Multifamily Firms Embrace Centralization and AI as Fraud Remains Persistent Concern, says MRI Software Report

Solon, Ohio – April 8, 2026 – The multifamily industry continues to prioritize centralization efforts and AI use, but many professionals worry that it will negatively affect the resident experience, according to a Trendspotter report from proptech firm MRI Software.

Eighty-seven percent of survey respondents stated that their organizations plan to increase centralization practices over the next year and that the desire to improve the resident experience is a key driver of centralization.

“The multifamily industry is fundamentally about people, and it’s encouraging to see firms exploring technology to improve efficiency and productivity without losing sight of the human impact,” said Eric Walsh, Executive Managing Director for North America, MRI Software. “As organizations embrace centralization and AI, they have an opportunity to ensure these changes support stronger relationships, empower staff and enhance how residents and prospects are served.”

The survey also revealed that fraud remains prevalent, with respondents regularly dealing with credit history fraud and fake documents during the application process.

“Fraud is no longer a peripheral issue; it’s a recurring challenge that impacts day‑to‑day operations,” continued Walsh. “Reducing risk requires fraud detection solutions that combine AI with human oversight to maintain confidence across teams and preserve trust with residents.”

The Multifamily Pulse Check report evaluates survey data from more than 700 multifamily professionals in North America. Additional key findings include:

• AI awareness and aptitude are strong, with 93% of respondents using AI in some capacity.
• Integration with existing systems is viewed as the biggest barrier to AI adoption, with executives showing more concern about the ROI of AI tools than property managers.
• Top reasons for centralization included improved efficiency, better resident experiences, and cost savings – while staffing constraints ranked low among reported drivers.
• Fraud prevalence remains high, with 91% encountering it at least every few months and 26% weekly.
• Confidence in fraud detection strategies is mixed, with 51% of property managers expressing confidence compared to 28% of executives.

The full report is available for download here.

About MRI Software

MRI Software is a leading provider of real estate solutions and industry data that transform the way communities live, work and play. MRI’s open, intelligent platform empowers owners, operators, agents and occupiers in commercial and residential property organizations to stay ahead in rapidly changing markets. A trailblazer in the proptech industry, MRI serves more than six million users worldwide. Through innovative solutions and a rich partner ecosystem, MRI gives real estate companies the freedom to realize their vision of building thriving communities and stronger businesses. For more information, please visit mrisoftware.com

Media Contact for MRI – North America
Rachel Antman
212-362-5837
rachel@saygency.com