Development of Online Based Smart House Renting Web Application ()
1. Introduction
Development of houses for rent has become an important factor in modern society. This chapter will provide a brief understanding of the background of the study, definition of the project problem statement, its objectives, scopes, project justification, project deliverables and project budget and schedule. Housing has central importance to quality of life with considerable economic, social, cultural and personal significance. Though a country’s national prosperity is usually measured in economic terms, increasing wealth is of diminished value unless all can share its benefits and if the growing wealth is not used to redress growing social deficiencies, one of which is housing [1].
Housing plays a huge role in revitalizing economic growth in any country, with shelter being among the key indicators of development. Most families choose to rent houses based on their income and family situations. Unfortunately, there may not be enough good quality rental housing for these families. The demand for rental houses is extremely high and more rental houses need to be put in place. Developing rental houses has numerous advantages, particularly for landlords, who can increase their profits through the rent paid by tenants. The increased number of tenants and landlords complicates management, especially for landlords who lose large sums of money to tenants who do not pay their rent. The above statement gives a clear declaration as to why rental house management system needs to develop [2].
Whether you are tired of all the existing ready flat buy sale portal, or in quest of a flat for sale in Bangladesh, let the most noted online property selling site in Bangladesh, is recommended by experts and developers. According to the Bangladesh Labor Force Survey 2016-17, around 44.0 percent of dwelling houses in urban areas of the country are rented while the ratio is only 3.0 per cent in rural areas. Again, as estimated by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), housing and house rent make up 17.25 per cent of monthly household consumption expenditure. By adding 5.0 per cent of total spending on light and fuel to this, monthly housing related spending becomes almost one-fourth of the total spending of a family [3].
People come to the city from all over the country to live the life they want. Also, people want money and big cities are the platforms for making money. Everyone tries to do business or get a job with a good salary. Now the point is, they come to cities where they have their own place to live. So, everyone tries to get a house for rent. Also, students from all districts come to Dhaka and other big cities to pursue higher education. 97% of students are bachelors and they need a house to live in. But the main problem is that getting a house for rent is lengthy and it takes a long time to be processed [4].
Table 1 depicts Dhaka’s population growth rate over the last ten years. Table 2 contains the data population from all the big cities.
Components of a basic but decent life for a family, moving from the cost of a basic but decent life to a net living wage, and moving from a net living wage to a gross living wage are given below in Figure 1.
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Table 1. Dhaka’s population growth rate over 10 years.
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Table 2. The data of population from all the big cities.
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Figure 1. Graph showing the population growth rate from 1984-85 to 2014-15.
2. Existing Works
For almost 17 years, “bdHousing.com” has held the dominating position of offering a traditional and well-accepted stage for property owners to promote their assets for rent or sale, as well as allowing property seekers to discover their dream house. As a result, it is now known as Bangladesh’s largest online property selling website [5].
“Renthome” is an internet marketplace that assists individuals in finding land, a cheap home, or business space. Their goal is to provide our valued clients with the most up-to-date marketing information and make it as easy as possible for them to contact brokers, developers, and landlords. As Bangladesh’s leading ready-to-buy-and-sell platform, they’ve designed their system to provide you with as much information on your preferred property as possible at any moment [6].
The famous Bangladeshi largest market place “Bikroy.com” has a partial section for house rent or buy-sell. Since then, the system has worked as a place to buy and sell used items.
But there are some problems found there. These reviewed systems do not have the proper location tracing with an updated map location system, and a live end to end secured chatting system has not been introduced into these existing systems.
An online platform with an economical strong hold and spectacular interface all covered with an up-to-date security protocol. Financially stable (a scale of financial background) people can join here and get a suitable house to live. On the other hand, people who have properly checked their background will want to sell or rent their houses [7] [8].
As, reviewed some similar systems of the basic project plan, the realization is that, online based house rent service needs much more up gradation in Bangladesh. An internet-tech friendly system which will be more updated and resourceful in many ways will be built by us. The system will be built based on new technology and will update the system in a time cycle. This system will provide the solution of home rent problems in some unique ways. Here, a tenant can directly contact with a house lord via chatting system which will be a feature in the box. Our main target will be helping the house buyer/tenant and house owner/house lords to connect with each other. There will be no middle man in between a deal of house because buyer and seller will connect directly with one another. Business will be safe. Our main priority will be a friendly environment with user’s security and privacy in a maximum observation [9].
Financially stable peoples will find a great comfort here. Also, people with a decent background and interested in business of house rent are the part of this system [10].
Nowadays, people are interested in easy-to-handle systems with a lot of information in it. We will build our system much interesting for the people. Also, it has found that Google maps are not properly used in the system for house rent built by other professionals. In this system, Google API will be bought and merge it in the system. It will show the proper house locations in the maps [11].
Financially stable people will find great comfort here. This system also includes people with a good background who are interested in the house-renting business [10]. Nowadays, people are interested in easy-to-handle systems with a lot of information in them. We will build our system much more interesting for people. Also, it has found that Google maps are not properly used in the system for house rent built by other professionals. In this system, Google API will be bought and merge it in the system. It will show the proper house locations on the maps [11].
3. Methodology
The term methodology means the technique and procedure of the system adopted for conducting a research study. It shows how data will be collected and the tools for collecting data, system methodology, the proposed system input and output, users and systems development tools. System development is a technique that is used to show how the proposed system will be developed. In this case, the methodology used will be a waterfall model. It is included in the stages that the developer will use when developing the system [12] [13].
It is a sequential model and the name is waterfall. The developer must to finish with one stage before going to the next stage. It contains the feasibility study, analysis phase, design phase, coding phase, testing phase, implementation phase and finally the maintenance phase. It is a simple model and easy to use and understand to make a system. With waterfall development-based methodologies, the analysts and users proceed to work sequentially from one phase to the next phase. The deliverables from each and every phase are voluminous and are presented to the project sponsor for approval as the project moves from phase to phase. Once the client has approved the phase, the next phase begins with database design. It is at this stage that we will identify any faults before moving to the next stage. The output of this stage is the design specification which is used in the next stage of implementation [14] [15].
Figure 2 shows the software development cycle. Basically, you design the system, code it and test it. When an error is found, it must be determined whether the error is a design error or not. Coding errors can quickly be fixed, but design errors may take longer.
3.1. Waterfall Model
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Figure 2. Block diagram of waterfall model.
3.2. Software Design
This system is designed to be a reference for any person wishing to implement or any person interested in the system of house rent application. Each application’s architecture and sub-architecture, their associated interfaces, database schemas, and the motivations behind the chosen design have been described here. Both high-level and low-level designs are included [16]. This work is done by experienced developers who can do reading data flow diagrams (DFDs), control flow diagrams (CFDs), interface designs, and development experience in object-oriented programming and event driven programming [17].
This system includes the following information for the House Rent System; system overview, design considerations, architectural strategies, system architecture, policies and tactics, and detailed system design [18].
The user’s requirements document was analyzed for a better understanding of what was required by the system. Ways of implementing these requirements were analyzed. Physical modules of the system were designed and identified the operating environment in which they were to work [19]. The system was a visual-basic system/application. The database is updated each time the administrator adds, deletes or deletes data from the system. This system is dependent on an administrator who has access to the entire system and can view or make changes as needed. It’s open and closed for administrators and administrators alike. It is open to extension and closed to modification for owners and tenants. Each owner can login and make an advertisement for his/her house. The entire data set is stored in a database, which is managed by an administrator. Tenants can select the desired house by reviewing the advertisement [20]. Basically, the administrator is the monitor of this system. The entire system design is involved in converting software requirements into an architecture that describes its top-level structure, identifies software components, and creates a product. Figure 3 shows the flowchart of total process. The system is based on the waterfall model [21]. The waterfall model is a classical model that is used in the system development life cycle to create a system with a linear and sequential approach [22]. The model is called a waterfall because it progresses systematically from one phase to the next in a downward direction. This model is divided into different phases and the output of one phase is used as the input for the next phase. Every phase has to be completed before the next phase starts and there is no overlapping of the phases.
3.3. Technical Tools
In this system, MySQL used for create and edit the database. Sublime text is prime text editor for all the codes. PHP, JAVA, and HTML are the languages that write all the codes. LARAVEL was used for some secure feature designs. CSS, JAVASCRIPT and AJAX were used for the frontend design of the system.
MySQL: MySQL Database Service is a fully managed database service to deploy cloud-native applications using the world’s most popular open-source database [23].
Java: Java is a class-based, object-oriented programming language that is designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible.
Laravel: Laravel is a web application framework with expressive, elegant syntax.
PHP: PHP is a general-purpose scripting language especially suited to web development.
HTML: Hypertext Markup Language is the standard markup language for documents designed to be displayed in a web browser. It can be assisted by technologies such as Cascading Style Sheets and scripting languages such as JavaScript [24].
CSS: Cascading Style Sheets is a style sheet language used for describing the presentation of a document written in a markup language such as HTML. CSS is a cornerstone technology of the World Wide Web, alongside HTML and JavaScript.
JavaScript: JavaScript, often abbreviated as JS, is a programming language that conforms to the ECMA Script specification. JavaScript is high-level, often just-in-time compiled, and multi-paradigm [25].
Ajax: Ajax is a set of web development techniques using many web technologies on the client side to create asynchronous web applications. With Ajax, web applications can send and retrieve data from a server asynchronously without interfering with the display and behavior of the existing page [26].
Sublime text: Sublime Text is a shareware cross-platform source code editor with a Python application programming interface (API).
4. Basic Diagram
Figure 4 shows the basic diagram of this system. It shows that the admin can control the whole system and also control the database. Owners can advertise their properties with specifics, and tenants can look for places to rent a home. The owner and tenant can also talk to each other using a conversation system. Admin has the full access of database and the system. Modification and monitoring will be done by the admin. Owners and tenants will register in the system and the registration data will be saved in database for further enquiry and verification.
4.1. Overall Use Case Diagram
Figure 5 provides the total use case diagram of the system. The system has three types of users: admins, owners and tenants. This system can be used by owners and tenants after a successful and verified registration. For admins, the system is open for extension and modification. Total system will be monitored by the admin. For owners or tenant users, it is open for extension and closed for modification. That means owners could post house advertisements and tenants could start a conversation with the owner in a dedicated chat box.
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Figure 5. Total use case Diagram of the System.
4.2. Admin Use Case Diagram
Figure 6 contains the admin use case diagram of the system. It shows what types of process in the system are done by an admin. Here, admins can log in to the system after registration. Admin can control the database like delete something or update something from the database. Also, they can see the Google map and, using the conversation system, they can easily contact others. Admin also reset the password and refresh the page.
4.3. Owner Use Case Diagram
Figure 7 depicts the system’s use case diagram created by the owner. It shows what types of processes in the system are done by an owner. Here, owner can register in the system and log into the system. Also, could initialize a conversation with tenants and could add or delete the advertise of his/her house.
4.4. Tenant Use Case Diagram
Figure 8 shows the tenant use case diagram of the system. It shows what types of processes are done by a tenant. Here, tenants can log in to the system after their registration. Tenants can set their own profile and reset the password. Also, contact with others using a conversation system and refresh the page.
5. Result and Analysis
In this section, all features of the system are described from the view of a general user.
5.1. Sign up Page
Figure 9 shows the registration part. In the registration part, there are 7 columns (Register ID, Name, Username, Email, Contact, Password, Confirm password). Here, the phone number and email must be unique. For registration user have to fill up this page, first of all user give the register ID, then write the full name, username, here email have to be verified email then contact number, password and confirm password. From this page user can reset their information also.
5.2. Sign in, Creating Post Page
There is a login page for the system. There are two columns on the login page (username and password). In this system there is also the “creating a post” page. This page is important to the owner. The owner can post information about his home, including photos. The tenant can see this post and contact them to get the house he wants. For admins, this system is open for extension but closed for modification. The admin can delete the post if the owner uploads something that is violent.
5.3. Owner and Tenant Profile Page
Figure 10 and Figure 11 depict the profiles of the owner and tenant, respectively. Owners and tenants will be able to store their information here as well. In Figure 10 owner have to fill up this page for set their profile information, first of all owner write the full name, ID, Address, here email have to be verified email then contact number and house id. From this page owner can reset their information also. In Figure 11 tenant have to fill up this page for set their profile information, first of all owner write the full name, ID, Address, contact number and email. Here email have to be verified email. From this page tenant can reset their information also.
5.4. Reset Password Page
There is also the reset password option in the proposed system. A user can change his/her previous password by using this system. The password must be at least 6 characters long and no more than 50 characters long.
5.5. Conversation System Page
Figure 12 depicts their application’s communication system. A user can send a message and other users can receive it. Here, users first write their name in the first box, then write their opinion in the second box. After that, using the send button, they can easily send the message to another user. Users can also choose to delete the message. This system is open to expansion but not to modification. That is, everyone can see the message and respond to it, but they cannot edit the messages of others.
5.6. Google Map
Figure 13 depicts a Google map, which allows users to easily find and track their location. The Google map API key is obtained from Google in order to use the Google map. Google provides free API with some limited features in it. This is the result of Google’s development. Users will be able to see the location easily, and a tracking location feature will be added in future updates.
5.7. Database
Figure 14 depicts system’s database where all of the data is stored in the system. Here, after the registration of a user, the data will be saved in “users” table. When a user chooses a profile as an owner or tenant, the data will shift to the “owner” or “tenant” table. In “post” table, owners advertise about their house will be saved. And at the “comments” table, a discussion between the owner and the tenants about how a house will be saved.
6. Impact and Sustainability
The real deal with this system is that cities are growing at an unprecedented rate, presenting a fantastic opportunity for local economic development. However, their residents need good, affordable housing and this remains a challenge in the city. Well-functioning property markets can act as a financial springboard for enterprises and job creation. An enabling environment for affordable housing is often developed with the proper infrastructure, investment and macroeconomic policies targeted towards social and financial inclusion [27].
The system will be sustainable because of the users and their contribution towards this. The upgrade of the system will be done on a time-to-time basis. More features will be added to make the system more efficient and user-friendly. The extent of the affordable housing challenge, however, varies across geographies. The housing market is affected not only by market conditions, but also by socio-political factors, environmental factors and the regulatory landscape of countries and cities. Finding solutions in a particular city requires a broader understanding of what constitutes affordability and the factors that affect it. Ensuring the healthy functioning of the housing market requires actions that address interdependencies on the supply-side while stimulating interventions on the demand-side. In opposition to these trends stands the concept of social architecture as a means of engaging with global phenomena, a discipline that takes cultural and social issues into account and is more in touch with the changes in economic and social structures and environmental problems characterizing the twenty-first century. Architecture understood as a collective endeavor entails a significant participatory component and a project of this kind must enjoy the involvement of all its stakeholders if it is to be implemented effectively and give rise to a democratic space [28].
The money will be earned by the advertiser. Ads are the main resource of this system. Advertisements will be posted by house owners in exchange for a fee. The money will be spent on the maintenance of the system and on honorariums for the developers. Target users are students, corporate job holders, house owners, house renters. Basically, the user class will be the person who needs to save time by using this system.
7. Conclusion
Development of an online web based smart house renting system has been developed in this paper. The system can provide a framework that allows managers to conduct reasonable transactions within a limited time frame. This system is meant to satisfy the needs of rental house owners. Several user-friendly interfaces have also been adopted. The real time chat system will bring fluidity over the usage and connection between owner and tenants. Also, the location tracing system will be a major advantage for users as it will be easy to find the location of the house on a map. In addition, for the concern of security, this system has optimized secure and private data storage and verification system. This package will prove to be very powerful in satisfying all the requirements of the users [29].
Acknowledgements
Firstly, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the advisor Dr. Mohammad Monirujjaman Khan for the continuous support, for his patience, motivation, and immense knowledge. We would like to give special thanks to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of North South University to give us opportunities and support to do research on house rent system.