THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Student Housing Outlook
by Dan Beary
The unique logistical challenges of short-term leases, high foot traffic and large delivery volumes make the student housing market a perfect candidate for third-party package delivery. In addition to all the boxes they bring at the beginning of the semester, students also order necessities to be delivered when they arrive. This flood of packages can be difficult to manage at a time when parents, students and housing teams coordinate moving in.
Read the article in The Multifamily Journal
Is Modular the Best Solution to Multifamily’s Supply Problem?
by Jordana Rothberg
Modular design has existed for decades, but its viability for multifamily housing is still up for debate. Even with more supply coming onto the market, housing shortages in the years to come are still looming. The use of modular has some upsides, but there are still serious pitfalls to overcome.
Is a Resident Who Smokes Protected?
by Jay Wallace
While they aren’t a federally protected class, some states and municipalities have implemented protections for smokers from housing discrimination. It’s important that all owners and operators are aware of local regulations and requirements even if they don’t face Fair Housing Act challenges.
MULTIFAMILY TECHNOLOGY
The Leasing Centralization Conundrum: When is the Right Time?
by Katie Nelson
Centralization gained steam during the pandemic and became a staple for some owners and operators as they realized the benefits and efficiencies. For those who have yet to enter the centralization arena, knowing when is the right time is important. If a company is experiencing increasing pain points in leasing and resident service, as well as challenges in hiring and retention, then it could be the perfect time to make the transition.
Read the article in Rental Housing Journal
When It Comes to AI, What’s Worth It, and What’s Not?
by Jessica Fiur
Artificial intelligence can be applied to numerous aspects of multifamily operations, but that doesn’t mean it should be applied to every business function. The MHN Executive Council shares the areas they believe AI works best and enhances operations instead of hampering them.
Read the article in Multi-Housing News
Benefits of Working ChatGPT Into Your Automation Strategy
by Tiffany De Alva
In multifamily, keeping up with the competition requires a strategic approach. Property managers are increasingly turning to advanced solutions like ChatGPT to streamline operations and improve the overall resident experience, providing 24/7 availability and efficient automation of tasks.
Read the article in Multifamily Insiders
INDUSTRY NEWS
L.A. City Council: No Evictions Before Rental Assistance Arrives
by Bianca Barragan
Residents waiting for housing assistance who have yet to receive it cannot be evicted before the aid arrives, the Los Angeles City Council decided. More than 3,000 applicants have been approved to receive six months of rental assistance but most haven’t been paid. There are also 25,000 applicants still waiting for approval, and 75% of the $30.4 million set aside for the program hasn’t been distributed.
Interest Rates Will Continue to Challenge Builders This Year
by Richard Berger
High interest rates are the biggest challenge facing developers this year, according to the January 2024 survey for the National Association of Homebuilders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. About 77% of respondents said it was the biggest obstacle, followed by 52% who said inflation is also a significant factor.
Read the article in GlobeSt
Proposed Bill Would Strengthen Resident Rights in Colorado
by Jaclyn Allen
A bill in the Colorado Legislature would give owners and operators seven to 14 days to make repairs under certain circumstances. Failure to do so would allow residents to withhold rent or require owners to pay for a hotel. The Colorado Apartment Association opposes it, saying it would allow residents to damage units to avoid rent.
Read the article in Denver7