Void times take a tumble

Published by webmaster for Bridge Group, The in Communities

Severnside Housing has slashed the amount of time its homes stand empty between lettings – making it one of the top performers in the region.

The average re-let time at the start of 2006 was 53 days. Now, thanks to a new specialist voids team at the Shrewsbury-based landlord, that figure is around 26 days.

It means Severnside has gone from being one of the worst-performing housing associations when it comes to re-letting its homes, to one of the top performing.

The average re-let time for housing associations in the West Midlands is 29 days.

Sue Groom, neighbourhood and community services director at Severnside, said: “Reducing void times has been a real focus for Severnside over the last 12 months. As a result of a new approach, and a new specialist team, the figures have been steadily falling.

“This brings many benefits. Most importantly, it means we are reducing waiting times for new tenants to move in.

“Secondly, empty homes can make local communities feel un-cared for. Reducing the amount of time our homes stand empty makes neighbourhoods look better and feel safer.

“Finally, the quicker a home is let the more money it brings in through rent. As a not-for-profit organisation, that means more money which can be ploughed into improving homes and services for all tenants.”

The improvements are down to a new team and use of new technology, which is improving the speed at which repairs needed at empty homes can be logged and completed.

New tenants moving into Severnside homes are also being asked to give feedback on the state of their property on a room-by-room basis, via a questionnaire. This is helping to highlight areas in need of particular attention at future properties.

Ends

Press release issued: March 12 2007