Many things have changed in the last 18 months. Whether from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic or the growing call for equality, the way we perceive the world around us is forever changed. We have become more resilient in the face of adversity and many businesses have made permanent changes.

One industry I keep mulling over is the housing rental market. A roof over one’s head is rather one of the essentials. Where we live fundamentally means something to us, practically and emotionally. Yet for years, rental housing has been struggled to meet renters where they are. Issues including for-profit mentality, unforgiving power dynamics, and a lack of innovation often stand in the way of a more humane approach to housing that all people deserve.

It turns out that stable housing is one of the most important predictors of almost everything else: financial, physical and mental health. It predicts likelihood of getting or keeping a job and is the foundation of our communities. At its core, the Circa landlord/renter product transforms the rent-collection model. The financial structure of the product is good for both landlords and renters. The relationship and two-way communication is central to the concept. And payment smoothing allows renters to have more payment flexibility in response to increasing income volatility. Circa does not solve our deeper economic problems. But, the solutions we offer are needed now more than ever.