THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
App Fatigue and the Consequences of Feigning Convenience
by Andrei Girenkov
The pursuit of convenience through multiple resident apps can backfire, causing “app fatigue.” Rather than simplifying life, fragmented systems overwhelm users, eroding satisfaction and loyalty. Multifamily owners and operators risk competitiveness when they ignore this friction. The solution involves a shift toward unified digital platforms designed around seamless and intuitive resident experiences to foster retention and stand out in a crowded market.
Read the article in The Multifamily Journal
Short-Term Rentals Also Need Forward-Thinking Pet Policies
by John Bradford
The surge in pet travel is pushing short-term rental operators to adopt formal, forward-thinking pet policies. By pre-screening pets and facilitating clear fee collection and rule acknowledgment, operators can reduce liability. Enhancing stays with pet waste stations, furniture covers, welcome kits and local pet info boosts guest satisfaction.
Where Do We Need Affordable Housing the Most?
by Ruthy Portnoy
Affordable housing is in critical short supply nationwide, with only 34 affordable units available for every 100 extremely low-income renters. The gap exceeds 7 million homes, hitting hardest in densely populated metro areas, especially in the West and Northeast. While rural and Midwestern regions fare slightly better, they still struggle.
INDUSTRY NEWS
PetScreening Launches AI Tool to Maximize Pet Policy Compliance
by Paul Willis
PetScreening launched PetComply.ai, an AI-powered tool designed to improve pet policy compliance in multifamily communities. The platform identifies unauthorized pets and engages residents through friendly, automated messages encouraging registration. Within 60 days of launch, it uncovered more than 3,600 previously unregistered pets. PetComply.ai helps recover lost revenue, enforce pet policies more effectively and create better pet-friendly communities.
Read the article in The Multifamily Journal
Travtus, Engrain Bring Spatial Intelligence to Its Everyday (AI)
by Darcey Leach
Travtus has partnered with Engrain to enhance its Everyday (AI) platform by embedding interactive property maps into its Gateway interface. This spatial intelligence integration enables teams to visually pinpoint resident feedback, incidents and maintenance tasks. The upgrade delivers intuitive, context-rich insights, accelerating decisions and elevating operations.
Rising Insurance Costs May Be Easing
by Scott Sowers
Owners and operators are seeing some relief as insurance premiums, which spiked significantly over recent years, have started to stabilize. After peaking in mid-2023, rates are now rising more gradually or remaining flat across various markets. While costs remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, this easing trend offers a welcome respite for budgets.
MULTIFAMILY TECHNOLOGY
$16 Billion Problem: Solutions for Tackling Fraud and Eviction Risk
by Andrew Ruhland
Owners and operators face a staggering $16 billion annual hit from lease fraud and eviction-related losses, driven by residents who break leases and vanish without notice. Solutions include enhanced resident screening, real-time income verification, automated deposit draw systems and eviction diversion tactics. By combining proactive checks with supportive measures, such as payment plans and counseling, operators can reduce fraud and decrease vacancies.
Read the article in NAA Industry Insider
The Status of Tech Adoption in Multifamily
by Brent Williams
Technology adoption is accelerating in areas such as smart home devices and digital leasing platforms, thereby enhancing resident experiences and operational efficiency. However, some innovations, such as AI-driven maintenance and advanced data analytics, face slower adoption due to cost and integration challenges.
Incorporating Authenticity Into Your Resident Communication
by Jessica Fiur
Effective resident communication in multifamily housing is rooted in authenticity. Industry leaders emphasize using clear, conversational language over corporate jargon, openly explaining decisions like rent increases or policy changes. Personalizing messages and sharing genuine testimonials fosters trust.