Where does AI and smart home tech make sense in rental housing?

Operators have been using AI and automations — in the form of chat bots — for lead management for several years now. But we have identified several areas of operations where thoughtful deployment of advanced technologies make sense.

Self-guided tours

• Bluetooth-equipped smart access controls create seamless navigation throughout designated areas of the community and offer a taste of the resident experience.
• Real-time mapping shows prospective residents their precise location within the community, empowering a fully self-sufficient tour process.
• AI-powered chat options allow prospects to ask questions throughout their tour.
• Smart thermostats help to establish ideal conditions during scheduled tours.

Climate and ambiance controls

• Smart thermostats and lighting enable residents to minimize their energy use by tailoring settings to match their schedules and remotely manage settings when they aren't home.
• Smart climate and ambiance controls in common areas and amenities also allow operators to dictate after-hours settings. Operators can also automate changes based on live weather readings and sunrise/sunset, further reducing energy consumption.
• During vacancies, operators can optimize climate settings through integrations with property management software, automatically engaging energy-saving controls when a move-out is complete.
• Energy grids are stressed in many parts of the country, making communities with comprehensive energy savings — or even the ability to contribute to the grid — integral cogs in the overall energy infrastructure.

Workflow management

• Through AI-powered solutions, maintenance tasks are automatically routed to the technician in closest proximity to the job or the technician with the necessary training and skill set, saving valuable time.
• For mobile maintenance teams serving multiple communities, workflow platforms leverage AI for logistics, optimizing travel times through live traffic and mapping analysis to reduce response times.
• Inspection teams using digital platforms provide real-time reporting throughout the corporate structure, expediting procurement and decision-making.

When deployed strategically, AI and smart home solutions should support the efforts of on-site associates, not replace them. It should enhance the lives of residents, not complicate them. AI and smart technologies are tools designed to create convenience for residents and property teams, and usher in a more efficient and sustainable way of life. We must use them responsibly, but finding practical applications for these advances is the industry's responsibility.