By Jenna Abbott, Executive Director
If you’ve been to a housing conference lately—or even just scrolled LinkedIn—you’ve seen the buzz around artificial intelligence, commonly called AI. While AI might still sound like a Silicon Valley buzzword to some, it’s quickly becoming a practical tool for apartment managers across California, especially in the affordable housing space.
At CCAH, we’re always looking for ways to support our members with tools that make their work more efficient, more resident-focused, and more sustainable. AI is proving to be one of those tools.
If you’re frightened by the thought of AI, you’re not alone. At the same time, if you’ve taken a hard line against it, you are missing a massive opportunity to minimize repetitive tasks and free yourself and your staff up to concentrate on more high level work. AI, when used appropriately and well, can add dollars to the bottom line and allow property managers to create more satisfying roles for staff.
So, let’s start with the basics.
On the front end, AI-powered platforms are helping property managers automate routine tasks like responding to some routine resident inquiries. Virtual leasing agents are already helping prospective tenants schedule tours, answer questions, and even guide them through applications. Chatbots and virtual assistants can answer common questions 24/7, freeing up staff time for more complex issues. These tools don’t just save time—they ensure that no inquiry falls through the cracks, even after hours when staff typically aren’t available.
After lease-up, workflow AI can triage maintenance requests, prioritize urgent issues, and even predict when systems might fail based on usage patterns. AI can streamline the application process, flag incomplete submissions, and ensure compliance with fair housing laws and then manage the minutia of sending rent reminders, tracking payments, and even identifying patterns that might signal financial distress—allowing managers to intervene early with support.
Finding ways to use staff at their highest and best is important for every business and especially so for affordable housing communities that often operate with lean staffing and tight budgets. AI doesn’t replace people—it helps them do more with less. For example, a small team managing a tax credit property can use AI to stay on top of compliance deadlines, automate income verification, and reduce paperwork. That means more time spent building relationships with residents and less time buried in spreadsheets.
But let me be clear – AI can’t and shouldn’t replace all your staff. We still need human judgment, empathy, and experience—especially when serving vulnerable populations. AI should be a tool that supports our mission, not one that complicates it. For affordable housing operators, this isn’t just about keeping up with the latest tech trends—it’s about unlocking new efficiencies, improving resident experiences, and making the most of limited resources. That’s why it’s so important for affordable housing professionals to be part of the conversation as these technologies evolve.
Until recently, property tech (or “rent tech”) was a patchwork of disconnected tools: one system for leasing, another for maintenance, another for payments. AI is changing that and at CCAH, we’re exploring ways to bring more AI education and vendor connections to our members. If you’re already using AI tools—or if you’re curious but unsure where to start—let us know. We want to hear from you.
The future of housing management is here, and it’s powered by smart, thoughtful technology. Let’s make sure it works for all of us.