Leading housing provider Southern Housing Group has been taking resident safety to the next level after it partnered with the compliance technology provider Gas Tag.

Southern Housing Group, which manages 28,000 homes across London and South East England, has been carrying out a six-month pilot of Gas Tag in its properties in Brighton and Hove. 

Gas Tag is a first of its kind technology that has been designed to support housing providers with their gas compliance process and provide real-time insight into the work being carried out in their properties. 

All landlords across the UK are legally required to carry out annual gas safety checks but the current model is is paper-based and time-consuming.  Gas Tag technology moves this system into the digital age, offering complete transparency to both Southern Housing Group and its contractor. 

The Gas Tag platform also provides an extra level of protection for residents as it can only be used by Gas Safe Registered Engineers. 

Barry Stephens, Heating Manager at Southern Housing Group, said: “We are very excited to be working with Gas Tag on a 6-month pilot. From the initial set up, being a quick and smooth process; we now have visibility of servicing, repairs, and audits through the portal; providing the opportunity to ensure compliance and our customers’ safety. As a Landlord, excellent customer service is paramount, Gas Tag supports this ethic by offering an autonomous view of our contractors’ work and supports the effective management of our contracts.” 

John Roche, Chief Operating Officer at Gas Tag, added: “We are delighted to be working with Southern Housing Group. Our technology is empowering forward-thinking housing providers and giving them a greater understanding of their gas safety which in turn helps them protect their residents.

"We look forward to working closely with Southern Housing Group, its residents, and contractors, and developing a long-term relationship.”

Thanks to the data collected during the inspections, Southern Housing Group will also have increased visibility of the customer service received by its residents. This will allow the provider to reduce the number of missed appointments and increase the number of repairs and services completed during the first visit to a property.