Going Beyond Traditional Housing Management Systems: A Smarter Path to Digital Transformation

20th May 2025

by Jimmy Rogers

Social housing providers are facing a real turning point. As tenant expectations shift and service standards rise, many organisations are being held back by older housing management systems. These systems, once considered reliable digital foundations, are now limiting progress instead of enabling it.

Time to rethink housing technology

Moving forward doesn’t have to mean starting over. This blog explores how providers can modernise their services through better integration and a smarter housing data strategy – without the cost and disruption of replacing everything. And you’ll be ready for STAIRS and Awaab’s Law – with no vendor delays.

The problem with today’s housing management systems

Most housing management systems were originally built for consistency and compliance. But the demands of modern service delivery are different. Today’s tenants expect simple, digital-first experiences – and most housing systems aren’t set up to deliver them.

Common issues include:

1. Lack of integration options that prevent connection to modern tools
2. Rigid platforms that can’t be easily customised or extended
3. Fragmented data, leading to repeated tasks and reduced visibility.

These challenges make it harder for teams to work efficiently and for tenants to engage with services on their terms.

For housing providers, this often means increased costs, slower service delivery and difficulty responding to changing tenant needs. It also limits their ability to innovate, meet regulatory demands or scale services without significantly increasing headcount. Over time, this can lead to reputational damage and compliance risks, especially when key performance metrics or service standards aren’t met.

Why fully replacing your system isn’t always the best option

For organisations frustrated with their current systems, one common suggestion is to completely replace them with a new one. While that might sound like a solution, the reality is more complicated. A full system overhaul often comes with:

1. High costs for procurement, licensing and implementation
2. Delays caused by long setup and migration timelines
3. Disruption to staff and services during the transition
4. No guarantee that the new system will deliver better results.

This approach isn’t just expensive – it can also put day-to-day services at risk.

A smarter alternative: Improve what you already have

Instead of rebuilding everything from scratch, many housing providers are now choosing a more practical route – extending and enhancing their current housing management systems.

With Liberty for Housing, this approach becomes not only possible, but powerful. Tenant Hub is a ready-to-go solution built on Liberty’s platform, designed specifically to enhance tenant engagement and streamline housing processes. Unlike basic integration tools, Liberty combines low-code development, process automation and connected data in a single transformation platform. That means housing teams can deliver modern digital services faster, with less disruption. And without replacing their core system.

By using these tools, organisations can:

1. Connect existing systems to new apps and services
2. Automate repetitive processes, saving time and reducing errors
3. Build digital tools that improve tenant services and staff workflows.

This approach allows you to make real improvements – without interrupting service delivery or overhauling your entire IT landscape.

Real-world innovation in housing management systems without starting over

One housing provider, struggling with delays in their repairs process, faced a choice: Replace their whole system or find a smarter way to improve. They chose to build around what they had and turned to Liberty for Housing to make it happen.

By using the platform’s low-code tools and deep integration capabilities, they were able to:

1. Create a user-friendly tenant portal
2. Automate status updates for repair jobs
3. Improve communication across teams.

The results were clear – better tenant satisfaction, faster resolution times and significant savings. And importantly, they achieved this without replacing their core system.

“Low-code was the obvious answer for us. We wanted to be able to build our own case types and workflows and do that on a system that was easy to do, where we didn’t need code and expertise to do that.”

Paul Byrne

Senior Business Improvement Officer, Clyde Valley Housing Association

Housing data strategy: Make your systems work together

Your housing data becomes a powerful asset when it is accessible and connected. Without a clear strategy, housing providers end up duplicating work and missing opportunities to improve. By focusing on integration, you can develop a stronger housing data strategy that brings everything together. And that means you can gain real-time visibility across housing, finance and support services so you can make smarter decisions. By using this accurate and connected data, you can offer truly personalised tenant communication that’s built on complete tenant records.

Digital transformation in social housing on a realistic budget

The good news is you don’t need a huge budget to modernise. By building on your current systems, you can unlock savings and reinvest them into meaningful improvements. This means you can achieve digital transformation in social housing without the financial strain of a full replacement.

Most importantly, when systems are connected and workflows are streamlined, everyone benefits. Tenants get quicker responses and easier access to services. Staff can spend more time supporting residents and less time battling outdated processes. Benefits of this approach include:

Great use cases include:

1. Mobile-friendly portals for rent, repairs and communication
2. Automated reminders for appointments or rent payments
3. Faster case resolution, using connected systems and smarter data.

These changes make a real difference – and they don’t require starting from zero.

Transform without starting over

Social housing providers don’t need to choose between keeping outdated systems or replacing them entirely. By focusing on integration and a strong housing data strategy, it’s possible to get more from your existing housing management systems.

With the right approach, you can improve tenant experiences, streamline services and reduce costs and risks. All while building a foundation for long-term digital transformation in social housing.