Get to know our Surveyors: meet Ryan Horsman | Tenant news

Meet our Senior Repairs Surveyor North, Ryan Horsman and find out what his role entails, the nicest thing that’s happened to him on a scheme, and which English Heritage property he’d most like to survey.


How would you explain your job in 30 words?

I’m the Senior Repairs Surveyor North. I diagnose maintenance requirements on Habinteg’s schemes and ensure any required works on site are good quality and Health & Safety compliant. And I escalate any contract management performance issues. My job is varied, sometimes complex and can be very challenging. It is very rewarding at times and it’s important to keep focussed on why I do it, helping people! 

What area/region do you cover and roughly how many schemes is that?

I cover the North Region that’s around 1,250 properties from North Shields down to Birmingham.

Do you have to have experience as a plumber/electrician/carpenter etc to do your job?

Any trade experience helps, but it’s not a necessity for the role. A sound knowledge of different construction methods and building defects along with the ability to be able to diagnose faults is essential to the role of a Repairs Surveyor. 

What does a good day at the office look like for you?

If my day is productive and I have achieved something that has helped a tenant, then I am happy.

How many tenants do you talk to in a day?

This varies depending on what I’m dealing with at the time. Every day is different, but it would normally be between 1-5 on average.

What’s the nicest thing that’s happened to you on a scheme?

A tenant, out of the blue, hugged me for listening to her frustrations with outstanding repairs when I gave her my word I’d help progress them for her.

If you were able to ask one thing of all Habinteg tenants to make your job easier, what would you ask?

Just to be honest. We are here to provide a service and we need tenants to be open and honest to help us continue improving!

Name an English Heritage property you’d most like to survey?

Dartmouth Castle

Which of these TV shows would best describe your household, Modern family, Family ties, My family?

My Family.

How would your neighbours describe you?

Loud! (I have three sporty children and a noisy dog.)

How would your Habinteg colleagues describe you?

Approachable and a big coffee drinker!

Which TV personality would you most like to be your neighbour and why?

One of my favourite actors, so either Stephen Graham or Jodie Comer! They can play any part and nail it.

What does the name Habinteg mean?

It comes from the Latin phrase habitat integrans, or 'integrated housing'.