flatfair, the rental payments technology firm, has partnered with PropTech company Spike Global to further streamline the rental experience of tenants living with EcoWorld’s Build to Rent scheme Barking Wharf Square, managed by Apo.

The partnership will see flatfair assist with the resident onboarding process by adding referencing services to Spike’s list of products.

Spike’s reservations and lettings software manages a tenant’s journey all the way from reservation, to enquiry and through to move in. Its residents’ portal, Spike Living, then manages an array of functions that enhance the rental experience once the tenant has moved in.

Functions include concierge services, social clubs and forums, and process and building management solutions. The portal also connects people in the community by providing key announcements and information on amenities and recreational activities.

The partnership will also enable Apo tenants to sign up for flatfair’s No Deposit solution, which enables them to pay a one-off membership fee equal to one week’s rent (+VAT) at the start of their tenancy, authorise their debit card and settle bills at the end — similar to checking in and out of a hotel. 

The firm says doing away with upfront deposits which, on average, cost renters in London more than £1,500, also means they can move into their new homes quicker. Once they move out, charges are settled quickly and on a pay-as-you-leave basis. 

Franz Doerr, chief executive officer of flatfair, comments: “Both flatfair and Spike share the common goal – to streamline the rental experience for everyone, making it fairer and more transparent for all parties.”

“Working together, we hope to set a new benchmark for tenants in the build-to-rent sector, ensuring the onboarding process is as simple, straightforward and efficient as possible for Apo tenants. 

“We are also thrilled to be able to offer Apo tenants access to our No Deposit solution, which has already saved thousands of renters across Britain more than £10 million in up-front costs.”

Jeremy Heath-Smith, chief executive officer at Spike Global, adds: “Here at Spike, we are committed to improving the community and overall rental experience. During lockdown, meaningful technology has never been more important in keeping people connected.”

“We have worked closely with flatfair to deliver a bespoke platform designed to make the Apo tenancy journey simple from start to finish, making residents’ daily lives easier and connecting them to amenities, services and community support at the touch of a button.”