How Property Managers Are Finding Early Wins With AI

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more accessible, property managers are testing its capabilities to streamline everyday operations.

From automating administrative work to handling tenant requests, AI offers promising ways to boost efficiency—though getting started can feel daunting.

“There’s a lot available now, and even more potential just around the corner,” says Melissa Kreutner, CPM and Senior Vice President of Office and Industrial Property Management at Endeavor Real Estate Group.

While multifamily property teams have embraced AI for tenant engagement and maintenance coordination, office and industrial managers are discovering efficiency gains in areas like lease abstraction and research. The key to successful adoption lies in identifying where AI can deliver the most value early on.

Quick Wins in Property Management

Kreutner explains that many teams begin their AI journey with straightforward applications—what she calls the “low-hanging fruit.” These include automating lease research, generating lease abstracts, and improving financial workflows like accounts payable and receivable. AI is also proving useful for building preventive maintenance schedules and crafting tenant communications, including newsletters and updates.

“Tenant and client communication is constant,” she says. “Using AI to elevate those messages ultimately enhances customer service.”

Her team has also used AI to draft job descriptions, update standard operating procedures, and assist with basic IT support—especially valuable since their tech support is outsourced. On the multifamily side, AI chatbots are streamlining tenant interactions by handling maintenance requests and other front-line communications.

Addressing Data Privacy and Risk

Despite the benefits, Kreutner stresses the importance of managing data privacy risks.

“Unless you’re using a licensed version that protects your data, anything entered into tools like ChatGPT could become part of its training set,” she cautions. “That means sensitive company information could potentially surface in someone else’s query.”

To mitigate this risk, she advises companies to set clear guidelines on approved tools and appropriate usage. Training and educating employees on data handling policies is essential to safeguard proprietary information.

Making AI Strategy a Leadership Priority

For AI adoption to succeed, Kreutner believes it must be driven from the top.

“This can’t just be an individual employee experimenting with ChatGPT at their desk,” she says. “Leadership needs to define the strategy, create policy, and empower mid-level champions to promote adoption through training and real-world examples.”

What’s Next: AI’s Growing Role in Real Estate

Looking to the future, Kreutner sees even broader AI integration in commercial real estate. She imagines AI-powered cameras identifying maintenance needs—like spotting weeds in a specific landscape zone and automatically notifying vendors with precise instructions. Similar technology is already being used to track waste management, helping optimize pickup schedules and reduce costs.

As these tools become more sophisticated, Kreutner urges property teams to start with practical applications, implement strong governance, and invest in ongoing education.

“The technology is here,” she says. “Now it’s about putting the right policies and training in place to use it effectively.”

Source: GlobeSt.