THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
You Track Units — What About Your Other Rentables?
by Todd Katler
While owners and operators track their units, they may not realize how many rentable assets exist in their communities, such as parking spaces, storage units and event areas. Technology-driven solutions can efficiently manage these assets, ensuring they are optimized for both resident convenience and additional income. By leveraging integrated systems, properties can streamline reservations, increase revenue and enhance overall asset value.
Read the article in The Multifamily Journal
Fair Housing Month: Compliance And Transition
by Kendall Pretzer
As Fair Housing Month begins, it is important to understand fair housing laws, including the legal and financial repercussions that owners and operators may face if they fail to comply with regulations. Implementing inclusive policies and practices can lead to smoother operations and improved community relations.
Springtime Surprises: What to Look for After Winter
by Dave Holland
It’s springtime, not winter, when problems caused by cold weather make their appearance. Detailed checklists can assist teams in systematically assessing their properties for damage to building exteriors, landscaping, HVAC systems and more. This will help ensure that all potential issues are addressed promptly.
MULTIFAMILY TECHNOLOGY
SmartRent Expands AI-Powered Smart Operations Suite
by Doug Pike
SmartRent has introduced new features—Teams, Smart Launch, and Triggers—to its Work Management solution, aiming to enhance centralized property management operations. The Teams feature allows organizations to assign tasks at the group level, offering flexibility in structuring maintenance teams across properties. Smart Launch is an AI-powered assistant that enables natural language searches within the platform, simplifying navigation and reducing onboarding time. Additionally, the Triggers enhancement automates task creation for move-out inspections based on scheduled dates.
Read the article in The Multifamily Journal
GEO: What Apartment Marketers Need to Know
by Robyn Friedman
Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is the latest tool for multifamily marketing teams, working alongside Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to enhance content for AI-powered search engines like Google Gemini. GEO helps properties appear in AI-generated summaries, which often rank above organic listings and ads.
How Cities Are Turning Empty Offices Into Housing
by Travis Barrington
Cities are increasingly exploring the conversion of empty office buildings into housing. While this approach offers promise, it faces challenges such as building design limitations, zoning regulations and high conversion costs. However, cities are streamlining approval processes and offering incentives to make it more feasible.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Winners and Losers in Five-Year Population Growth Forecasts
by Erik Sherman
Projected population trends and their implications for commercial real estate investments are critical for making sound decisions. An analysis of data from Markerr reveals the top 10 U.S. metro areas experiencing significant year-over-year population growth as of 2024. Leading this trend is Myrtle Beach, S.C., with an impressive growth of 3.4%. Following closely are Lakeland, Fla., at 2.9%, and North Port, Fla., at 2.4%. Metros that are trailing include Detroit, Pittsburgh and San Francisco.
Rents Rise Slightly For Second Month In A Row
by John Triplett
National rents have risen slightly for the second consecutive month, signaling a potential shift in market dynamics. While the increase remains modest, it suggests a stabilization or even a gradual rebound in rental prices after previous declines. Contributing factors include seasonal demand and a cooling supply pipeline.
NAA Launches New Legislative, Regulatory Dashboards
by Nicole Upano
The National Apartment Association (NAA) has introduced new legislative and regulatory tracking dashboards to provide members with up-to-date information on federal, state and local proposals affecting rental housing providers. The new feature is part of NAA’s mission to ensure the voice of the industry is heard by policymakers.