The Multifamily Journal

Multifamily’s top storylines this week are Apartments.com upgrades multifamily forecast, midterms results and affordable housing, hot rent markets now posting declines, driving resident satisfaction, true cost of equity, culture skills and property management, AI effect on CRE timelines, climbing the corporate ladder and drawing the line on AI.

Does the five seconds change your day? Probably not. But what if I started this by asking you, “If I could give you 30 minutes of free time to be productive or relax or spend time with family...for free…would you take it?”

The U.S. multifamily forecast has been modestly upgraded, according to Apartments.com. National multifamily vacancy is projected to remain near 7.9% through 2026 before declining to 7.5% by the end of 2027. Annual rent growth is now expected to hold at 1.4% through the fourth quarter.

Multifamily’s top storylines this week are Quarterra hires Jim Cox for Texas development, concessions increase nationwide, Seattle owner wins appeal over regulations, the rental housing playbook, dealing with mold, rental fee rules and compliance, AI apartment shopping, marketing and revenue and listing photos requirements.

Resident retention requires more than impressive amenities or a savvy marketing strategy. It depends on great service, meaningful communication, and a willingness to address problems when expectations aren't met.

Quarterra, an industry-leading multifamily development and investment management firm, today announced Jeb Cox as Managing Director of Development, Texas. In his new role, Cox will oversee new multifamily development initiatives across the state.

Multifamily’s top storylines this week are Zark's new parking solution, PetScreening report on owner behavior, lender pressure creates opportunities, empathy and disaster preparedness, active-adult rentals, competitive amenities, AI, and Chicago's geothermal apartment tower.

Pets are no longer influencing only household routines. They are shaping major decisions about housing, work, travel and spending, according to PetScreening’s newly released 2026 Pet Influence Report.