AI-driven end-to-end technology is set to transform the lettings sector

PropTech innovator Vinny has announced the launch of the UK’s first rental viewing platform which allows potential tenants to self-vet and view properties securely, entirely on their own schedule, without an agent being present. The AI-driven end-to-end technology is set to transform the lettings sector by saving an estimated 80% of traditional property management time.

The seamless automation begins as soon as a potential tenant enquires about a property. From lead capture and qualification to booking and follow up, Vinny’s self-guided property tours offer a safe and secure experience for both tenants and operators by:

• Aligning applicants with landlord’s rental criteria before inviting them to view, providing tenants with a clear, fast-track qualification process and ensuring properties are only viewed by suitable candidates

• Allowing prospective tenants to book a viewing slot online at a time that suits, without the need for calls, emails and back and forth scheduling

• Verifying each viewer’s identity before granting access, providing peace of mind for landlords through robust, automated identity verification, while ensuring a safe, secure, and professional environment for viewers

• Sending a secure mobile key to the viewer’s phone, giving them access only during their booked viewing slot

• Enabling prospective tenants to view the property independently and at their own pace, without the need for a letting agent to be present

• Carrying out post-tour follow ups, allowing landlords to manage engagement personally or let the AI take the lead

Piloting the technology in their single family housing units at The Chapters in Ely, Cambridgeshire, are specialist BTR Operating partners Armstone ltd and building operators Allsop Letting & Management Ltd. Working in collaboration with Vinny and mobile key innovators, Unloc, they successfully rolled out bespoke self-guided tours. Having been live for just over one week, the pilot has successfully supported Allsop and Armstone to lease-up 30% of their available units, with plans to roll out across their wider portfolio once all units are let. The first ever self-guided tour resulted in a positive outcome and a new tenant in place.

Alex Masters, Senior Asset Manager, Single‑Family Housing, Allsop Letting & Management said:

“This opportunity, in collaboration with Unloc and Vinny, to support and implement a fully self-service enquiry to viewing experience has the potential to revolutionise the UK rental market. When we discussed this with our Client base a number were sceptical about unaccompanied viewings, both in terms of security and conversion.  However, having seen how the technology works, we have renewed confidence in recommending it.  Prospective tenants can view when it suits them, fitting in with their busy lifestyles, leaving us to focus on improving our customer proposition and guiding our newest customers through the post application move in process.  We expect it to lead to faster lease up, and significantly less lost leads.”

Susannah Roberts, Head of Portfolio Management, Single Family Housing, Armstone Ltd said: “Being at the forefront of the development of such a significant tool has helped us capture important data and drive forward automation to give the best services to residents and deliver more rental homes for the UK.  In just over one week, we have already leased 30% of our The Chapters development and are also seeing results in operational efficiency and tenant experience. By closing the bottlenecks created by facilitating in person viewings, our agents are now able to focus on adding human value where it’s needed while vastly speeding up the letting process”

Johnny Siu, (Pictured) Co-Founder and CEO of Vinny said: “The best leasing teams in the country spend too much of their day coordinating viewings and that’s not where they add the most value. Self-guided tours give that time back, so the people on your team can focus on the conversations, decisions, and relationships that actually move the needle on occupancy and resident satisfaction. The results at The Chapters prove the market is ready for the shift we’re making.”

Working in partnership with mobile key provider, Unloc, the self-guided tours have been rigorously tested for security and safety. A mobile key is provided to the prospective tenant and is entirely unique through ID verification and time limited, meaning that it can’t be replicated or used for any purpose other than the viewing.

Kris Riise, Founder CEO, Unloc, added: “It’s been a joy to work with Vinny to develop and apply our keyless technology to this ground breaking project. By offering a unique and secure mobile key to each viewer, we are supporting renters and agents alike in providing a personalised, safe and speedy application process.”