AskLettie, a WhatsApp-based repair reporting tool by Suffolk software firm Qualisync Ltd, has launched to help landlords comply with the Renters’ Rights Act.
The Act is set to introduce mandatory registration, ombudsman oversight and stricter repair response standards.
AskLettie logs maintenance requests, timestamps communications and creates an audit trail for landlords and tenants.
Research found most self-managing landlords use informal methods for repairs, with 92.5% relying on calls, texts or emails and only 7.5% using formal maintenance software.
41.5% said regulation and compliance clarity was their main concern for the next year, and 35.8% did not feel confident maintaining an auditable repair trail.
34.0% spend at least two hours a month managing repairs, while 15.1% spend six hours or more.
32.1% handle repair queries outside normal working hours.
AskLettie guides tenants through basic checks and escalates unresolved reports to landlords, attaching the full communication history.
Timestamped records can be shared with tenants, the Ombudsman or enforcement teams if needed.
Calum Hopkins, co-founder at Qualisync Ltd, said: “The Renters’ Rights Act raises expectations around documentation and response times – but most landlords already want to do the right thing.
“Lettie provides 24/7 tenant triage and the evidence landlords need to show repairs are being managed properly and tenants are being protected.”
David Mariani, head of strategy at Landlord Knowledge, said: “The new regulations require landlords to demonstrate clear, documented action – not just good intentions.
“Solutions like AskLettie provide the audit trail needed to prove compliance and prevent penalties, while reducing workload and administration.”
