Apartmentalize 2021: Flexibility is key for the future of multifamily technology

The MRI Software team was thrilled to reconnect with clients and partners in person at the NAA Apartmentalize conference in Chicago! With three booths at the event – covering MRI, RentPayment and CheckpointID – we had lots of exciting multifamily technology to talk about. And we had prizes. Serious prizes. One lucky person won a $2,500 Marriott gift card!

Despite the unknowns surrounding the virus and its variants, the conference was welcome proof that our industry can still convene in a safe way to lead the charge for the future of multifamily. Being able to interact in person was a refreshing change from virtual events and online meetings, especially because our business is ultimately about people and community!

Increasing demand for flexible multifamily technology

The multifamily industry is changing rapidly, and the need for flexibility was a common theme throughout the Apartmentalize conference. Many of the new PropTech solutions presented at the show were geared toward saving time for leasing teams with new innovations. If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that everything can change overnight and we must adapt our processes and strategies quickly to preserve business continuity. In 2020, residents began facing unprecedented hardships and cash flow problems, and multifamily operators turned toward flexible technology solutions to adapt to the changing needs of renters and think beyond the traditional rent payment model.

Artificial intelligence for multifamily

PropTech is offering even more flexibility for the industry by using AI to drive automation. During one of MRI’s sessions at Apartmentalize, we discussed the future of the digital leasing office and the growing need for automation and efficiency in the leasing process. As online applications increased during the pandemic, rental fraud has also risen, and AI will be instrumental in preventing fraud for multifamily properties. A focus on risk management can help keep communities safe and ensure that leasing agents are spending time on real leads from real humans.

CheckpointID, an MRI Software company, provides ID verification software that uses AI to map ID scans with facial recognition to provide multiple levels of identity verification. It also automates the creation of guest cards through the integration with MRI Living, our comprehensive and flexible residential management solution that empowers residential property owners and operators with the tools to attract and engage qualified residents, effectively manage operations, and make data-driven decisions using accurate reporting and insights.

Minimize risk through screening services

At NAA, MRI announced an expanded partnership with long-time partner, TransUnion. MRI’s screening services now use TransUnion’s highly accurate ResidentScore system, which predicts future behavior based on historic rent payment data. By minimizing risk before the lease is signed, you can gain peace of mind by ensuring that you have the right residents for your community.

Learn more about MRI’s exciting announcements from 2021 Apartmentalize.