The collaboration will combine askporter’s resident communication platform, askporter Housing, with Checkatrade’s network of vetted tradespeople, allowing landlords to manage repairs from issue reporting through to payment within a single platform.
The firms said the partnership is designed to reduce administration for property teams, improve maintenance response times and simplify contractor sourcing.
askporter provides AI powered communications and operations technology for landlords, housing providers and facilities management teams. Its platform automates tenant communication and repairs processes, including triaging maintenance requests and coordinating works.
Under the new system, tenants report maintenance issues through askporter’s digital assistant. Where an issue cannot be resolved through self service, landlords and property managers can receive up to five quotes from tradespeople registered on Checkatrade’s platform.
Once a contractor accepts the work, landlords retain control over approving any pricing changes before the job proceeds.
Tradespeople and tenants can then arrange appointments directly through the platform, with work signed off digitally and payments processed through Checkatrade Pay.
The firms said landlords using askporter will be able to access the Checkatrade integration without additional fees during the first year.
Till Eichenauer, chief executive of askporter, said that repairs and maintenance 'remain one of the biggest headaches' for landlords and property managers. He added: "As experts in AI driven task automation, we’re constantly looking at how technology can remove friction from day to day property operations. This industry first collaboration brings issue reporting, contractor sourcing, appointment booking, payments and digital sign off into one platform, creating a smoother experience for both landlords and residents."
