The Benefits of Assistance Animals at Rental Communities
by Victoria Cowart, CPM, NAAEI Faculty
Assistance animals offer numerous benefits to multifamily communities, promoting functionality, inclusivity and harmony. These animals enhance the independence of residents with disabilities, provide crucial mental health support and ensure safety by detecting medical emergencies. Additionally, they encourage social interaction and foster community bonds. Properly managed, the presence of assistance animals can transform communities into empathetic spaces for all residents.
Around 50% of multifamily technology projects are ultimately left uncompleted. At a time when technological solutions can be a boost to leasing, planning, execution and completion are essential. Savas Karas, Chief Technology Officer and the Chief Transformation Officer for CAPREIT, explains how thoughtful implementation and thorough training can help.
The growing issue of package theft in multifamily housing requires effective solutions to maintain security and resident satisfaction. Owner/operators can combat this problem by implementing package management systems, such as third-party offsite delivery services. These systems reduce the risk of theft and enhance convenience for residents.
The trend of eliminating parking minimums is reshaping urban land use, mobility and housing affordability. Cities like Buffalo, Minneapolis and San Jose have led the way, with over 200 cities and states like California and Colorado following suit. This shift allows developers to optimize space for more housing and amenities, as well as reduce development costs. However, it also challenges multifamily communities to manage parking efficiently, often requiring automated systems to balance resident needs with reduced availability.
Simplifying centralization in multifamily properties can be achieved through several key strategies. Implementing property-wide Wi-Fi networks enables compatibility with various smart devices, providing greater control and management. Centralized networks offer utilization insights, enabling adjustments to amenities and operations.
Rent. has appointed Damon Joshua as president, where he will focus on guiding Rent.’s overall strategy and operations. Additionally, SmartRent released the Alloy Deadbolt smart lock, which is the company’s first in-house smart lock series, and is designed to provide owners with a smooth smart lock installation.
San Jose Waives Building Fees for Apartment Towers
by Jack Rogers
San Jose is incentivizing the development of downtown apartment towers by waiving various building fees. As part of a seven-year program, the city council has decided to eliminate all city construction taxes for five years and reduce park fees by 50%. In the final two years of the program, construction taxes will be halved, and park fees will be reduced by 30%. These measures aim to stimulate high-rise residential projects, fostering urban growth and addressing housing shortages in the city’s core.
PetScreening’s CEO Named One of Charlotte’s Most Admired
by Stephen Ursery
John Bradford, founder of PetScreening, has been named one of Charlotte’s Most Admired CEOs by the Charlotte Business Journal. Recognized in the technology category, Bradford has led PetScreening to become a key player in pet policy management for rental housing. The platform, used at over 23,000 communities, helps property owner/operators capture substantial pet-related revenue.
Return Of Rent Growth Stokes Concerns Over Interest Rates
by Olivia Lueckmeyer
The rate of rent decreases in multifamily has slowed significantly. While median asking rents have dipped slightly, the overall trend shows stabilization. This deceleration can influence inflation rates and impact the Fed’s decision on interest rates. The median asking rent in the 50 largest metro areas remains below its August 2022 peak, signaling a potential shift in dynamics.
