INDUSTRY NEWS
Engrain and Venn Close the Longest Open Loop in Leasing
by Marlena DeFalco
Engrain and Venn have partnered to close a critical gap in the leasing journey by eliminating data loss between unit search and application. Their integration connects Engrain’s SightMap directly with Venn’s leasing platform, preserving pricing, availability and renter inputs. This streamlined experience reduces friction, improves conversion and gives more accurate data, ultimately creating a more efficient and connected leasing process from first search to signed application.
Read the article in Multifamily Journal
FTC Targets Hidden Rental Fees in New Rulemaking Push
by Erik Sherman
The Federal Trade Commission is advancing a rulemaking initiative aimed at eliminating hidden rental fees, increasing pressure on multifamily owner/operators to improve pricing transparency. The effort focuses on requiring clear disclosure of total costs throughout the leasing process. If enacted, the rule could reshape how the industry presents fees.
Sen. Warren Expands Spotlight To Multifamily Industry
by Maddy McCarty
Sen. Elizabeth Warren is pressing major multifamily owners for detailed information on their holdings, rental practices and communications with federal officials as she expands scrutiny of institutional investors. Industry economists argue her claims overlook falling rents and warn that proposed restrictions could reduce development and worsen affordability.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Management Diaries: Solving Property Management Friction
by Denile Doyle
Savas Karas, COO and chief transformation officer at CAPREIT, outlines why tech‑driven initiatives often stall in property management, emphasizing the need to align strategy with execution and observe onsite teams to uncover hidden friction. He highlights the importance of clear goals, rapid iteration, structured change management and ongoing training. Karas also stresses defining organizational success before investing in transformation efforts.
Now’s the Time to Build in Flexibility
by Barbara Ballinger
The multifamily industry is shifting from reactive pandemic-era adaptations to proactively designing flexible, future‑ready spaces. With preferences varying widely across generations and residents using spaces differently, experts suggest that adaptable layouts and multifunctional areas should be built into projects from the start, especially for long‑term owners.
Why Dedicated Rental Communities Are Essential
by Richard Ross
More than 102 million Americans now rent, and demand continues to outpace supply amid a national housing deficit. Younger generations face prolonged instability, while limited construction deepens the shortage. Industry leaders argue that solving the crisis requires expanding all housing types, including high‑density apartments, BTR models and dedicated rental communities.
MULTIFAMILY TECHNOLOGY
Upgraded vs. Outdated: A Digital Case for Improved Ancillary Income
by Eric Rasmussen
Modern renters increasingly expect technology-driven living experiences, pushing multifamily operators to rethink strategies. Outdated amenities limit revenue potential, while digital upgrades, such as smart-home features, property-wide WiFi and connected laundry, create new income streams and improve retention. By investing in tech-enabled solutions, operators can boost occupancy, justify premium pricing, reduce turnover costs and unlock scalable, recurring ancillary revenue opportunities.
Read the article in The Multifamily Journal
The Importance of Multichannel Marketing
by Robyn Friedman
Apartment marketing has shifted from simple print ads and walk‑ins to a complex digital landscape where prospects discover communities through search engines, listing sites, social platforms and reviews. Multichannel marketing helps teams meet renters across these touchpoints, expanding visibility and capturing more leads.
AI Search Is Changing How Renters Find Apartments
by Franco Faraudo
Apartment search behavior is rapidly shifting as AI tools like ChatGPT capture a growing share of queries, now processing billions daily and reaching roughly 12% of Google’s search volume. Renters increasingly rely on synthesized answers rather than listings. Research shows about 12% of renters already use AI to find their next home.