INDUSTRY NEWS
Mill Creek Starts Preleasing at Modera Walsh Heights
by Paul Willis
Mill Creek Residential has begun preleasing at Modera Walsh Heights, a 296-home midrise community in the rapidly expanding Walsh master-planned development west of Fort Worth. The property marks the firm’s second project in the area and is positioned within the Highland Hills district, a growing mixed-use hub. First move-ins are expected in May, with residents gaining access to extensive amenities, smart-home features and proximity to new retail and trails.
Read the article in The Multifamily Journal
Leasing Momentum Returns as Rent Growth Hits a Floor
by Kristen Smithberg
Spring leasing activity is rebounding, with monthly rent gains returning as demand strengthens during the seasonal peak. However, year-over-year rent growth has dropped to its lowest level on record, reflecting ongoing supply pressures and widespread concessions. While new construction is slowing after a peak in deliveries, multifamily remains in a transitional phase.
State Legislatures Return, Rent Control Follows
by Ravi Ehrbeck-Malhotra and Ben Harrold
Housing affordability and rent control remain central issues as state legislatures reconvene for their 2026 sessions. Lawmakers are introducing measures to repeal existing preemption laws in many states, potentially allowing local governments to adopt rent regulations. The legislative landscape is starting to show increased momentum behind rent control efforts nationwide.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Multifamily Should Be Doing More to Court the Pet-Owning Renter
by Wendy Dorchester
The multifamily industry is falling short in meeting the needs of pet-owning renters, despite growing demand. While pet-friendly policies boost retention and engagement, many communities still impose restrictive limits on the number of pets, breeds and sizes. Experts suggest shifting toward more flexible, individualized policies and improving pet amenities, allowing operators to better align with renter expectations and capture a larger share of the market.
Read the article in Multifamily & Affordable Housing Business
Why The Founder Cannot Be the Bottleneck in a Brokerage
by Joe Killinger
Brokerage growth often plateaus when founders remain the central decision-makers, unintentionally limiting progress. While early success depends on involvement, that same approach eventually constrains deals, creating team dependency and capping output. To grow, leaders must transition from operator to architect so the business can function and expand without constant oversight.
The Case for Renting to Sole Proprietors
by Carla Hinson
Sole proprietors represent a significant share of the renter pool, yet outdated leasing systems and assumptions often exclude them entirely. Standard applications favor salaried employees, creating barriers for entrepreneurs and gig workers despite their proven creditworthiness. Owners and operators who broaden criteria can tap into this overlooked segment and avoid missing qualified renters.
MULTIFAMILY TECHNOLOGY
Could AI Actually Run a Community Without Any Onsite Staff?
by Travis Barrington
Advances in AI and automation are making the concept of running a multifamily property with little to no onsite staff increasingly viable. Leasing, maintenance and administrative workflows can now be handled through digital systems, reducing reliance on traditional roles. However, while operations can be streamlined, human oversight remains critical as the industry adapts to new workflows, roles and implementation challenges.
The Split-Incentive Barrier to Multifamily Solar
by Anca Gagiuc
The adoption of solar in multifamily housing is often hindered by a split-incentive problem, where property owners bear installation costs while residents receive most of the energy savings. This misalignment reduces financial motivation for owners to invest. The dynamic continues to slow widespread adoption despite efficiency and sustainability benefits.
Is Your Creative Costing You Leases? How to Spot the Signs
by Stacey Feeney
Creative execution can undermine leasing performance when messaging prioritizes aesthetics over clarity. Signs include high engagement but low lead quality, rising cost per lease and disconnects between marketing and results. Communities should focus on aligning creative optimization with renter intent, ensuring messaging is actionable rather than purely visual.