OPTECH 2025: top Multifamily Housing trends

This year’s OPTECH 2025 proved one thing: Success now depends on actionable strategies, not just big ideas. Operators and proptech leaders came together to talk about what delivers measurable improvements for Multifamily Housing companies and owners. And these five trends stand out as areas where you can make the biggest difference.

1. Centralization: streamlining for scale

The shift toward centralized leasing, administration, and maintenance is accelerating. Operators are consolidating work, standardizing workflows, and freeing onsite teams to focus on what matters most: supporting residents and driving results.

Centralization works best when paired with tools that simplify portfolio-wide processes. Solutions like Assurant’s Cover360® provide a single dashboard for insurance enrollment and compliance tracking, reducing complexity and giving your teams more time to focus on residents.

Take action

• Start by centralizing one high-impact process, like insurance compliance or resident onboarding.
• Ask tech providers about portfolio-wide dashboards and automated compliance tools to support centralized teams.
• Measure before-and-after KPIs to prove faster leasing, higher compliance, and more time for resident engagement.

2. Risk and regulatory readiness: meeting compliance head-on

With new fee transparency rules, data privacy standards, and evolving Fair Housing laws, compliance is now central to how you operate. PMCs need strategies that not only keep them ahead of complex regulations, but also strengthen trust and security.

Cybersecurity and resident tech support are now critical components of risk management. As properties adopt more connected technologies, safeguarding resident data and ensuring smooth tech experiences can help prevent compliance gaps and operational disruptions.

Assurant’s approach to cybersecurity and tech support helps operators protect sensitive information, maintain compliance, and deliver a seamless resident experience.

Take action

• Strengthen cybersecurity protocols: Work with partners who follow strict regulatory standards and offer proactive security measures.
• Plan for connected living: Ensure your properties have tech support strategies in place to help residents adopt smart devices without creating compliance gaps.
• Stay informed: Explore common cybersecurity risks for property managers and renters in this guide.

3. Smart buildings and connected living: benefits and new risks

Smart technology like connected locks, thermostats, managed Wi-Fi, and IoT devices are now must-haves for many residents. But increased connectivity adds new operational headaches and risk points if not managed well. We’ve outlined the top tech-related maintenance calls facing property managers here.

Offering residents access to tech assistance through programs like Assurant® TechPro for setup and troubleshooting can prevent minor issues from becoming major headaches, improving satisfaction and reducing maintenance strain.

Take action

• Assess your current digital infrastructure before scaling new device rollouts.
• Use resident-focused tech support like Assurant® TechPro to ensure devices deliver value instead of frustration.
• Communicate regularly about available technologies and how you protect residents’ privacy and data security.

4. AI and automation: turning innovation into everyday efficiency

Building on the need for smart tech support and connected living, artificial intelligence is taking that concept further, transforming how property managers streamline operations and enhance resident experiences. From virtual leasing assistants to predictive maintenance, AI is helping teams work smarter and deliver better service.

Assurant® TechPro leverages AI-driven capabilities to help residents troubleshoot their connected devices quickly and efficiently. With renters averaging nearly seven connected devices and 20% of maintenance calls tied to tech issues, tools like Assurant® TechPro reduce operational strain and improve satisfaction. Research shows 86% of renters believe tech support can boost a property’s brand perception, and 88% would use an embedded tech support product, making this a powerful amenity for attracting and retaining residents.¹

Take action

• Identify repetitive tech-related tasks that could be automated to save time and improve service.
• Explore AI-enabled resident support tools like Assurant® TechPro to enhance operational efficiency and satisfaction.
• Stay informed on emerging AI applications in Multifamily Housing to ensure your portfolio remains competitive.

5. Resident experience: a direct path to NOI growth

Happy, well-supported residents renew, refer, and protect your bottom line. In today’s market, creating smooth, supportive processes — especially at move-in — has a measurable impact on net operating income. Streamlined insurance, clear communication, and responsive service all add up.

Assurant’s Renters Insurance programs make insurance enrollment easy and transparent, removing stress during move-in and strengthening the foundation for long-term resident relationships.

Take action

• Simulate your own move-in and onboarding. Find friction points and fix them.
• Gather and act on resident feedback about communication, technology, and ease of doing business.
• Track satisfaction scores against renewals, referrals, and bad debt to see the tangible returns on experience enhancements.

Analyze your current renters insurance partner to make sure they’re delivering the best protection, value, and experience for your community using our partnership guide.

How to move fast after OPTECH

The energy of OPTECH is great, but execution matters. Here’s your road map.

• First 30 days: Review these trends and pick one or two with the most promise for your business.
• Next 60 days: Pilot a focused solution, like Cover360® for compliance and centralization, or Assurant® TechPro for smart tech adoption. Track progress and results.
• Next 90 days: Evaluate outcomes, refine your process, and create plans to scale what works across the portfolio.

Ready to simplify compliance, streamline operations, and create a standout resident experience in 2025? Talk with a risk management partner who knows Multifamily Housing inside and out. With solutions like Renters Preferred, Cover360®, and Assurant ® TechPro, you can move forward with confidence.

¹multifamilyexecutive.com/sponsored/connected-living-spaces-are-demand-and-so-smart-tech-support