![How HouseME is disturbing the peace](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/15670/412946/5e53997c63d75/How-HouseME-is-disturbing-the-peace.jpg)
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 The process is still unfair and hopelessly outdated,’ says Shaw.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.
This story is from the March 2020 edition of GQ South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2020 edition of GQ South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![Creativity Protection - Let's unpack copyright, fair use, and remix trends](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/15670/1708917/mX5C5kqAm1716807444271/CREATIVITY-PROTECTION-LETS-UNPACK-COPYRIGHT-FAIR-USE-AND-REMIX-TRENDS.jpg)
Creativity Protection - Let's unpack copyright, fair use, and remix trends
We've compiled a breakdown on intellectual property considerations within our local content creation landscape
![With great power...](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/15670/1708917/BqIlfWKrA1716807314786/WITH-GREAT-POWER.jpg)
With great power...
The new BMW i5 M60 xDrive is an electric (and electrifying) appetiser as we wait for the full-fat M5. Walter Hayward answers some burning questions.
![CREATIVE CHRONICLES DIVERSE PATHS, SINGULAR VISIONS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/15670/1708917/mGD38gncG1716806391835/CREATIVE-CHRONICLES-DIVERSE-PATHS-SINGULAR-VISIONS.jpg)
CREATIVE CHRONICLES DIVERSE PATHS, SINGULAR VISIONS
We take a look at the unique narratives behind a group of creative souls. From the bold strokes of a painter's brush to the intricacies of mixing drinks, each reveals the boundless spectrum of human imagination
![African luxe aesthetic](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/15670/1708917/KZNPnWAWT1716805989647/AFRICAN-LUXE-AESTHETIC.jpg)
African luxe aesthetic
Tshepo Rakale, a self-taught designer from Soweto, embodies the creative vision of Gvllvnt. His meticulous attention to detail and pursuit of luxury set him apart as one of South Africa's most captivating menswear designers.
![Fresh Sound](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/15670/1708917/BD1jtoD3t1716805207109/FRESH-SOUND.jpg)
Fresh Sound
We chat to seven artists actively shaping the music landscape, exploring their distinct creative approaches and insights on crafting timeless music
![Live long and prosper](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/15670/1708917/aAUO7SGVv1716804555446/LIVE-LONG-AND-PROSPER.jpg)
Live long and prosper
The longest living people in the world all abide by the 'Power 9' rule
![THE art OF PERFUMERY](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/15670/1708917/u5TGxBd0D1716804365971/THE-ART-OF-PERFUMERY.jpg)
THE art OF PERFUMERY
The art of perfumery is not merely about pleasant aromas; it is an intricate art form that combines science, creativity, and storytelling
![The fine line between cultural appreciation and appropriation](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/15670/1708917/zpAvk7hc61716804164600/THE-FINE-LINE-BETWEEN-CULTURAL-APPRECIATION-AND-APPROPRIATION.jpg)
The fine line between cultural appreciation and appropriation
Can the fashion industry tell the difference?
![Into The Woodź](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/15670/1708917/mlYhkxvml1716803716236/INTO-THE-WOOD.jpg)
Into The Woodź
Dive into the world of The Woodź aka Lesedi, as he unveils his musical odyssey in this captivating fashion editorial, in partnership with Isuzu and local design house, Franc Ellis
![THE MUSICAL ODYSSEY OF ASA](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/15670/1708917/HjMrJuVYK1716803210160/THE-MUSICAL-ODYSSEY-OF-ASA.jpg)
THE MUSICAL ODYSSEY OF ASA
PARIS-BORN NIGERIAN ARTIST ASA CREATES A MUSICAL LEGACY THAT TRANSCENDS CULTURAL CONFINES