U.S. patent application number 12/523714 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-03 for service management systems and associated methods.
Invention is credited to Louis D. Delk.
Application Number | 20100138259 12/523714 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39690797 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100138259 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Delk; Louis D. |
June 3, 2010 |
SERVICE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS
Abstract
Service management systems and associated methods are disclosed
herein. In one embodiment, a service management system can include
a system for delivering various types of services including
property management services, residential rental services, social
services, low income housing services, and/or the like. One aspect
of the disclosure is directed toward a computer implemented service
management process (e.g., a property management process) that
includes maintaining an inventory of property associated with a
rental program, providing information associated with the rental
program, processing an application to enter the program from a
potential program participant, and administering various program
elements of the rental program. In selected embodiments, the method
can further include providing products/services and/or providing
advertising. In still further embodiments, the method can include
terminating the program participant's participation in the rental
program/service management process.
Inventors: |
Delk; Louis D.; (Phoenix,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PERKINS COIE LLP;PATENT-SEA
P.O. BOX 1247
SEATTLE
WA
98111-1247
US
|
Family ID: |
39690797 |
Appl. No.: |
12/523714 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
February 14, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US08/53995 |
371 Date: |
February 4, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60890441 |
Feb 16, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/314 ;
705/14.49; 705/40 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 40/02 20130101;
G06Q 10/087 20130101; G06Q 50/163 20130101; G06Q 30/0251 20130101;
G06Q 30/0645 20130101; G06Q 20/102 20130101; G06Q 20/4037
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/7 ;
705/14.49; 705/40; 705/314 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 50/00 20060101
G06Q050/00; G06Q 30/00 20060101 G06Q030/00; G06Q 20/00 20060101
G06Q020/00; H04M 3/00 20060101 H04M003/00; G06Q 10/00 20060101
G06Q010/00; G06Q 40/00 20060101 G06Q040/00 |
Claims
1. A service management system for managing and maintaining an
inventory of real property associated with a rental program and
matching participants of the rental program with corresponding
properties in the inventory, the system comprising: one or more
data storage components configured to store an inventory of real
property associated with the rental program; and one or more data
processing components coupled to the one or more data storage
components, the one or more data processing components configured
to-- process requests from applicants for information regarding the
rental program; manage and maintain the inventory of property
associated with the rental program; process an application of an
applicant to become a program participant; and match a program
participant with one or more properties in the inventory based, at
least in part, on the program participant's demographic information
and the program participant's desired geographic location.
2. The service management system of claim 1 wherein the one or more
data processing components are further configured to-- notify an
applicant of approval or denial of the application to the rental
program; and notify a program participant that the participant's
enrollment in one or more aspects of the rental program is being
terminated.
3. The service management system of claim 1 wherein the one or more
data processing components are further configured to-- notify a
property owner that a selected property has been enrolled in the
inventory; and notify a property owner that a selected property has
been rented by a program participant of the rental program.
4. The service management system of claim 1 wherein the one or more
data processing components are further configured to process rent
payments from program participants and transfer the payments to the
corresponding property owner.
5. The service management system of claim 1 wherein the inventory
of real property includes an inventory of individual housing units
available for rent by a program participant, and wherein the
individual housing units include at least one of apartments, single
family homes, multifamily homes, mobile homes, and townhomes.
6. The service management system of claim 1 wherein the inventory
of real property includes an inventory of individual apartment
units available for rent by a program participant, and wherein the
number of individual apartment units in an apartment complex that
are available for a program participant constitutes a percentage
less than 100 percent of the overall number of units in the
apartment complex.
7. The service management system of claim 1 wherein the inventory
of real property includes an inventory of individual housing units
controlled by one or more property owners and available for rent by
program participants, and wherein the rental program is configured
to function as an intermediary between the property owner and
program participants for matters related to the rental and
occupancy of a particular housing unit by a particular program
participant.
8. The service management system of claim 1 wherein the inventory
of real property includes an inventory of apartment units in
selected apartment complexes that are available for rent by a
program participant, and wherein the one or more data processing
components are further configured to: calculate a percentage of the
unoccupied apartment units in a selected apartment complex that are
available for program participants; and rank the individual
apartment units in the inventory based, at least in part, on the
percentage of unoccupied apartment units in the particular
apartment complex in which the individual apartment unit is
located.
9. The service management system of claim 1 wherein the one or more
data processing components are further configured to process
requests from applicants for (a) general information and guidelines
regarding the rental program, (b) vacancy information from the
inventory of property associated with the rental program, and (c)
application information for the rental program.
10. The service management system of claim 1 wherein the one or
more data processing components are further configured to-- process
an application of a property owner to make one or more individual
housing units available for use by participants of the rental
program; and upon approval of the application of the property
owner, enroll the one or more housing units of the property owner
into the inventory.
11. A computer-implemented method for managing a rental program,
the method comprising: storing and managing an inventory of real
property associated with the rental program; receiving a request
from an applicant to become a participant in the rental program; in
response to receiving the request, processing an application of the
applicant to become a participant in the rental program; and upon
approval of the application, matching the program participant with
one or more properties in the inventory based, at least in part, on
the program participant's demographic information and the program
participant's desired geographic location.
12. The computer-implemented method of claim 11 wherein storing and
maintaining an inventory of real property comprises: registering in
a data table multiple housing units for use with the rental
program, wherein the housing units include at least one of
apartments, single family homes, multifamily homes, mobile homes,
and townhomes; and storing in the data table one or more attributes
of each housing unit, wherein the attributes include at least one
of a name of an apartment complex or neighborhood in which the
housing unit is located, an address of the housing unit, a rental
amount for the housing unit, amenities of the housing unit, and
requirements that use of the housing unit in the rental program are
predicated on.
13. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, further comprising
requiring program participants to meet one or more selected program
requirements during a selected period of time, and wherein the
program requirements include at least one of-- making periodic
rental payments; maintaining employment; remaining drug and/or
alcohol free; attending or completing selected training programs;
preparing and using a budget; agreeing to an immediate
dispossession of a housing unit as a result of non-compliance with
certain program requirements; and agreeing to various tracking
and/or monitoring processes.
14. The computer-implemented method of claim 13, further comprising
terminating participation of a program participant in the rental
program if the program participant fails to satisfy one or more
program requirements.
15. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, further comprising
periodically reporting rent payment history of program participants
to one or more credit bureaus.
16. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, further comprising
periodically reporting lending payment history of program
participants to one or more credit bureaus, wherein the lending
payment history is associated with one or more debts independent to
and separate from the rental payments of the program
participants.
17. The computer-implemented method of claim 11 processing an
application of the applicant to become a participant in the rental
program includes at least one of a background check, a personal
interview, a credit check, and confirmation of one or more personal
identifiers of the applicant.
18. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, further comprising
providing to an applicant advertising regarding products and/or
services associated with one or more aspects of the rental
program.
19. The computer-implemented method of claim 11 wherein receiving a
request from an applicant to become a participant in the rental
program includes receiving an electronic request from a remote
computer via a computer network.
20. The computer-implemented method of claim 11 wherein the
inventory of real property includes an inventory of individual
housing units in a number of different geographic areas available
for rent by a program participant, and wherein: matching the
program participant with one or more properties in the inventory is
further based, at least in part, on a percentage of unoccupied
housing units in a particular geographic area.
21. The computer-implemented method of claim 20 wherein the program
participant is a first program participant, and wherein the method
further comprises matching multiple other program participants with
properties in the inventory based, at least in part, on the
percentage of unoccupied housing units in particular geographic
areas such that the multiple program participants are dispersed
throughout multiple geographic areas in a selected
distribution.
22. The computer-implemented method of claim 11 wherein storing and
maintaining an inventory of real property associated with the
rental program comprises storing a first set of housing units
identified for use by a first group of program participants
belonging to a first demographic group, and a second set of housing
units identified for use by a second group of program participants
belonging to a second demographic group different than the first
demographic group.
23. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, further comprising
providing at least one of educational services and debt counseling
services to program participants.
24. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, further comprising
an individual or entity associated with the rental program entering
into a rental agreement with an owner of the matched property on
behalf of the program participant.
25. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, further
comprising: receiving and processing an application of a property
owner to make one or more individual housing units available for
use by participants of the rental program; and upon approval of the
application of the property owner, enrolling the one or more
housing units of the property owner into the inventory.
26. One or more computer-readable media collectively storing
computer-executable instructions that, when executed, perform a
method for managing a rental program for low income individuals and
families, the method comprising: managing an inventory of
individual housing units associated with the rental program;
processing an application of an applicant to become a participant
in the rental program; and upon approval of the application,
matching the program participant with a housing unit in the
inventory based, at least in part, on selected demographic
information of the individual program participant, a desired
geographic area in which the program participant would like to
live, and a desired disbursement of multiple program participants
in a selected geographic area.
27. A system for providing housing services to families and
individuals, the system comprising: means for storing and managing
an inventory of individual housing units available for use with the
rental program; means for receiving a request from an applicant to
become a participant in the rental program; means for processing an
application of the applicant to become a rental program
participant; and means for linking individual program participants
with a housing unit in the inventory based, at least in part, on a
desired distribution of multiple program participants in a selected
geographic area, demographic criteria associated with the
individual program participant, and a desired geographic area in
which the individual program participant would like to live.
28. The system of claim 27, further comprising: means for receiving
and processing rental payments from individual program
participants; and means for transferring rental payments to
property owners of the corresponding housing units on behalf of the
respective program participants.
29. A computer-implemented method for providing housing to low
income individuals, the method comprising: receiving a request from
an individual for rental of a selected housing unit associated with
the rental program; in response to the request, renting the
selected housing unit for a selected rental period on behalf of the
individual; monitoring the individual's compliance with multiple
rental program requirements during the selected rental period,
wherein the rental program requirements include at least two of the
following-- making periodic rental payments for the selected
housing unit; maintaining employment; remaining drug and/or alcohol
free; attending or completing selected training programs; preparing
and using a budget; agreeing to an immediate dispossession of the
housing unit as a result of non-compliance with certain program
requirements; and agreeing to various tracking and/or monitoring
processes; and if the individual fails to satisfy one or more
rental program requirements, terminating the individual's rental
agreement for the selected housing unit.
30. The computer-implemented method of claim 29, further comprising
terminating the individual's participation in the rental program if
the individual fails to satisfy one or more rental program
requirements.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/890,441, filed Feb. 16, 2007, and which
is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The following disclosure relates generally to service
management systems and associated methods.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Homelessness is a significant problem in the United States
and throughout the world. Individuals and families can be forced
into homelessness by many factors. For example, individuals and
their families can be forced into homelessness by various life
circumstances including poverty, unemployment, domestic violence,
addiction, mental health issues, poor credit, divorce, physical or
mental disabilities, poor budgeting skills, foreclosure, and/or
various legal issues. In many cases, it is not a lack of housing
units that cause homelessness, but the lack of affordable housing
available for rent. In other cases, various circumstances prevent
individuals from being able to financially qualify to rent
available rental units (e.g., due to bad credit).
[0004] In the United States, there are various government programs,
laws, and regulations aimed at helping the homeless and reducing
the homeless rate, including programs at the federal, state, and
local levels. For example, some of these programs include the
Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program, Section 8 housing,
and programs associated with the McKinney Act. Additionally, there
are many charities and other social service agencies that aid the
homelessness and reduce the homeless rate. Some of these
organizations include churches, various shelters, and half-way
houses for individuals released from correctional institutions.
[0005] Despite these programs, laws, regulations, and
organizations, homelessness continues to be a significant problem.
For example, according to the Current Status of Homelessness in
Arizona and Efforts to Prevent and Alleviate Homelessness, 14th
annual report, December 2005, prepared by Homeless Coordination
Office Community Services Administration Department of Economic
Security, it is estimated that, on any given day, there may be as
many as 20,000 to 30,000 homeless people in the state of Arizona
alone. Accordingly, other solutions are needed to address these
issues.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a partially schematic illustration of a computing
environment suitable for implementing a service management process
in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram that illustrates a service
management process in accordance with selected embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a partially schematic illustration of a Rental
Program screen used to allow property owners or potential program
participants to access information and/or to interact with various
features of the service management process in accordance with
embodiments of the disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a partially schematic illustration of a Property
Owners screen used to allow property owners to access information
and/or to make rental units available for use in the service
management process in accordance with selected embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a partially schematic illustration of a portion of
a Program Properties screen used to view the status of properties
associated with the service management process in accordance with
certain embodiments of the disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a partially schematic illustration of an
Information screen used to provide information about various
features of the service management process in accordance with
selected embodiments of the disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a partially schematic illustration of an
Application screen used in processing an application associated
with the service management process in accordance with embodiments
of the disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a partially schematic illustration of a Program
Administration screen used in administering various features of the
service management process in accordance with certain embodiments
of the disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a partially schematic illustration of a
notification used to provide information to parties associated with
the service management process in accordance with certain
embodiments of the disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a partially schematic illustration of a Products
and Services screen used to provide products and services to
property owners and/or potential program participants in accordance
with selected embodiments of the disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a partially schematic illustration of a Budget
screen used to provide budgeting information and/or at least one
budgeting process to program participants in accordance with
certain embodiments of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The following disclosure is directed generally to service
management systems and associated methods. For example, a service
management system can include a system for delivering various types
of services including property management services, residential
rental services, rent to own services, social services, low income
housing services, and/or the like. One aspect of the disclosure is
directed toward a computer implemented service management process
(e.g., a property management process) that includes maintaining an
inventory of property associated with a rental program, providing
information associated with the rental program, processing an
application to enter the program from a potential program
participant, and administering various program elements of the
rental program. In selected embodiments, the method can further
include providing products/services and/or providing advertising.
In still further embodiments, the method can include terminating
the program participant's participation in the rental
program/service management process.
[0018] For example, in selected embodiments a service management
process can include a rental program that assists individuals
and/or families in obtaining housing, along with other forms of
assistance or services. The program can emphasize budgeting, the
role that budgeting plays in managing an individual's finances,
and/or the affect that budgeting has on an individual's daily
activities. As part of processing the application, the program can
utilize intake screening, background checks (e.g., national and/or
worldwide background checks), and/or various identification tools
(e.g., voice and visual recognition tools). Additionally, in
certain embodiments the program can provide educational services
and/or counseling services to help individuals understand the
circumstance (e.g., economic circumstance) they are in and ways to
improve their economic position and/or life.
[0019] In selected embodiments, the program can require that
participants demonstrate accountability, give participants the
tools they need to become accountable, and assist participants in
working toward achieving stability in their lives. For example, in
selected embodiments participation in the program can require,
within the limits of the law, that a participant agree to meet
selected program elements, conditions, and/or requirements. For
instance, in certain embodiments a participant may, within the
limits of the law, be required to (1) make weekly program payments,
(2) maintain employment, (3) remain drug and/or alcohol free, (4)
attend or complete selected training, (5) establish and/or use a
budget, (6) relinquish certain rights that the participant may be
entitled to pursuant to a governing landlord tenant act and/or
pending civil court proceeding, (7) agree to an immediate
dispossession of a property as one of the consequences of
non-compliance with certain program elements, and/or (8) agree to
various tracking and/or monitoring processes.
[0020] In certain embodiments, requiring participants to agree to
meet (e.g., perform) selected program elements, conditions, and/or
requirements, the participant can learn to be accountable, improve
his or her life circumstance, or both. Additionally, in selected
embodiments adherence to selected program elements can reduce the
risk associated with renting property to the participant.
Accordingly, in some embodiments landlords or property owners may
be more willing to allow program participants to occupy their
rental properties, for example, even though the participants would
not normally qualify to rent the properties (e.g., for
financial/credit reasons, legal issues, and/or the like).
[0021] One particular aspect of the disclosure is directed to a
service management system for managing and maintaining an inventory
of real property associated with a rental program and matching
participants of the rental program with corresponding properties in
the inventory. The system can include one or more data storage
components configured to store an inventory of real property
associated with the rental program. The system can also include one
or more data processing components coupled to the one or more data
storage components. The one or more data processing components are
configured to (a) process requests from applicants for information
regarding the rental program, (b) manage and maintain the inventory
of property associated with the rental program, (c) process an
application of an applicant to become a program participant, and
(d) match a program participant with one or more properties in the
inventory based, at least in part, on the program participant's
demographic information and the program participant's desired
geographic location.
[0022] Another particular aspect of the disclosure is directed to a
computer-implemented method for managing a rental program. The
method can include storing and managing an inventory of real
property associated with the rental program. The method also
includes receiving a request from an applicant to become a
participant in the rental program and, in response to receiving the
request, processing an application of the applicant to become a
participant in the rental program. Upon approval of the
application, the method further includes matching the program
participant with one or more properties in the inventory based, at
least in part, on the program participant's demographic information
and the program participant's desired geographic location.
[0023] Yet another particular aspect of the disclosure is directed
to one or more computer-readable media collectively storing
computer-executable instructions that, when executed, perform a
method for managing a rental program for low income individuals and
families. The method includes managing an inventory of individual
housing units associated with the rental program. The method also
includes processing an application of an applicant to become a
participant in the rental program and, upon approval of the
application, matching the program participant with a housing unit
in the inventory. The program participant is matched with the
housing unit based, at least in part, on selected demographic
information of the individual program participant, a desired
geographic area in which the program participant would like to
live, and a desired disbursement of multiple program participants
in a selected geographic area.
[0024] Still another particular aspect of the disclosure is
directed to a system for providing housing services to families and
individuals. The system can include means for storing and managing
an inventory of individual housing units available for use with the
rental program. The system can also include means for receiving a
request from an applicant to become a participant in the rental
program and means for processing an application of the applicant to
become a rental program participant. The system can further include
means for linking individual program participants with a housing
unit in the inventory based, at least in part, on a desired
distribution of multiple program participants in a selected
geographic area, demographic criteria associated with the
individual program participant, and a desired geographic area in
which the individual program participant would like to live.
[0025] Many specific details of certain embodiments of the
disclosure are set forth in the following description and in FIGS.
1-11 to provide a thorough understanding of these embodiments.
Well-known structures, systems, and methods often associated with
such systems have not been shown or described in detail to avoid
unnecessarily obscuring the description of the various embodiments
of the disclosure. In addition, those of ordinary skill in the
relevant art will understand that additional embodiments may be
practiced without several of the details described below.
[0026] The terminology used in the description presented below is
intended to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even
though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description
of certain specific embodiments of the disclosure. Certain terms
may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to
be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and
specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description
section.
[0027] In describing the various embodiments, a computing
environment suitable for implementing processes related to services
(e.g., social services, credit reporting services, lending and
payment services, property management services, rental program
services including tenant management services, etc.) and/or
configured as a service management system in accordance with
selected embodiments will be discussed. Then various aspects of a
service management method in accordance with certain embodiments of
the disclosure will be described. Finally, selected uses for and
variations of methods and systems in accordance with selected
embodiments will be examined.
[0028] FIG. 1 is a block diagram that illustrates a computing
environment suitable for implementing a process related to a
service in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. The
computing environment 100 can include a computing or computer
system 102 that can be operably connected or coupled to a display
104 and one or more input devices, for example, a keyboard 106a and
a pointing device 106b (e.g., a mouse). Additionally, the computer
system 102 can communicate with one or more data storage devices
(e.g., a hard drive 108 with one or more databases) and one or more
devices 110 for reading other types of computer readable mediums
(e.g., devices for reading disks 111). The computing system 102 can
also communicate directly with other devices 109, for example, a
phone and/or fax system, or with other devices or systems via a
network 112 (e.g., via the Internet). For example, in the
illustrated embodiment the computer system 102 can communicate with
other computer systems 114a-d and/or other databases 116a-d via the
network 112. Additionally, in selected embodiments the computing
system can communicate with wireless devices 120 (e.g., a wireless
computing device such as a personal data assistant and/or cellular
phone) via a wireless transmitter/receiver (e.g., a service
provider connected to the internet). In other embodiments, the
computing environment can have other arrangements, including more,
fewer, and/or different components.
[0029] For example, the computing device or environment on which
the system is implemented may include a central processing unit,
memory, input devices (e.g., keyboard, pointing devices, cameras
for visual recognition tools, microphones for voice recognition
tools, and/or the like), output devices (e.g., display devices),
and storage devices (e.g., disk drives). The memory and storage
devices are computer-readable media that may contain instructions
that implement the system. In addition, the data structures and
message structures may be stored or transmitted via a data
transmission medium, such as a signal on a communication link.
Various communication links may be used, such as the Internet, a
local area network, a wide area network, a point-to-point dial-up
connection, a cell phone network, and so on.
[0030] Embodiments of the system may be implemented in various
operating environments that include personal computers, server
computers, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems,
microprocessor-based systems, programmable consumer electronics,
digital cameras, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers,
distributed computing environments or systems that include any of
the above systems or devices, and so on. The computer systems may
include cell phones, personal digital assistants, smart phones,
personal computers, programmable consumer electronics, digital
cameras, computer kiosks, and so on.
[0031] The system may be described in the general context of
computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, executed
by one or more computers or other devices. Generally, program
modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data
structures, and so on that perform particular tasks or implement
particular abstract data types. Typically, the functionality of the
program modules may be combined or distributed as desired in
various embodiments.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a service management
process 200 in accordance with selected embodiments. For example,
in certain embodiments the process 200 can include managing and
maintaining an inventory of property associated with a rental
program (process portion 202), providing information associated
with the rental program (process portion 204), processing an
application to enter the program from a potential program
participant (process portion 206), and administering various
program elements of the rental program (process portion 208). In
selected embodiments, the method can further include providing
products/services (process portion 210) and/or providing
advertising (process portion 212). In still further embodiments,
the method can include terminating at least a portion of the
participant's participation in the rental program/service
management process (process portion 214). In certain embodiments,
some or all of the elements associated with the service management
process 200 can be computer implemented. For example, in certain
embodiments a computing system can be configured to provide various
elements associated with the service management process 200 via
various screens or displays (e.g., over a network). In selected
embodiments, these screens can be accessed via various computing
device elements, for example, via a home computer, portable
computing device, computer kiosk associated with the rental
program, and/or the like.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a partially schematic illustration of a Rental
Program screen 300 used to allow property owners or their
designated representatives (e.g., a leasing agent), potential
program participants or their designated representatives, and other
parties to access information associated with, or provided by, the
service management process and/or to interact with various features
of the service management process in accordance with embodiments of
the disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the screen 300 can
provide general program information 310 associated with the service
management process, including information associated with a rental
program. This information can be provided in the form of text
displayed on the screen and/or via one or more links (e.g.,
interactive computer links, hyperlinks, and/or the like) to
additional pages that contain various pieces of information.
[0034] In selected embodiments, the Rental Program screen 300 in
FIG. 3 can include one or more advertisements 390 (e.g., as part of
process portion 212 discussed above with reference to FIG. 2). For
example, in certain embodiments the advertisement 390 can include
advertisements for products or services associated with the service
management process 200 and/or the rental program (e.g., an
advertisement for an online store discussed below in further detail
and/or for rental property available via the rental program, such
as units in an apartment complex). In other embodiments, the
advertisement 390 can include information regarding products or
services that might be of interest to individuals accessing the
screen (e.g., an advertisement for a local church, a charity, a
social service, and/or the like). In still other embodiments, the
advertisement 390 can include information associated with providing
a property for use in the rental program and/or soliciting property
owners or their designated representatives to make property
available for use in the rental program. In yet further
embodiments, the advertisement 390 can include advertising for
other entities (e.g., entities that purchase advertising space from
a representative of the rental program and/or entities that support
a portion of the service management process via donations).
[0035] In selected embodiments, the screen 300 can also provide
links to other screens associated with various elements of the
service management process discussed above with reference to FIG.
2. For example, in FIG. 3 the screen 300 includes a link to pages
associated with property owners and associated information 320,
program information 330, applications 340, program administration
350, and/or products and services process portion 360. Accordingly,
in the illustrated embodiment a user can manage and access
information associated with various portions of the service
management process using screens associated with these links.
[0036] Maintaining an inventory of properties associated with the
service management process (e.g., the rental program) can include
obtaining properties to populate the inventory, enrolling the
individual properties into the inventory, and tracking the
properties contained in the inventory. For example, in selected
embodiments various property owners can make their property
available for use in the rental program. The service management
process can then be used to enroll and track the status of the
properties made available by the property owners. In other
embodiments, at least some of the properties can be owned by the
party or entity that manages or runs the rental program.
[0037] FIG. 4 is a partially schematic illustration of a Property
Owner screen 400 used to allow property owners (or their designated
representatives) to access information and/or to make rental units
available for use in the service management process in accordance
with selected embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the
screen 400 can include informational materials 410 in the form of
text and/or interactive link(s). Additionally, the screen 400 can
allow information about a property to be entered into inventory
(e.g., entered into a database). For example, the name of the
property (e.g., apartment complex and unit number) can be entered
in the Property to List field 420, the address of the property can
be entered in the Address Field 430, and the rent amount (e.g., the
amount of rent required per week or per month) can be entered in
the Rent Amount field 460, thereby associating the database entry
with the property. In selected embodiments, the Property Owners
screen 400 can allow a property owner or designated representative
to make changes to the data associated with a property already
contained in the database.
[0038] Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment a Property
Requirements and Information field 440 can allow requirements and
information associated with the property to be entered. For
example, information can include the number of bedrooms included in
the apartment, the number of bathrooms included in the apartment,
the availability of parking, whether an apartment complex has a
pool, and/or the like. Requirements can include restrictions,
conditions, and/or other requirements that use of the property in
the rental program is predicated on. For example, a rental unit
might prohibit pets or require that payments be made weekly (if
permitted by the applicable law). An availability field 470 can
also allow availability information to be entered or associated
with the property. For example, a rental unit might only be
available after a selected date or for a selected period of
time.
[0039] In certain embodiments lease, agreement, and/or contract
terms can be viewed via an Agreement Information link 450. For
example, in selected embodiments the property owners (or their
designated representatives) can view lease terms associated with
renting or leasing a property through the rental program. In
certain embodiments, the Agreement Information link 450 can allow a
property owners (or their designated representatives) to enter into
a lease agreement or contract with an entity associated with the
rental program (e.g., a rental program administrator), for example,
via electronic signature or other forms of verification. In other
embodiments, the Agreement Information link 450 can allow the
property owners (or their designated representatives) to indicate
that selected lease terms would be acceptable for placement of a
potential program participant into the property and a lease or
agreement can be executed at the time the program participant is
placed into the property (e.g., the lease or agreement can be
executed in electronic or paper form).
[0040] In still other embodiments, the Agreement Information link
can allow property owners or their designated representatives to
access an editable lease or agreement and allows the property
owners or their designated representatives to make changes to the
lease or agreement. A rental program operator or administrator can
then approve or revise the changes. In other embodiments, the
Agreement Information link 450 can provide a field that allows a
user (e.g., a property owner or designated representative) to enter
an electronic document that contains a lease or agreement into the
system for storage and/or approval, revision, or comment by an
administrator or operator of the rental program.
[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the Property Owners screen
400 also includes an Electronic Signature/Verification field 480
that allows verification of one or more portions of data entered
into the service management process and/or access to selected
information. For example, in selected embodiments a property owner
or the property owners designated representative can enter a
password to verify access to associated information, to
authenticate an identity, and/or for electronic signature purposes
(e.g., to indicate agreement to selected terms or conditions). In
other embodiments, the Electronic Signature/Verification field 480
can provide a verification process that allows a property
owner/designated representative to enter information which can be
used for identity verification (e.g., a credit card number, a
PayPal.RTM. account, selected personal information, and/or the
like). In still other embodiments, a property owner/designated
representative gives information to a rental program representative
(e.g., in person and/or via mail) for entry into the service
management process and/or enters data into a computer kiosk (e.g.,
located at a rental program office) after having their identity
verified and/or signing an appropriate consent forms.
[0042] In certain embodiments, the Property Owners screen 400 can
also include one or more advertisements 490, similar to the
advertisement discussed above with reference to FIG. 3. For
example, in selected embodiments the advertisement can include
information and/or a solicitation for property owners to make
properties available for use in the rental program. In other
embodiments, other forms of advertising (e.g., television
advertisements, cold calls, and/or newspaper advertisements) can be
used to solicit property owners to make properties available for
use in the rental program.
[0043] In selected embodiments, once a property owner makes a
property available via the Property Owner screen 400, the property
management process/system can approve or disapprove the property
for use in the program based in selected criteria. In certain
embodiments this approval process can be completely automated
and/or require input from a representative of the property
management system/rental program. For example, in selected
embodiments the property must pass a physical inspection before
being approved for use in the rental program. In certain
embodiments, the property management process/system can provide
notification to the property owner (or the owner's representative)
once use of the property is approved or disapproved (e.g.,
automatically once a determination is made).
[0044] As discussed above, maintaining an inventory of property
associated with a rental program can also include tracking the
properties contained in the inventory or database (e.g., a
searchable database). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a service
management system can display a Program Properties database screen
500 that can be used (e.g., by a representative of the entity
administering the rental program) to track information associated
with the properties contained in the inventory. In FIG. 5, the
Program Properties screen 500 includes a Property field 502 listing
property identifiers for various pieces of property (e.g., rental
units) contained in the database. The screen 500 can also include a
Landlord field 504 that includes the property owner and/or the
designated representative (e.g., a property manager at an apartment
complex) associated with each piece of property. For example,
properties contained in the database can include privately held
properties and/or publicly owned, funded, or administered
properties, and the Landlord field 504 can include the designated
representative for each piece of property.
[0045] The Program Properties screen 500 can also include an
Address field 506 listing the address of each piece of property, a
Restrictions field 508 listing restrictions (other information)
associated with each piece of property, and a Agreement Information
field 510 listing information concerning various lease/agreement
requirements and/or a link to a lease/agreement associated with one
or more pieces of property. In selected embodiments, the Program
Properties screen 500 can also include a Rent Amount field 512
listing the amount of rent associated with each piece of property
(e.g., the amount of rent per month or the amount of rent per
week). In certain embodiments, the Program Properties screen 500
can also include a Tenant field 514 listing whether the property is
occupied or not, the name of the tenant(s) occupying the property,
and/or whether the tenant(s) are associated with the rental
program.
[0046] In still other embodiments, the Program Properties screen
500 can include an Availability field 516 listing the availability
of each piece of property. For example, the Availability field 516
can include the time periods during which the property is available
for use in the rental program. Information associated with each
piece of property can be updated over time to reflect the current
status of the property (e.g., whether the property is occupied,
when the property is projected to be available, and/or the like).
In yet other embodiments, the Program Properties screen 500 can
include other information. For example, in certain embodiments the
Program Properties screen 500 it can include whether a security
deposit has been collected, which entity holds the security deposit
(e.g., an entity associated with the property owner or with the
service management process/program), or the like. In some
embodiments, selected property characteristics can be tracked
(e.g., the condition of the properties, the responsiveness of the
property owner to make repairs, etc.), and a property can be
removed from the rental program if it becomes problematic or does
not meet selected standards. In selected embodiments, information
from the database represented by the Program Properties screen 500
can be used, presented, and/or displayed in other portions of the
service management process, for example, for providing a list of
properties available for rental to potential program participants,
for reporting purposes, and/or the like.
[0047] FIG. 6 is a partially schematic illustration of an
Information screen 600 used to provide information about various
features of the service management process in accordance with
selected embodiments of the disclosure. For example, in the
illustrated embodiment the Information screen 600 can include
general information 610 in the form of text and/or in the form of
one or more interactive links to additional display page(s)
containing information about the service management process and/or
they rental program. In selected embodiments, a potential program
participant can enter information associated with the program
participant (e.g., about the potential program participant's
circumstance) into the Enter User Information field(s) 620. For
example, information associated with the program participant can
include the participant's employment status, employer, legal
issues, debt information, credit related information, substance
abuse problems, and/or the like. This information can allow the
service management system/process to direct the potential program
participant to information that is especially relevant to their
circumstance. In some embodiments, the information entered by the
potential program participant can include an address where
informational materials can be mailed.
[0048] The Information screen 600 can also include links to various
pages containing more specific information about the service
management process, the rental program, and/or other services or
alternatives. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the
Information screen 600 includes a Frequently Asked Questions link
630 which will direct the user of the Information screen 600 to
page(s) that contain answers to frequently asked questions. In
selected embodiments, the Information screen 600 can include a link
to services and alternatives 640 that will direct the user of the
Information screen 600 to page(s) containing information about
services and/or alternatives (e.g., that may be relevant to a
potential program participant's circumstance). In certain
embodiments, the Services and Alternatives link 640 can include
services and/or alternatives that are associated with the service
management process, that are not associated with the service
management process, or both. In selected embodiments, other
services can include employment services, childcare services,
medical services, transportation assistance/information, training
programs, affordable healthcare, affordable insurance, educational
services, counseling, churches, charities, support groups,
rehabilitation services, and/or the like.
[0049] In still other embodiments, the Information screen 600 can
include a Program Requirements link 650 that will provide the user
of the Information screen 602 with page(s) associated with
requirements that a program participant must meet and/or commit to
in order to participate in the rental program. In certain
embodiments, the user information entered by the potential program
participant can be used to provide program requirement information
to the potential program participant that is specific to the
potential program participant's circumstance. In other embodiments,
the program requirements can be general in nature and relevant to
all potential program participants. The information screen 600 can
also include one or more advertisements 690, similar to the
advertisement discussed above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0050] FIG. 7 is a partially schematic illustration of an
Application screen 700 used to process an application associated
with the service management process in accordance with embodiments
of the disclosure. For example, in selected embodiments processing
an application can include processing an application for admission
of a potential program participant into at least a portion of the
service management process and/or processing an application to rent
a property via the service management process (e.g., via a rental
program). In FIG. 7, the Application screen 700 includes general
information 710 in the form of text and/or a link to information
relevant to the application process. Additionally, in the
illustrated embodiment the Application screen 700 includes an Enter
User Information Field 730 and/or an Enter User ID field 720.
[0051] In selected embodiments, a potential program participant
will have signed selected papers indicating the consent and
authorization necessary to use the service management process
and/or enter the rental program before accessing the Application
screen 700. Upon signing the selected papers, the potential program
participant will have been given an ID. Accordingly, the potential
program participant can enter the ID in to the Enter User ID field
720 and then can enter additional information relevant to the
potential program participant into the enter User Information field
730. In certain embodiments, in order to access and/or enter
information on the Application Screen, a potential program
participant must enter an ID in the Enter User ID field 720 and an
Electronic Signature/Verification field 760, similar to the
Electronic Signature/Verification field discussed above with
reference to FIG. 4 (e.g., to provide additional security and/or
privacy).
[0052] In other embodiments, a potential program participant can
enter information into the Enter User Information field 730 and the
potential program participant will be assigned an ID (e.g., an ID
will appear in the Enter User ID field 720), which can be used when
the potential program participant subsequently accesses the
Application screen 700 and/or other portions of the service
management system/process. In still other embodiments, if a
potential program participant has entered selected information into
another screen associated with the service management process
(e.g., the Information screen), at least a portion of the selected
information can be automatically transferred to the User
Information field 730 when the potential program participant
selects the Application screen 700.
[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the Application screen 700
includes various links associated with additional screens that the
potential program participant can be required to access and
complete (e.g., enter information) and/or that provide feedback or
other information. For example, in FIG. 7 the Application screen
700 includes a Program Requirements/Agreement link 740 that
provides access to a list of specific requirements and conditions
that a potential program participant must agree to/adhere to in
order to participate and/or maintain participation in the rental
program. For example, requirements for program participation may
include a potential program participant to pay rent weekly (e.g.,
via an electronic deposit or direct deposit or credit enhancing
savings and or payment systems); to pay a program participation fee
and/or processing fee; to maintain employment; to report loss of
employment within a specified time (e.g., within 18 hours); to
authorize a parole officer to forward reports to an administrator
of the rental program; to agree to a representative of the rental
program forwarding information concerning the potential program
participant's compliance with rental program requirements to a
third party (e.g., an associated landlord or parole officer); to
authorize a background check; to authorize a credit check; to agree
to refrain from using drugs, alcohol, abusive language, or
violence; to agree to drug testing; to agree to keep weapons,
pornography, drugs, and/or alcohol off a property rented via the
rental program; to agree to selected property inspection criteria
(within the limits of applicable law); to agree to refrain from
buying or selling items while on the property; to agree to not loan
money or incur additional debt without approval from a selected
entity associated with the service management process/program
and/or while on the property rented via the rental program; to
agree to participate in/complete one or more selected educational
programs; to agree to participate in/complete counseling; to agree
to participate in/complete a budgeting program or process; to agree
to budget to repay debts and expenses beyond the rent for property
rented via the rental program (e.g., as budgeted for in the
budgeting process); to agree to follow a budget produced by the
budgeting process; and/or the like. Additionally, requirements for
program participation may also include a potential program
participant to agree to immediately vacate the property for
non-adherence to the rental program requirements and/or to agree to
forfeit selected rights provided by an applicable Landlord-Tenant
Act or other law (e.g., within the limits of applicable laws). For
example, in selected embodiments the requirements for program
participation may require the program participant to agree to being
immediately locked out of the property for the violation of
selected program criteria and to agree to collect the participant's
property by appointment subsequent to the lock out (within the
limits of applicable laws).
[0054] For example, in Arizona, certain social service providers
that provide assistance in obtaining housing incidental to offering
to provide assistance or service in obtaining employment,
childcare, healthcare, education, skills training, transportation,
counseling, or other related services may be exempt from the
Arizona Residential Landlord Tenant Act. Accordingly, in selected
embodiments a service management process that provides a rental
program that includes assistance in obtaining housing and offers at
least one of the above mentioned additional services may be able to
immediately evict a program participant from an associated rental
property based on noncompliance with selected program elements or
requirements. As discussed above, in certain embodiments the
Program Requirements/Agreement link 740 can provide information
concerning various rental program requirements or elements.
[0055] In selected embodiments the Program Requirements/Agreement
link 740 can also provide the terms of a lease or agreement
associated with one or more selected rental properties.
Additionally, in certain embodiments the Program
Requirements/Agreement link 740 can provide access to one or more
agreement documents or contracts allowing a potential program
participant to accept or agree to the associated program
requirements/elements and/or terms of a lease agreement associated
with a selected property. In selected embodiments, Electronic
Signature/Verification field 760 can allow a potential program
participant to provide an electronic signature or verification
regarding an agreement or contract, in a manner similar to that
discussed above with reference to FIG. 4.
[0056] In still other embodiments, the Application screen 700 can
include one or more Other Information links 780, allowing a
potential program participant to view other information regarding
various aspects of the service management process and/or rental
program. In selected embodiments, the Other Information links 780
can allow a potential program participant to electronically contact
a representative for the rental program to ask selected questions
about the rental program (e.g., via a chat room, email, and/or the
like). In still other embodiments, the other Information link 780
can include a link to frequently asked questions and/or links to
other organizations that might provide assistance, education,
information, and/or the like to the individual (e.g., other
organizations that are not directly tied to the service management
process/program).
[0057] In certain embodiments, an application approval process can
include evaluating information or data associated with a potential
program participant. For example, once a potential program
participant has entered the required information via the
Application screen 700, a representative of the rental program can
evaluate the entered data, gather/evaluate additional information,
and/or approve the application. For example, in selected
embodiments gathering additional information can include, by way of
example, performing a credit check on the potential program
participant, performing a background check on the potential program
participant, and/or request additional information from the
potential program participant. In certain embodiments, additional
information can be requested from the potential program participant
via an e-mail, a phone call, or the like.
[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the Application screen 700
includes a Status of Application link 770 where a potential program
participant can check to see if his/her application has been
approved, disapproved, is being processed, and/or the like (e.g.,
after subsequently accessing the Application screen 700 and
entering an ID or an ID and a password). In selected embodiments,
Status of Application link 770 can also be used to gather
additional information from the potential program participant. For
example, in certain embodiments a request for additional
information from the potential program participant can be posted
under the Status of Application link 770. The potential program
participant can view the information request (e.g., when checking
the status of his or her application) and respond via an associated
link.
[0059] In still other embodiments, a computing system similar to
the one discussed above with reference to FIG. 1, can automatically
perform selected portions of the approval process (e.g., by
automatically running credit and/or background check(s),
automatically assess/charge a fee for running the credit and/or
background check(s), automatically request additional information
from the potential program participant, etc.). In still other
embodiments, the approval process can be completely automated. For
example, the computing system can gather additional information,
score the information entered and gathered information, check for
appropriate consent or agreements (e.g., an agreement to comply
with rental program requirements), and issue a notification that
the application has been approved, declined, and/or requires
additional processing (e.g., an in person interview with a rental
program representative).
[0060] In selected embodiments, processing an application can
include providing information associated with various properties
(e.g., rental units). For example, in the illustrated embodiment
the Application screen 700 includes an Available Properties link
750 which can allow an applicant (e.g., a potential program
participant or program participant) to view information associated
with various properties that are available via the rental program.
In certain embodiments, the applicant can then physically view
selected properties to decide which property the applicant wishes
to rent. The applicant can then use the Available Properties link
750 to select a property and/or apply to rent a selected
property.
[0061] In selected embodiments, the rental properties link 750 is
only available after selected information has been entered by the
applicant on the Application screen 700 and only property suitable
for the applicant are displayed via the Available Properties link
750 For example, in certain embodiments only properties that meet
the applicants needs (e.g., number of bedrooms, etc.), only
properties for which the applicant can qualify for based on the
selected information, and/or only properties that the applicant has
been pre-approved for based on the selected information are
displayed. In other embodiments, where different rental properties
have different rental program requirements and/or different lease
terms, a applicant may be required to agree to additional rental
program requirements and/or lease terms once certain properties are
selected. In selected embodiments, these additional agreements can
be made via a process similar to that discussed above (e.g., using
the Electronic Signature/Verification field 760). In other
embodiments, an applicant can be required to select a property from
the Available Properties link 750 prior to accessing the Program
Requirements/Agreement link 740 and the applicant's applications to
enter the rental program and to rent a selected property can be
made and processed concurrently.
[0062] In other embodiments, the service management process can
send notification to the property owner or the owner's
representative (e.g., an apartment manager) that the potential
program participant qualifies to rent a selected property, prompt
the property owner or representative to concur to the lease
agreement if applicable (e.g., via electronic signature), and/or
collect a security deposit from the program participant. In
selected embodiments, some or all of these elements can be
automated by a service management system (e.g., a computing
system). In some embodiments, the Program Properties screen
(discussed above with reference to FIG. 5) can automatically be
updated once all of the leases/agreements have been executed to
appropriately show the status of the selected property.
[0063] In certain embodiments, an entity associated with the
service management process/program enters into a lease or agreement
with a property owner or the property owner's representatives for a
selected rental property (e.g., to rent the selected property). A
program participant or the program participant's representative
enters into a lease or agreement to rent the selected property from
the entity associated with the service management process/program
(e.g., subleasing the selected property from the entity). In other
embodiments, the program participant enters into an agreement with
the property owner to lease the selected property from the property
owner (e.g., when required to qualify the property/lease for a tax
exemption or a tax credit). In still other embodiments, there can
be other arrangements.
[0064] For example, in selected embodiments the lease or agreement
can involve the property owner (or their representative), the
program participant, and an entity representing the service
management process/program. For instance, the entity representing
the service management process/program can act as a co-signer for
the program participant in executing a lease or agreement between
the property owner and the program participant, and the entity can
execute a separate agreement regarding program participation
requirements with the program participant. In yet other
embodiments, the lease or agreement can include program
participation requirements and can be signed by the property owner,
the entity, and the program participant. In still other
embodiments, other entities can be included in various agreements
associated with the property management program (e.g., a financial
institution/entity associated with a selected property or a program
participant). In yet other embodiments, an automated portion of the
service management process can be used to track agreements (e.g.,
lease agreements or lease to own agreements), but the actual
agreements can be executed on paper instead of via electronic
signature.
[0065] Although some of the embodiments described above have been
discussed with reference to a single applicant, in other
embodiments multiple applicants (e.g., husband and wife) can access
the Application screen and/or participate in the application
process jointly. In still other embodiments, an applicant's
representative can access and/or interact with various portions the
Application screen on behalf of the applicant. In still other
embodiments, an operator or representative of the rental program
can access and/or interact with the Application screen 700 on
behalf of an applicant, for example, when the applicant visits an
office associated with the service management process and/or the
rental program. In yet other embodiments, as discussed above, an
applicant can sign papers associated with entry into the rental
program and then access the Application screen 700 via computer
kiosk, home computer, portable computing device, and/or the like.
In the illustrated embodiment, the Application screen 700 also
includes one or more advertisements 790 similar to those discussed
above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0066] FIG. 8 is a partially schematic illustration of a Program
Administration screen 800 used in administering various features of
the service management process in accordance with certain
embodiments of the disclosure. In selected embodiments, the Program
Administration screen 800 can be accessed by a representative of
the rental program or service management process, a program
participant or designated representative, a property owner or
designated representative, and/or other entities associated with
the service management process, rental property, or program
participants. In certain embodiments, the Program Administration
screen 800 can include General Information 810 in the form of text
and/or interactive link(s) to other screens containing information
associated with a service management process and/or the
administration of the rental program. Additionally, in selected
embodiments the Program Administration screen 800 can include one
more advertisements 890 similar to those discussed above with
reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the user of the Program
Administration screen 800 can enter a user ID in the User ID field
820. In selected embodiments, access to certain portions of the
Administration screen 800 may be limited based on the user ID
entered. For example, a property owner may not have access to the
same information that is assessable by a program participant and/or
a representative of the rental program. In certain embodiments, a
user of the Program Administration screen 800 may be required to
enter an authentication code or some other form of authentication
or verification via an Authentication link 840 before being able to
access selected portions of the Program Administration screen
800.
[0068] In certain embodiments, where information about a specific
program participant is to be provided by the Program Administration
screen 800, a Participant ID may be entered in the Participant ID
field 830. Accordingly, selected information regarding the program
participant can be provided to various users of the Program
Administration screen 800. For example, in certain embodiments a
Participant Tracking link 860 can provide access to various other
screen(s) that contain information about the selected program
participant and/or the selected program participant's adherence to
various program requirements. For example, in certain embodiments
the results of various drug tests, the parole officer reports,
employment verification, background check information, and the like
can be accessed via the participant tracking link 860.
[0069] In some embodiments, the Program Administration screen 800
can include a Property Tracking link 870 that provides access to
information regarding a selected piece of property. For example, in
certain embodiments information regarding the property occupied by
a selected program participant who's ID has been entered into the
Participant ID field 830 can be provided by the Property Tracking
link 870. In other embodiments, the Property Tracking link 870 can
provide access to a selected number of properties contained in the
property inventory or database discussed above with reference to
FIGS. 2, 4 and 5.
[0070] In still other embodiments, the Program Administration
screen 800 can include a Participant Input field 850 that provides
a program participant the ability to provide selected inputs
associated with the rental program. For example, in certain
embodiments the Participant Input field 850 can allow a program
participant to authorize an electronic transfer of funds from a
selected bank account to cover weekly or monthly rent. In other
embodiments, weekly or monthly rent can be made by other methods
(e.g., direct deposit, electronic transfer of funds, credit
enhancing saving or payment systems, and/or the like). In certain
embodiments, the Program Administration screen 800 can include a
Payment Link 855 that provides a link to screens associated with
information regarding the payment history of a selected program
participant and/or a selected rental property. In still other
embodiments, the Program Administration screen 800 can include a
Messages link 880 that provides a link to messages, information,
and/or notifications associated with the user ID entered in the
User ID field 820.
[0071] For example, FIG. 9 is a partially schematic illustration of
a notification 900 used to provide information to parties (e.g.,
people, entities, credit agencies, credit bureaus, and/or the like)
associated with the service management process in accordance with
certain embodiments of the disclosure. In selected embodiments, the
notification in FIG. 9 can be a computer generated screen, for
example, accessible from the Program Administration screen
discussed above with reference to FIG. 8 and/or from the Rental
Program screen discussed above with reference to FIG. 3. In other
embodiments, the notification in FIG. 9 could include a paper
message (e.g., a mailed or hand delivered notice), an email
message, and/or the like.
[0072] In certain embodiments, the notification 900 can include
various fields, including a Recipient field 902, a Property field
904, a Participant field 906, and an Action/Info field 908.
Additionally, in selected embodiments the notification 900 can
include one or more advertisements 990, similar to those discussed
above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. For example, in certain
embodiments the Recipient Field 902 can include the identity of one
or more intended recipients of the message or notification,
including individuals or entities that are merely receiving an
informational copy of the message. The Property field 904 can
identify one or more associated properties associated with the
notification. The Participant field 906 can include the identity of
one or more participants associated with the message and the
Action/Info filed 908 can include information or action associated
with the message. For example, in selected embodiments the
Action/Info field can provide interactive links to additional
information that allow a recipient to respond to the message,
and/or that allows a recipient to take an appropriate action (e.g.,
authorize an action such as a transfer of funds).
[0073] In various embodiments, the notification 900 can be used to
communicate approvals, for example in selected embodiments the
Participant field 906 can include Potential Program Participants
and the notification 900 can be used to let a potential program
participant know that he or she has been accepted into the rental
program, to request additional information from a potential program
participant during the application/application approval process. In
other embodiments, the notification 900 can be used to notify a
property owner that a selected property has been entered into
inventory. In still other embodiments, the notification 900 can be
used to report information (e.g., to a landlord), request
information, notify a program participant of an alleged
non-compliance with program requirements, notify a program
participant that he or she is being evicted from a rental property
(e.g., part of process portion 214 discussed above with reference
to FIG. 2) and/or to notify a participant that their participation
in the rental program or another portion of the service management
process is being terminated (e.g., part of process portion 214
discussed above with reference to FIG. 2). In selected embodiments,
as discussed below in further detail, the notification 900 can
include exchanging information (e.g., reporting a program
participant's program participation/compliance) with a court or a
program participant's creditor.
[0074] In certain embodiments the notifications 900 can be
automatically generated by a computing system and/or generated by
an entity associated with the rental program, including a
representative of the rental program, a property owner (or the
owner's representative), and/or a program participant (or the
participant's representative). For example, in selected embodiments
a computing system can send an automated notification reminding a
program participant that rent is due, rent is past due, the
participant is behind on completing selected education requirements
or counseling, the participant is behind in completing an online
budget or making budget entries/updates, and/or the like. In still
other embodiments, an email can be sent to an entity associated
with the rental program notifying the entity that there is a
notification 900 to be viewed at a secure website and the
notification can be posted in a secure website where it is
accessible only after proper identification/authentication.
[0075] In yet other embodiments, the Participant Input field
discussed above with reference to FIG. 8 can provide a link that
allows a program participant or property owner to complete a
notification and send it to appropriate entities. For example, in
selected embodiments the notification 900 can be used by a program
participant to notify the service management system/process that
the program participant will be exiting the rental program or some
other portion of the service management process on a selected date
(e.g., part of process portion 214 discussed above with reference
to FIG. 2). In selected embodiments, the service management system
can automatically perform selected actions once a notice to exit a
portion of the service management process is received (e.g.,
notifying a property owner that an associated property will be
vacated, scheduling an exit inspection of the property, scheduling
an exit interview with the program participant, setting up
additional services for the program participant, and/or the like).
In certain embodiments, a program participant can exit a portion of
the service management process/program and remain in other
portions. For example, in selected embodiments a program
participant can exit the rental program, while remaining in the
budgeting process and/or while using the service management
process/program to repay debts. In other embodiments, a program
participant may exit a required education program (e.g., after
completion of the program) while remaining in the rental
program.
[0076] FIG. 10 is a partially schematic illustration of a Products
and Services screen 1000 used to provide products and services to
property owners and/or potential program participants in accordance
with selected embodiments of the disclosure (e.g., as part of
process portion 210 discussed above with reference to FIG. 2). In
the illustrated embodiment, the Product and Services screen 1000
includes a User ID field 1002, an Authentication/Electronic
Signature field 1004, and a Property ID field 1006. For example, in
selected embodiments the User ID field 1002 can allow an entity
associated with the rental program to enter a user identification
and authenticate that identification using the
Authentication/Electronic Signature field 1004. If use of a product
and/or service from the Products and Services screen 1000 is
predicated on a specific property, the Property ID field 1006 can
be used to identify the corresponding property. If the use of
products and/or services from the Products and Services screen 1000
is predicated on other information/requirements, the Products and
Services screen 1000 and include other fields for entering the
associated data. Additionally, in certain embodiments the Products
and Services screen 1000 can include one or more advertisements
1090, similar to those discussed above with reference to FIGS. 3
and 4. For example, in some embodiments one more advertisements
1090 can include an advertisement associated with an entity that
has provided access to products or services for use in the service
management process.
[0077] In selected embodiments, once a user has been identified,
the user can access various products and/or services from the
Products portion 1008 and/or the Services portion 1010 of the
Products and Services screen 1000. For example, in certain
embodiments the Products portion 1008 can include a list of various
products which the user can obtain, links that allow the user to
order the products, and/or links to other screens (e.g., various
online stores) which list various products which the user can
obtain, and/or the like. In selected embodiments the products
portion of the 1008 can include links to various charities that
provide products to qualified individuals at no cost and/or reduced
prices. In certain embodiments, the user identification entered
into the User ID field 1002 can be used to determine if the
specified user is qualified (e.g., whether a program participant
has been qualified based on information obtained from the
application process) to receive products from a selected
charity.
[0078] In other embodiments, the Products portion 1008 can include
links to various charities and/or online stores providing free or
discounted products for use by property owners to upgrade
properties that are available via the rental program. For example,
in selected embodiments the User ID field and/or the Property ID
field can be used to determine if a certain property/property owner
is eligible to obtain products via the Products and Services
screen. In still other embodiments, the Products and Services
screen can allow a user to purchase or obtain actual products from
the service management process/rental program. For example, in
selected embodiments products can be donated and/or provided at a
discount rate to an entity associated with the service management
process. These products can then be provided via the service
management process to program participants and/or property owners.
In some embodiments, purchases of products or services can be made
via credit card or a credit contract with an entity associated with
the service management process/rental program (e.g., via an
electronic signature process using an associated link and the
Authentication/Electronic Signature field 1004).
[0079] In certain embodiments, the Services portion 1010 can
include a list of various services which the user can obtain, links
that allow the user to order the services, links to other screens
which list of one or more services that a user may be able to
obtain, links to selected services (e.g., education programs,
counseling programs, and/or a budgeting processes), and/or the
like. For example, in selected embodiments where rental program
requirements include that a program participant enroll in/complete
certain education and/or counseling programs, the Services portion
1010 can include links to corresponding online programs. In certain
embodiments, the links to corresponding online programs can also
include an online enrollment process associated with one or more of
the corresponding programs. In selected embodiments, some of the
services can be provided by an entity associated with the services
management process and/or can be provided by other entities (e.g.,
charities, entities that donate services, and/or the like). As
discussed above with reference to FIG. 8, in certain embodiments
enrollment/participation in and/or completion of selected program
can be monitored by the service management process. Also as
discussed above, in selected embodiments use of certain products
and/or services can be required for participation in the service
management process (e.g., for either a program participant and/or a
property owner).
[0080] FIG. 11 is a partially schematic illustration of a Budget
screen 1100 used to provide budgeting information and/or at least
one budgeting process to program participants in accordance with
certain embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the Budget
screen 1100 can be accessible to program participants via the
services portion of the Products and Services screen discussed
above with reference to FIG. 10. Accordingly, in selected
embodiments the user will have entered a user identification into
the User ID field of the Products and Services screen prior to
accessing the Budget screen 1100. Accordingly, the Budget screen
1100 can be tailored for the specified user (e.g., program
participant). In other embodiments, the Budget screen 1100 can be a
stand-alone screen and/or can have fields for entering a user
identification and for authenticating the user identification.
[0081] In FIG. 11 the Budget screen 1100 includes a Budgeting
Information portion 1102 and a Budget portion of 1110. In the
illustrated embodiment, the Budgeting Information portion 1102
includes interactive links to various online blocks of instruction
on the importance of budgeting, how the budgeting process works,
and the tools needed to successfully develop and adhere to a
budget. In other embodiments, the Budgeting Information Portion
1102 can include text information associated with budgeting and/or
other types of information. In still other embodiments, the
Budgeting Information portion 1102 can include links to online
counseling and/or to an online process for making an appointment
with a budgeting counselor. In selected embodiments, a computing
system and/or a representative of the rental program can track a
program participants progress and/or completion of a budgeting
education or budget counseling (e.g., using the Program
Administration screen discussed above with reference to FIG.
8).
[0082] The Budget portion 1110, in FIG. 11, includes an interactive
budget that allows the user to formulate a budget and track his or
her performance against budget projections. For example, in the
illustrated embodiment the Budget portion 1110 includes a
Description portion 1120, a Projected portion 1130, an Actual
portion 1140, and a Comparison portion 1150. In other embodiments,
the Budget portion 1110 can have other portions and/or
arrangements. In FIG. 11, the Description portion 1120 allows a
user to enter the description of budget items corresponding to the
projected and/or actual portions of the budget. For example, the
Description portion 1120 can include descriptions for things such
as rent, paycheck, groceries, and/or the like.
[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, the Projected portion 1130
includes a Date portion 1132, a Dollars Out portion 1134, a Dollars
In portion of 1136, and a Balance portion 1138. Accordingly, the
user can enter expected or projected income and expenses over a
period of time and project the resulting cash flow balance at
various points in time. In certain embodiments, the Actual portion
1140 can include a Date portion 1142, a Dollars Out portion 1144, a
Dollars in portion 1146, and a Balance portion 1148. The Actual
portion 1140, can allow a user to track his or her performance in
adhering to the Projected portion 1130 of the budget and/or to make
adjustments to the Projected portion 1130 of the budget when
necessary. In order to aid the user in tracking his or her
performance, the Comparison portion 1150 can calculate or compare
the difference between the Balance in the Actual portion and the
Projected portion over time. In certain embodiments, this feature
can allow a program participant to understand his or her economic
circumstance, to develop a budget projection, to make appropriate
adjustments to the budget projection when necessary, to track
performance, and/or the like. Additionally, in selected embodiments
participation in the budgeting process can aid in developing
discipline, responsibility, self-esteem, and accountability. In
certain embodiments, a program participant's performance can be
monitored by an entity associated with the rental program (e.g.,
using the Program Administration screen discussed above with
reference to FIG. 8).
[0084] In some of the embodiments discussed above, a service
management process/program can establish a mutually beneficial
association between property owners with vacant rental units and
applicants with credit issues, legal issues, and/or the like. For
example, aspects of the service management program can provide
applicants with the tools needed to be financially successful
and/or provide assistance to improve the applicant's circumstance.
Additionally, because the service management program provides these
tools, monitoring, and/or the ability quickly remove an applicant
that does not comply with program requirements from a rental unit,
property owners can reduce their risk in renting their properties.
Accordingly, property owners may be more willing to rent their
property under a service management program to individuals having
credit and/or legal issues that would otherwise cause the property
owner to refuse to rent to the individual. This, in turn, can lead
to higher occupancy rates for the property owners and a higher
availability of affordable housing units for individuals having
credit and/or legal issues. Additionally, in selected embodiments
certain program requirements and/or the structure provided by the
service management program may aid program participants to be more
successful and responsible, and thereby less likely to commit
crimes.
[0085] Furthermore, in some of the embodiments discussed above a
service management process can be used to aid program participants
with credit repair and/or debt consolidation. For example, in
certain embodiments program participants can be required to budget
to repay various debts in addition to paying rent and current
expenses (e.g. rental debt, rental loans, and/or microloans).
Additionally, in some embodiments the program participant can be
required to pay an entity associated with the service management
process/rental program for services associated with the service
management process (e.g., administration expenses and/or the like).
In other embodiments, the program participant can be required to
make charitable donations (e.g., to reinforce social responsibility
or to give back to organizations that have aided the individual in
the past).
[0086] In certain embodiments, the program participant can be
required to make some or all of the payments associated with his or
her budget via an electronic banking process (e.g., direct
deposit). For example, the program participant can be required to
use an electronic banking process to pay periodic rent payments, a
fee for participating in the service management program (e.g., one
time or periodic), periodic payments associated with past debt,
donations to entities from which the participant has received
assistance (e.g., the Red Cross, community action agencies, or
charitable organizations), and/or the like. In other embodiments,
the program participant can be required to pay an entity associated
with the service management program and the entity makes the
associate payments according to the participant's budget. For
example, in selected embodiments the program participant can pay
rent and periodic debt repayments to the entity associated with the
service management program, and the entity can pay the property
owner and associated debtors. In certain embodiments, an entity
associate with the service management program can aid a participant
in restructuring or consolidating debt to allow a manageable
repayment plan. In selected embodiments, if a participant can
successfully repay debt and/or show a history of being fiscally
responsible, his or her credit rating may improve.
[0087] In selected embodiments, a service management program can
combine elements of various public, non-profit, for profit, and/or
private elements to provide assistance to those in need (e.g.,
those in need of improving their life circumstances). For example,
in selected embodiments portions of a service management program
can be used as part of, or in conjunction with, a government
program that provide relief to the homeless and/or those in need
(e.g., by providing housing assistance, secure environments in
which to live, counseling, self-development programs, education,
rehabilitation, other types of social services, and/or the like).
In certain embodiments, the structure of a service management
program (e.g., tracking, monitoring, and/or budgeting elements) can
be used to aid in managing, tracking, and/or regulating the use of
public funds associated with various government programs providing
these types of services to those in need (e.g., social services
providers). For example, in selected embodiments certain properties
may have to meet certain requirements in order to receive public
funding under certain programs and/or applicants may have to meet
certain criteria to rent selected properties that receive public
funding under certain programs. In certain embodiments, these
requirements and criterion can be an integral part of the
requirements, agreements, and/or the like discussed above with
reference to various embodiments (e.g., Property Owner screen, the
Program Property screen, and/or the Application screen). In other
embodiments, a service management program can combine the use of
public and/or private housing (e.g., rental properties and/or
public housing programs) with non-profit organization programs
(e.g., programs associated with the International Crime Free
Association of Mesa, Arizona; charity programs; church programs;
and/or the like) to provide assistance to those in need.
[0088] In yet other embodiments, a database (e.g., a searchable
database) with various property management program statistics or
characteristics can be maintained. For example, in certain
embodiments statistics/characteristics can include why program
participants fail and are removed from the program, which services
successful participants generally use, whether there is a
correlation between selected properties and the success of program
participants placed in those selected properties, and/or the like.
In selected embodiments, information from this database can be used
to determine where funds can be spent to do the most good and/or to
adjust the program. For example, in certain embodiments if program
participants in a selected property have a high failure rate, the
selected property might be removed from the program.
[0089] In still other embodiments, portions of a service management
system might be used by the courts or other portions of the legal
system (within the limits of applicable law). For example, in
selected embodiments participation in a service management system
could be used as a condition of parole or probation. For example,
in selected embodiments a court might allow a drug offender to
attend drug rehabilitation, perform community service, and
participate in a service management program (e.g., to obtain
affordable housing and insure compliance with a budgeting process).
In other embodiments, participation in a service management program
could be required as a condition of a work release program and/or
required in lieu of transitional housing arrangements once a person
is paroled or released from being incarcerated.
[0090] In certain embodiments, a court might allow participation in
a service management program in lieu of eviction, for example, by
staying the eviction process and allowing the property owner to
rent to the tenant via a property management program. In still
other embodiments, participation in portions of the services
management program might be approved or mandated by a court for an
individual undergoing a bankruptcy proceeding. In other
embodiments, a property involved in a bankruptcy proceeding might
be made available for rental in a service management program (e.g.,
with court approval and/or under court direction) in order to
provide rental income at an acceptable level of risk. In still
other embodiments, where an individual is found liable for court
cost, attorney fees, and other related legal cost, a participant
might be required to repay these costs via a service management
program. For example, an individual found liable for certain legal
cost in a drug related conviction resulting in mandatory
participation in a service management process might be required to
repay selected accrued legal expenses, along with other debts, as
discussed above with reference to FIG. 11.
[0091] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout
the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising,"
and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed
to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense
of "including, but not limited to." As used herein, the terms
"connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, means any
connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or
more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can
be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the
words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when
used in this application, shall refer to this application as a
whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where
the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using
the singular or plural number may also include the plural or
singular number respectively. The word "or," in reference to a list
of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations
of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the
list, and any combination of the items in the list.
[0092] In general, the above detailed description of embodiments of
the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed above. While specific
embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above
for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are
possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the
relevant art will recognize. For example, while processes or blocks
are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform
routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a
different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted,
moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide
alternative or subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks
may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while
processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in
series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in
parallel, or may be performed at different times.
[0093] The teachings of the invention provided herein can be
applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described
above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described
above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Any patents
and applications and other references noted above, including any
that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated
herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if
necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the
various references described above to provide yet further
embodiments of the invention.
[0094] These and other changes can be made to the invention in
light of the above Detailed Description. While the above
description describes certain embodiments of the invention, and
describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the
above appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways.
Details of the data collection and processing system may vary
considerably in its implementation details, while still being
encompassed by the invention disclosed herein. As noted above,
particular terminology used when describing certain features or
aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the
terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any
specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention
with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms
used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the
invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the
specification, unless the above Detailed Description section
explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the
invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also
all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention
under the claims.
[0095] While certain aspects of the invention are presented below
in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various
aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. For example,
a number of aspects of the invention may be embodied in a
computer-readable medium. Accordingly, the inventors reserve the
right to add additional claims after filing the application to
pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the
invention.
* * * * *