House isn’t simply the place your coronary heart is, it’s an area for all of your favourite issues and, maybe most necessary, a spot the place it’s best to really feel safe.
Ofo Ezeugwu had the latter in thoughts when he created WhoseYourLandlord (WYL), a platform that empowers renters by offering evaluations of property homeowners, residence situations, and housing literacy. “WhoseYourLandlord gathers resident suggestions and evaluations and turns it into actionable insights so homeowners and operators can enhance the standard of lifetime of their renters,” says Ezeugwu. “Our mission is to heart humanity on the coronary heart of housing and without end change the connection between renters and landlords.”
Ezeugwu was lately featured in EBONY Amplified, an initiative by EBONY in collaboration with Nationwide, highlighting entrepreneurs who’ve created companies which have a dynamic impression of their communities.
Like many purpose-driven enterprise homeowners, the Temple College alum acknowledged an enormous hole in a market so many people make the most of. Within the rental trade, renters, notably school college students and younger adults, are sometimes on the mercy of their landlords. They decide to leases shortly. They’ve restricted sources or alternate choices if landlords are disrespectful or neglectful. They don’t have any group for advocacy. WYL supplies all these sources to renters. It isn’t only a recreation changer; it shifts the ability dynamic again to the buyer and provides dutiful landlords a chance to generate extra enterprise.
“There’s two methods you’d have interaction with WYL. One could be to hop on the platform. You are gonna search your property, the place you reside, after which you can add a evaluate there. It is a quick survey, and we’re asking you about all the pieces from responsiveness to how administration is carried out to how the situation of the unit,” he explains. “The opposite method is an proprietor or operator will use WYL to have interaction the residents proactively. So, if that is the case via e-mail or textual content, you will (the renter) be invited to supply your suggestions. It is the identical circulation although when you land on the platform.”
Making WYL a actuality required greater than getting the know-how proper. Ezeugwu had to make sure he met the wants of all potential clients, each renters and landlords, which meant heavy market analysis. “I went to property homeowners and landlords and requested them, ‘In the event you had a toddler in class proper now, what would you be asking that property supervisor or landlord about to make sure your little one’s security, safety and luxury?’ They have been the very same issues the renters have been saying. So, the truth is that everybody was on our aspect,” he says.
Getting the greenlight from key stakeholders solidified WYL’s place as a instrument for change. Filling a necessity, garnering group help and empowering residents has helped WYL thrive, and the aim is to continue to grow. “At this level we have helped over 1.5 million renters discover housing and supply evaluations and suggestions of their landlords, property managers and buildings. Our engagement charges are 4 instances increased than of any type of survey firm on the market within the housing area. We now have evaluations in over 475 US cities throughout 25,000 completely different landlords, property managers and buildings,” he provides.
For Ezeugwu, being a tech founder is all about placing folks first. “The issues that matter to Black and Brown residents once they’re seeking to transfer into any scenario are dignity and respect. Do I really feel like I’m honored in that area?” he says. Due to WYL the ability dynamic is shifting. WhoseYourLandlord is placing accountability within the palms of renters’ palms.
