Mobile App Guides
How to Verify Property Location Using Geofencing
Complete step-by-step guide to verifying property locations using geofencing technology. Learn when verification is required, how to complete the process, and troubleshoot common issues.
Overview
Property location verification is a security feature that ensures property managers physically visit properties before adding them to the system. This helps prevent fraud and ensures accurate property data for high-risk accounts.
The verification process uses geofencing technology to create a virtual boundary around the property location. When you're within this boundary (typically 50 meters), the system can verify you're physically at the property using your device's GPS location.
When Verification is Required
High-Risk Company
Your company has been flagged as high-risk based on compliance scoring
Unverified User
Your account verification badge level is basic or not verified
HMO Properties
House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) properties require verification
Custom Rules
Your company has configured custom verification requirements
Step-by-Step Guide
Start Property Creation
Open the Social Home mobile app, navigate to Properties → Add New Property, fill in property details (address, postcode, type, etc.), and click Create Property.
Verification Check
The system automatically checks if verification is required based on your company's risk level, verification status, and property type. If verification is required, you'll see a Location Verification Required screen.
Grant Location Permission
Tap Allow Location Access when prompted. Select Allow While Using App or Allow Once. Location data is only used for verification and stored securely.
Note: Why we need location access: To verify you are physically at the property. Location data is only used for verification, stored securely, and never shared. You can revoke permission anytime.
Navigate to Property Location
Review verification requirements, navigate to the property address, ensure you are within 50 meters of the property, and keep location services enabled.
Tips for success:
- Use GPS navigation to find the exact property
- Ensure you have a clear view of the sky for better GPS accuracy
- Wait for your location to stabilise before starting verification
Stay at Location (Dwell Time)
Once you're within the geofence, remain at the property location for 30 seconds. Watch the progress bar and do not leave the area during this time.
Note: What happens during dwell time: Your location is continuously monitored, the system verifies you're staying within the geofence, and if you move outside, the timer resets.
Verification Complete
After dwell time completes, verification automatically finishes. You'll see a success message and property creation continues automatically. Your property is now marked as verified.
Verification Parameters
Default verification settings:
These can be customised by your company administrator.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Location Permission Denied
Problem: App cannot access your location
Solution: Go to your device Settings, find Social Home in the app list, enable Location permissions, and return to the app.
Location Not Accurate Enough
Problem: Location accuracy too low error
Solution: Move to an area with better GPS signal (outdoors, clear sky view), wait for GPS to stabilise, ensure Wi-Fi and mobile data are enabled, and try moving closer to the property address.
Outside Geofence
Problem: You are outside the property geofence message
Solution: Check you're at the correct property address, use a maps app to verify your exact location, move closer to the property (within 50 meters), and ensure your device's location services are accurate.
Verification Session Expired
Problem: Verification session expired error
Solution: Verification sessions expire after 10 minutes. Start a new verification attempt, ensure you complete the process within the time limit, and remember you have up to 3 attempts to complete verification.
Maximum Attempts Reached
Problem: Maximum attempts reached error
Solution: Contact support if you've used all 3 attempts. An admin can manually verify your property if needed. Review the troubleshooting steps above before contacting support.
Security & Privacy
Data Protection
- Location data is only used for property verification
- Data is encrypted and stored securely
- Location information is not shared with third parties
- Verification records are company-scoped
GDPR Compliance
- You can request deletion of verification data
- Location data is retained only as long as necessary
- All data processing complies with UK GDPR regulations
Benefits of Verification
For Property Managers
Prevents Fraud
Ensures properties actually exist and are accessible
Data Accuracy
Confirms property locations are correct
Compliance
Meets regulatory requirements for high-risk accounts
Trust
Verified properties build trust with tenants and stakeholders
For Your Organisation
Risk Management
Reduces risk of fraudulent property listings
Compliance
Meets due diligence requirements
Data Quality
Ensures accurate property database
Audit Trail
Complete verification history for compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to verify every property?
No, verification is only required for high-risk accounts or specific property types. Most properties can be added without verification.
Can I skip verification?
For high-risk accounts, verification is mandatory. However, you can contact support if you're unable to complete verification due to technical issues.
How long does verification take?
Typically 1-2 minutes once you're at the property location. This includes navigation time, permission setup, and the 30-second dwell time.
What if I'm adding a property remotely?
If you cannot physically visit the property, contact support. An admin can manually verify the property or adjust verification requirements.
Does verification work offline?
No, you need an active internet connection and GPS signal for location verification to work.
Can I verify multiple properties at once?
Currently, verification must be completed one property at a time. Each property requires its own verification session.
What happens if verification fails?
You can retry up to 3 times. If all attempts fail, contact support for assistance. An admin can manually verify the property if needed.
Is my location tracked continuously?
No, location is only tracked during the verification session. Once verification completes, location tracking stops.
Support
If you need help with property verification:
- • In-App Support: Go to Settings → Help & Support
- • Contact Form: Submit a support request via our contact form