How HouseME is disturbing the peace

Ben Shaw’s digital rental agency has shaken the foundation of the property industry with its innovation, transparency and key selling points

- Shannon Manuel

HOUSEME WAS FOUNDED BASED ON EVIDENCE THAT THE RESIDENTIAL RENTAL MARKET is systematically flawed for both tenants and owners. CEO and co-founder Ben Shaw is passionate about fixing this.

‘My biggest motivation for creating an agency was that my friends weren’t allowed to apply for a mortgage based on the colour of their skin. The process is still unfair and hopelessly outdated,’ says Shaw. ‘I was also concerned about pricing. I found that, even with my own rental applications, after talking to the landlord I realised that neither of us – and not even the agent – had any idea what “fair” rent is and should be.’

To solve the problem, the first thing HouseME introduced was an “auction mechanic” where tenants could place bids on accommodation. Shaw was also driven to create employment and help ease the lives of the less fortunate. ‘As a privileged and educated Allan Gray Fellow, I believe that God has given me an opportunity to help others. It might be in a small way, but I’m determined to do so.’

He explains that challenges like scammed deposits and ridiculously high application fees – along with racial discrimination – make things difficult for prospective tenants. Landlords also experience hardships because of poor tenant behaviour, missed rental payments and procurement fees.