Six leasing season tools property managers wish they had sooner - Max Glassburg

Leasing season sits at the heart of the rental housing industry. That’s why the right tools can make a huge difference. To help you make sense of the tech property managers need to run a modern business, here are six leasing season tools you can put to use right away. 

If you’re only using a few of these — or none — consider the benefits of upgrading your tech.

1. Online resident portals

Online resident portals streamline the rental process and improve the customer experience by allowing residents to sign leases, submit applications and make payments digitally. This not only accelerates the leasing process but enhances security by reducing the risks and bank trips associated with cash and checks.

The transparency offered by resident portals also improves trust between renters and property managers, as both parties can easily access payment histories, lease documents and account details.

And if going green is part of your business plan, online payments help cut down on paper waste.

2. AI-assisted resident screening

AI-assisted resident screening tools bolster your defense against rental fraud. With all those leasing season applications coming in, we know this is extra important. Anti-fraud tools employ advanced machine learning to detect fraudulent identities and applications, including those involving Credit Privacy Numbers (CPNs). By verifying identities, authenticating documents and monitoring credit bureau fraud warnings, property managers can significantly reduce the risk of leasing to unreliable residents.

3. A smart chatbot

Smart chatbots enhance property management by providing instant, 24/7 communication with prospects and residents. These AI-driven assistants can handle standard (and frequent) questions about pricing, availability and amenities, allowing property managers to focus on more complex tasks. If you’re getting a lot of inquiries during leasing season, a bot built into your website can help take the load off.

The natural language processing capabilities of modern chatbots ensure conversations feel seamless and human-like. If the bot is unable to assist the prospect or renter, your team can take over at any time.

4. Streamlined invoicing

Advanced invoicing capabilities simplify the billing process by allowing property managers to create and send detailed invoices directly to tenants. The system supports recurring payments and one-time charges, with itemized details that enhance clarity. Features like monthly posting and chargeback options for specific expenses further streamline financial operations. All this reduces the administrative workload and improves accuracy in your accounting. Saving time here means more time spent ensuring a great customer experience and converting your leads into leases.

5. Updated property websites

A website offers a professional online presence, facilitating effective marketing to potential renters, owners and investors. These high-performing websites support features like virtual tours, online applications and SEO optimization, ensuring properties are easily discoverable online. The ability to refresh website templates without additional fees allows for dynamic content updates, keeping your site engaging and current.

If your site is outdated in looks or functionality, prospects may feel less inclined to trust your business. Think of this leasing season tool as your online curb appeal. An intuitive and modern-looking website can keep people on your page longer. If they like what they see, they may even apply online right then and there.

6. A mobile app

Of all the leasing season tools available today, a mobile app can tie everything together for renters. It empowers residents with convenient access to their account information, lease documents and payment options directly from any smartphone or tablet. Residents can make one-time or recurring payments, submit maintenance requests with photos and track the status of each request.

The app reduces manual data entry and helps streamline communication. Looking for an easy employee retention strategy during the busy leasing season? You can’t do better than making work smarter, not harder for your staff.

Max Glassburg is a senior marketing writer with Yardi Breeze, Santa Barbara, CA.