when needed, ensuring smooth deployment and minimal disruption. Onecom’s level of responsiveness and engagement made scaling their solution across thousands of properties both efficient and seamless.
With Onecom’s support, ResiSure deployed sensors that monitor critical factors like damp, mould, and air quality, all without compromising tenant privacy. ResiSure have since now integrated water leak detection and energy consumption monitoring, further enhancing the system’s capabilities. The real-time data from these devices allows property managers to detect issues early on and validate energy-saving retrofits, ensuring properties remain compliant with new legislation.
The solution is truly plug-and-play. We insert the SIM, power on the device, and it’s ready to go. There’s no complex setup involved, which is a huge benefit when deploying thousands of devices at scale.
Outcome
The impact of ResiSure’s solution has been profound. By providing landlords and property managers the ease of addressing issues such as damp, mould, and leaks before they become severe, reducing long-term repair costs and maintaining a safer environment for their tenants. Meanwhile for tenants, the system provides peace of mind, knowing that their homes are continuously monitored for potential hazards, without the need for intrusive or disruptive installations. ResiSure’s solutions prioritises not only tenant welfare but property welfare too, ensuring a holistic approach to enhancing the quality of living and maintaining the integrity of properties.
ResiSure is deploying the system in thousands of properties across the UK, with impressive results. Tenants have expressed satisfaction with the non-intrusive nature of the solution, while landlords benefit from compliance with evolving regulations, which mandates faster response times to environmental issues in homes. The simplicity of the system, requiring no complex setup, has made it commercially viable, with ResiSure targeting the rollout of 20,000 devices over the next three years.
ResiSure has transformed our lettings portfolio by providing crucial insights into property conditions with their condensation and moisture monitoring equipment.
The easy-to-read graphs help us quickly identify issues, whether from the property or tenant's living habits, allowing us to address problems proactively.
This ensures a healthier living environment for tenants and protects our properties, making management smoother and more efficient.
Furthermore, ResiSure’s subscription-based pricing model, eliminates large upfront costs for landlords, making the solution financially accessible and scalable. This approach has made it easier for property managers to adopt the technology and manage their properties more efficiently.
What’s Next?
ResiSure is continuing to evolve their product offerings, with exciting plans for expanding its IoT capabilities. They are actively developing solutions for leak detection in hard-to-reach areas, and enhanced energy consumption monitoring, which will allow tenants and landlords to make more informed decisions about their energy use, contributing to significant cost savings and reduced environmental footprint.
With ongoing growth in both the social and private rental sectors, ResiSure’s next steps involve extending its product range to new markets and solidifying its role as a leader in tenant and property welfare. As the housing sector continues to evolve, ResiSure remains at the forefront, offering solutions that not only address current needs but anticipate future demands. And with Onecom by their side, providing dedicated support and expertise, ResiSure is fully equipped to continue driving innovation and improving living environments for tenants across the UK.
When we engaged with Onecom, we found their support to be superb. Having a reliable partner like Onecom, who we can easily reach out to when issues arise, has made all the difference in successfully scaling our solution.