THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
The Spring Spike: How to Win the Annual Cleaning Ritual
by Harrison Crum
Spring cleaning brings a predictable surge in multifamily waste, with about 80% of Americans participating and many discarding large volumes of items. This seasonal spike can strain operations, but it also creates opportunity. By proactively scaling trash services, educating residents and partnering with donation organizations, communities can manage overflow, maintain curb appeal and turn this annual ritual into a competitive advantage that boosts resident satisfaction and leasing performance.
Read the article in The Multifamily Journal
Misconceptions About Working in the Multifamily Industry
by Jessica Fiur
Misconceptions about roles and day-to-day work are persistent in multifamily. In reality, success requires adaptability, relationship-building and a broad skill set that spans operations, marketing and technology. The field is more complex and dynamic than outsiders assume, with evolving renter expectations and demands reshaping what it takes to perform and grow in the industry.
Oregon Case Examines Habitability
by Mark Poist
The Oregon Supreme Court recently confirmed that habitability obligations extend beyond the unit to areas that are adjacent to a renter’s home and used for access. The Court of Appeals originally granted summary judgment for the provider in Jackson v. KA‑Associates, LLC, finding the resident failed to show a fallen light‑fixture cover made the property uninhabitable.
INDUSTRY NEWS
America’s Housing Gap Looks Bigger Than Anyone Wanted to Admit
by Travis Barrington
A new federal estimate suggests the U.S. housing shortage is far larger than previously thought, reaching roughly 10 million homes. In addition to increased demand, the gap reflects nearly two decades of underbuilding following the financial crisis. This structural shortfall is driven by constraints on labor, zoning and capital. It signals deeper issues in the system, with broad implications for affordability, mobility and long-term economic growth.
A ‘Ho-Hum’ Spring Marks Underwhelming 2026 Start
by Erika Morphy
Multifamily leasing activity is showing modest seasonal improvement, but performance remains muted compared to traditional spring momentum. Elevated vacancies and widespread concessions continue to weigh on performance. The slow start reflects ongoing supply pressures and uneven demand, signaling a more competitive environment.
Bill Still Isn’t Law, But BTR Market Is Already Paralyzed
by Jon Banister
Uncertainty around a proposed federal housing bill is already freezing the build-to-rent sector, as investors and lenders pull back amid unclear rules. A provision requiring developers to sell homes within seven years has disrupted dealmaking, stalled financing and halted transactions. With no certainty on the bill’s outcome, projects are stuck in limbo.
MULTIFAMILY TECHNOLOGY
Leveraging Tech to Navigate a Complex Regulatory Landscape
by Paul Willis
One multifamily operator is turning to technology and in-house expertise to manage an increasingly complex patchwork of regulations. By leveraging real-time compliance tools, centralized data and specialized teams, Mill Creek is addressing challenges such as fee transparency and jurisdictional differences. The approach underscores how tech-enabled strategies can improve accuracy, build renter trust and help owner/operators stay ahead of evolving legal requirements.
Read the article in Multifamily Executive
When ‘Efficient’ Makes the Resident Experience Worse
by Tiffany De Alva
Automation is improving speed and efficiency across multifamily operations, but overuse can quietly damage the resident experience. Replacing human interaction with rigid workflows and chatbots often creates frustration and removes needed flexibility. The key is to balance automation and preserve human touchpoints.
What the Verizon Outage Revealed About Multifamily Risk
by Pam Rothenberg
The Verizon outage underscored how dependent multifamily operations are on uninterrupted mobile connectivity for leasing, maintenance coordination and resident communications. When service failed, properties faced delays in response times and disrupted emergency workflows. The incident exposed fragility in the systems.