The Best Practice Guide (BPG)

The aim of the Best Practice Guide is to support the Build to Rent community and improve the way we do business, by sharing knowledge and de-risking the sector for investors, developers, operators and suppliers.

The Best Practice Guide is the industry’s compendium, with content by members for members.

It has articles published and, in the pipeline, covering topics from design and funding through development and construction to mobilisation and operation.

The dynamic nature of the industry is reflected in its content, and we renew the call to members to share their knowledge with written and digital contributions.

What does the Best Practice Guide offer?

Some of the articles featured in the BPG

A guide to maturity assessment, selection principles and implementing technology

The effective deployment of a well-considered technology strategy optimises operational efficiency, reducing costs and maximising revenue

Designing BTR schemes with future-proofed digital infrastructure 

Reliable digital connectivity affects a resident’s lived experience and the operational performance of a BTR asset

Put Your Online Prospect Journey to 'the Aeroplane Test'

Today’s customers expect a frictionless path from searching for a home to moving in.

Trends and must-haves in BTR property software

Customers increasingly require a seamless experience so it is important for developers and operators to choose the right technological solutions

Parcel deliveries are a growing challenge for Build to Rent 

Smart parcel lockers can keep deliveries secure, facilitate pick-up for residents and relieve staff from time-consuming handling duties

Clever design and new technology can future-proof appliances in Build to Rent schemes

Residents have high expectations but maintenance and upkeep must be easy and affordable

Guide to smart home hardware selection

Selecting smart home devices with operations, maintenance and the customer in mind.

Guide to property management software selection

Step-by-step guide to selecting a new software provider for Build-to-Rent assets.

Is your operating software the right fit for your business?

This guide helps you to identify the gaps between your software and your business processes.

Operations processes and automation

This guide helps you to decide whether you should use increase automation technology for your business processes.

Featured in Building Safety

The Building Safety Bill: Occupation phase and the 'Golden Thread'

Responsibilities that will exist when the Building Safety Bill comes into force and details of property information that will form the Golden Thread

Proposed legislation sets new rules for regulating building safety

The new statutory system for regulating building safety will have significant commercial and contractual implications

The key provisions of the Fire Safety Act 2021

The Fire Safety Act 2021 details fire safety obligations in multi-occupied residential buildings

Featured in Operations, Service and Management

The benefit of completing interim inspection reports 

What to include in an interim inspection visit to help extend the life of a building and increase resident satisfaction 

The benefit of a well-defined access plan

Avoiding costly alterations and complying with Secured by Design guidance means considering all access from the start of a BTR project

Are you managing to maintain? 

Being proactive with maintenance means avoiding expensive replacements instead of simple repairs

How to anticipate and respond to customer needs through lead routing 

Save potential customers' time and make sure staff are employed in the most efficient way

To furnish or not to furnish?

The approach to furnishing should be considered for each potential resident

Creating an effective inventory report

An overview of a tenancy lifecycle demonstrates how using inventory reports can avoid disputes 

Prevent and anticipate: The digital transformation of repairs and maintenance

About 80% of maintenance spend is planned and 20% is reactive, but 80% of time is spent on reactive issues

Planning car space storage in Build to Rent developments

Car space storage cabinets are a bonus for customers and provide additional revenue for investors