Navigating the World of Multifamily AI: From Chatbots to AI Leasing Assistants

September 6, 2024
11 min

The multifamily real estate sector is experiencing a technological revolution, with AI-powered multifamily chatbots leading the charge. These innovative apartment AI tools are transforming how property managers engage with prospects and residents, offering 24/7 support and streamlining operations. For real estate companies investing in or owning multifamily properties, chatbots present an exciting opportunity to enhance efficiency, improve tenant satisfaction, and ultimately boost their bottom line.

What is a Multifamily Chatbot?

A multifamily chatbot is an AI-powered tool designed to automate common leasing tasks for property managers while also enhancing the experience for renters by simulating human-like conversations and providing personalized assistance throughout the entire leasing lifecycle.

Apartment chatbots use natural language processing, machine learning, and a vast knowledge base built from millions of rental conversations to instantly answer prospect questions in multiple languages, book tour appointments 24/7, and expedite the leasing process.

As a result, the multifamily chatbot’s human-like responses consistently produce high engagement from visitors and move conversations toward the completion of leasing milestones in an efficient yet enjoyable manner. Property managers benefit from faster lease agreements and round-the-clock customer service support without adding staff, while renters gain quick access to community, neighborhood, and property information.

Multifamily Chatbots are Used For:

  • AI Lease Abstraction
  • 24/7 Multilingual Support
  • Providing Instant Property Information
  • Maintenance Request Coordination
  • Tour Scheduling
  • Personalized Property Recommendations
  • Lease and Payment Assistance
  • Lead Pre-Qualification
  • Automated Check-In/Outs
  • Reports and Analytics

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Types of Multifamily Chatbots

Multifamily chatbots vary in their capabilities, price and complexity, but each type can help real estate professionals with their daily tasks.

Chatbot TypeProsCons
Menu-based ChatbotsEasy to implement
Low cost
Simple to use
Limited functionality
Not conversational
Limited user engagement
Rule-based ChatbotsFast deployment
Low maintenance
Handles simple queries
Limited flexibility
Not suitable for complex queries
Can feel robotic
Conversational AI ChatbotsNatural language understanding
Multilingual support
Engaging user experience
Handles complex queries
Higher cost
Requires training data
May not always understand user intent
Advanced AI ChatbotsPersonalized user experience
Predictive analytics
Integration with other software
Multilingual support
High cost
Requires significant training data
May require ongoing maintenance
AI Leasing AssistantsAutomates leasing process
Provides personalized recommendations
Predictive analytics
Personalized user experience
Integration with other software
Handles complex queries
Intelligent Document Processing
Multilingual support
High cost
Requires significant training data
May require ongoing maintenance

Menu-based Multifamily Chatbot

The menu-based multifamily chatbot (aka button-based chatbot) operates relying on a structured menu or list of common topics and questions for renters to select from. The first screen the renters see is a set of buttons that represent typical questions, inquiries, or redirections.

Menu-based multifamily chatbots can function as voice assistants and pick up calls. You can record voice messages yourself or use the included functionality, which typically sounds robot-like. The chatbot picks up a call and starts a welcome message, which ends with topic options like “press 1 for leasing, press 2 for maintenance,” etc.

Menus simplify communication for those who don’t want to type. They are preferred by seniors because they are not used to typing and choose phone calls over the Internet when possible. You can create menu-based multifamily chatbots on your own using flow builders, but please don’t do so. It’s time-consuming, difficult to integrate with several channels, not entirely secure, and requires ongoing maintenance. Multifamily chatbots are designed to simplify your life, not add one more task to your schedule.

While menus provide guidance, they restrict the conversation flow. If the user does not know how to classify the question or problem, wants to receive a more personalized response, or still has questions after receiving the information—oh well, menu-based multifamily chatbots cannot help here.

The perfect example of a popular and convenient menu-based multifamily chatbot is BeeBee by BetterBot. BeeBee starts communication by suggesting buttons with all available services it can provide, including contacting real estate agents.

Menu-based multifamily chatbot BetterBot Interface

BetterBot Interface

Menu-based multifamily chatbots are the most basic chatbots. Their functionality covers providing the users with information, guiding and redirecting them, and gathering feedback.

Scroll down, and let’s look at more advanced options. Till the end, you will be amazed how Multifamily AI can optimize your workflow.

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Rule-based Multifamily Chatbot

Rule-based multifamily chatbots use a script of predefined question-and-response pairs to handle conversations. This type of chatbot is programmed with a set of “if/then” rules and conditional statements. For example, “if the user asks ‘what are your rental rates?’ then the response is ‘our one bedroom apartments start at $1200 per month’.”

The pros of rule-based chatbots for apartments include their simplicity—they are relatively easy and inexpensive to set up. Responses can also be customized for consistency across all user queries on a topic.

However, rule-based chatbots are very limited in scope. Since the conversation must follow a rigid pattern because the rule-based multifamily chatbot cannot understand the intent or nuances behind freeform questions, oftentimes, it frustrates renters, and they stop engaging in interactions.

Tidio is the most popular and accessible rule-based chatbot on the market. You can check how it works right here on the AscendixTech website. Look at the bottom right corner of your screen, and let’s have a little chat.

Multifamily AI Chatbots

A multifamily AI chatbot is a tool that uses artificial intelligence to interact with potential renters through natural language conversational interfaces to automate tasks involved in the leasing process, such as answering frequently asked questions, scheduling tours, providing personalized information and 24/7 support.

Conversational AI Chatbots

These chatbots use advanced natural language processing (NLP) capabilities to understand context, intent, and other nuances in tenant interactions so that the bots can dynamically formulate replies based on the conversation flow beyond memorized scripts. Multifamily AI chatbots powered with NLP feel more like a natural, seamless dialogue with a human real estate agent.

Some conversational multifamily AI chatbots have evolved to use Dialogue State Tracking. Imagine talking to a friend with a memory span like a golden fish – that’s what basic conversational AI chatbots without DST are. It would be frustrating and impossible to have a meaningful exchange.

Typical functionality of conversational multifamily AI chatbots include:

  • 24/7 inquiry response
  • Tour scheduling
  • Personalized Communication
  • Multilingual Support
  • Emergency and critical issue handling

Conversational AI chatbots are famous for their adaptability and flexibility in addressing a wide variety of queries. Drawbacks include the need for vast conversational data for initial model training. Monitoring is also required to catch undesirable responses and refine the model.

A popular conversational multifamily AI chatbot is RentGPT by Swiftlane. This AI chatbot for apartments understands natural language and responds to inquiries. It helps prospective renters with their apartment search, provides information about the property, and facilitates tour bookings, catering to both property managers and renters alike. RentGP features include natural language processing, integration, metrics tracking, and multilingual support.

Advanced AI Chatbots

Advanced AI chatbots involve AI technologies beyond Natural Language Processing and Dialogue State Tracking. The key difference that distinguishes them from typical AI chatbots is Machine Learning, which is the chatbot’s capability to enhance itself by relying on new data.

ML is both the main advantage and the source of the main drawback. Such an apartment chatbot requires a substantial database for initial model training, which may become unpredictable as the AI expands its knowledge. However, as the AI learns from ongoing interactions, it continuously improves at assisting renters and provides more personalized responses.

Advanced apartment chatbot features are:

  • 24/7 multilingual support
  • Tour scheduling
  • Tenant screening
  • Lead qualification
  • Processing lease applications
  • Analytics, etc.

Also, AI scores apartments’ potential residents through tenant screening. Leveraging predictive analytics, apartment AI can identify high-value leads and prioritize follow-ups, predict maintenance needs and schedule proactive repairs, optimize pricing and revenue management strategies, and identify opportunities to upsell and cross-sell services.

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To better understand what advanced AI chatbots look like, let’s talk about Infraspeak, which focuses mainly on property management, especially handling maintenance issues. This platform is praised for leveraging predictive analytics for proactive maintenance. Nevertheless, all the issues are gathered through a multifamily AI chatbot. When the free-form inquiry incomes to the chat, the AI chatbot analyses it, identifies keywords, and redirects the issue accordingly. After the database about managed properties is built, Infraspeak can predict which problems can emerge in the future.

Infraspeak AI Chatbot Interface

AI Leasing Assistants

An AI Leasing Assistant is an advanced artificial intelligence-powered tool dedicated to streamlining all aspects of the leasing lifecycle for multifamily properties. It combines the functionality of a conversational chatbot with a comprehensive CRM, property management system integration and sales tools. The wide range of functionality allows the AI assistant to handle the entire virtual leasing process from initial prospect inquiries all the way through to application completion and lease signing.

AI Leasing Assistant features include:

  • AI lease abstraction;
  • 24/7 communication
  • Tour scheduling
  • Lead qualification
  • Prospect Management
  • Sending follow-ups and reminders
  • eSigning
  • Tenant screening
  • Self-Showing and others.

Prospects and tenants interact with the assistant to get instant answers to all their questions 24/7 via natural language conversations. It also schedules automated property tours, gathers lead qualifications, nurtures interest over time, and smoothly guides applicants through digital paperwork.

Meanwhile, property managers save valuable time through the automated follow-up, paperwork processing, and round-the-clock customer service provided by the AI leasing agent. In addition, the AI leasing agent’s seamless omnichannel performance further enhances the online rental experience for all parties involved. The virtual leasing assistant serves as the most advanced multifamily AI available in today’s real estate industry since it can automate up to 90% of leasing workflow.

AI Leasing Assistant features

AI leasing assistants are superior to AI chatbots in the real estate industry because of one distinguishing feature – Intelligent Document Processing.

In a nutshell, IDP includes:

For example, leasing agreements can often be lengthy and complex documents indeed. While thoroughness is important, there is a simpler way to comprehend them—lease abstracts. Lease abstracts are concise summaries of wordy lease agreements we are used to dealing with. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

 

 

An AI lease abstraction tool can transform 50 pages of a lease agreement into five pages of a lease abstract in minutes. That sounds good, doesn’t it? What’s even better is that such tools can recognize written text, PDFs, and images using Optical Character Recognition and Object Detection.

AI tool for commercial lease agreements abstraction

Interface of AI Lease Abstraction Tool | AscendixTech

The Ascendix team has built a robust and secure framework for Intelligent Document Processing. This framework can become a solid basis for your custom solution but is cheaper and faster than creating it from scratch.  

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Ascendix’s IDP framework is specially trained to extract crucial data, abstract lengthy documents, and unlock hidden insights.

When to Opt for a Bespoke Multifamily AI Chatbot?

1. You manage many apartments.

When we mention “many,” we mean the number that ruins your work-life balance and distracts you from more meaningful tasks. Multifamily AI chatbots vary in functionality and price accordingly, so you can choose an affordable option that significantly automates your tasks.

2. For big companies and enterprises.

Multifamily AI chatbots are a must-have for big companies and enterprises, especially international ones. They can significantly optimize the team performance and provide multilingual support for residents from different countries. Also, the multifamily AI chatbot with IDP reduces the time and effort required to manage paperwork and data entry.

3. You deal with diverse housing with strict regulations.

Student, senior, affordable, military, luxury housing, and many other types have their own specifics. A bespoke AI chatbot can cater to the unique needs and requirements of each sphere, providing a tailored experience for residents and staff. Also, such industries have strict regulations, especially when it comes to paperwork. Multifamily AI Chatbot enhanced with an Intelligent Document Processing tool trained on the specific database can guarantee compliance.

Top 3 Ready-made Multifamily AI Chatbots & Leasing Assistants

We’ve already mentioned a few examples of multifamily chatbots, but those below are definitely worth special attention. This list was created to provide you with an overview of options currently available on the market, not to rate them.

Elise AI

Elise AI is known for its robust functionality tailored to the real estate industry. AI leasing assistant is one recent product that covers leasing, maintenance, renewal, and delinquency processes.

Due to predictive analytics, Elise anticipates prospects’ needs, provides the best property match, and makes touring simple. It also responds to your residents’ maintenance requests 24/7, submits orders, and even asks for feedback regarding the issue. Meanwhile, regular reminders and automated payments prevent any financial delinquency.

Elise AI leasing assistant features

EliseAI Capabilities

Elise acts as a real property manager or agent so convincingly that users can’t see the difference.

“People come to the leasing office and ask for Elise by name. Tenants have texted the chatbot to meet for coffee, told managers that Elise deserved a raise, and even dropped off gift cards for the chatbot.”

Minna Song, CEO at EliseAI

Also, Elise, an AI leasing agent, provides performance data, including conversion rates and conversion health. If Elise can’t do something, it can integrate with almost everything, from property management systems to phone trees, calendars, and CRMs.

Lethub AI Leasing Assistant

Lethub AI Leasing Assistant does not have a name or a pretty face but has an elaborate set of advanced functionality.
Key features of LetHub include a chatbot for engaging website visitors, automated responses to emails and phone inquiries, custom follow up sequences via email and SMS, and detailed analytics and reporting dashboards. The platform also supports bulk email communication and lead capture from contact forms and maintains a history of all interactions with each prospect in addition to self-showing capabilities. Lethub AI leasing assistant provides enhanced tour scheduling with a two-way calendar sync, auto-assigning agents to showings and sending further reminders.

Lethub AI Leasing Assistant Capabilities

Lethub AI Leasing Assistant Capabilities

Lethub AI Leasing Assistant’s broad functionality makes it a comprehensive one-stand solution for real estate professionals who seek multifamily AI solutions.

Quext Digital Human

Are you tired of faceless AI leasing assistants? Quext Digital Human can help. Now, users can have a “face-to-face” conversation with a digital human through video chat. What’s even better is that this virtual leasing assistant can read, understand, and analyze emotions and facial expressions and respond to them accordingly. Quext Digital Human is currently operating in English or Spanish. You can also customize the CGI model according to your preferences, even making it look like you.

Quext Digital Human Interfaces

Quext Digital Human Interfaces

Quext Digital Human takes over almost all initial communication with the client, from lead management to handling users’ requests. Since Quext uses sentiment analysis, the analytics also reflect the clients’ emotional responses, not solely blunt numbers.

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Why Choose Ascendix for Multifamily AI Adoption?

As the multifamily industry continues to evolve, property managers and owners are turning to AI to optimize operations, enhance resident experiences, and drive business growth. At Ascendix, we’re a seasoned provider of custom AI solutions, offering tailored tools that meet the unique needs of your business. With our extensive experience in the industry, we’ve developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in multifamily housing, and we’re dedicated to helping you succeed.

  • Trusted Partner of Leading Real Estate Players. Our industry experience, expertise, and reliability have earned us the trust of JLL, Colliers, Savills, and others.
  • Deep Industry Knowledge. With over 20 years of experience in real estate, including multifamily housing, we possess unparalleled industry insight and expertise.
  • Experts in PropTech and AI. Our team combines expertise in software development and AI integration to deliver cutting-edge AI-powered solutions that meet the unique needs and preferences of multifamily professionals.

What Can We Do for Your Multifamily Business?

  • AI Consulting. If you hesitate to decide which AI matches your business needs or have some concerns about this, our experts can provide you with comprehensive information and careful guidance regarding this matter.
  • Seamless AI Integration. We integrate and customize AI solutions into your existing systems, ensuring a seamless user experience and maximum efficiency without sacrificing the features you need.
  • PropTech AI Tools Development. The Ascendix team designs and develops custom AI-powered tools that address the specific pain points and goals of your multifamily business. We can build anything, including AI chatbots enhanced with an AI lease abstraction tool, AI property recommendation system, and AI search.

Don’t let mundane tasks hold you back. Partner with Ascendix to develop custom multifamily AI tools that streamline operations, enhance resident experiences, and drive business growth. Contact us today to learn more and take the first step towards transforming your multifamily business with the power of AI.

What is a Multifamily AI Chatbot?

A multifamily AI chatbot is an AI-powered tool designed to automate common leasing tasks for property managers and enhance renters’ experiences through 24/7 human-like interactions, predictive analytics, lease abstraction, workflow automation, and intelligent document processing. 

How does the apartment chatbot work?

Using Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, predictive analytics, and a vast knowledge base built from millions of rental conversations, the chatbot can instantly answer prospect questions in multiple languages, book tour appointments 24/7, and expedite the leasing process. 

What’s the difference between an AI leasing assistant and a chatbot?

The key difference between an AI leasing assistant and a chatbot lies in the advanced technologies used for leasing AI compared to typical chatbots. Virtual AI assistants are adept at handling complex tasks, delivering precise and human-like responses, abstracting leases, conducting in-depth analytics, and more. In contrast, most chatbots can only provide predefined answers for specific prompts.

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