Customers put Sentinel in pole position

SENTINEL Housing Association has been voted north Hampshire’s* favourite landlord by its residents.

New research published today reveals that 87% of its residents are happy with Sentinel – a 6% rise on three years ago – after a series of major improvements.

The major in-depth survey of more than 4000 households found that nearly nine in 10 residents think Sentinel was efficient and effective, with 96% saying staff are friendly and approachable.

Sentinel Chief Executive Martin Nurse said: “Our goal is to be a great landlord in this area by listening to customers and providing what they want, so we’re delighted that our residents are happy with the investment in upgrading their homes, and wider neighbourhoods improvements.”

The results come after a record year of investment in upgrading existing homes, regenerating outdated estates, and providing additional support for customers struggling in the recession.

Sentinel said other new initiatives like evening and weekend home repairs, a greater choice of designer kitchens and bathroom upgrades, and more effective ways for customers to get involved in how the organisation is run, have all helped contribute to the increase in satisfaction.

Martin Nurse added: “While this is a major thumbs-up across the board, there are still more changes we intend to bring in over the next three years. We’re working with our suppliers, partners and other agencies to deliver even better services in 2010 and beyond.”

The results will now inform Sentinel’s new plans for the next three years, on being a great landlord, providing more affordable homes, and remaining at the heart of the communities it serves.

• For a full comparison of how Hampshire housing associations perform, go to:

http://www.sentinelha.org.uk/about%20us/how_we_are_doing/how_we_compare.html