Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Affordable Housing

By John Gonzalez, ITEX Group

Is it a given that any article mentioning AI was assisted by AI? Perhaps a mix of yes and no. In this era, where technology leaps forward in every industry, discerning between human and AI-generated content is increasingly complex. Perhaps it's safer to assume that everyone benefits from some level of AI assistance. Within this landscape, Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges as a particularly transformative force.

While various industries grapple with integrating AI effectively to benefit employees and customers, it becomes a journey of discovery and application. AI's potential to expedite eligibility reviews, screening, and streamline the move-in process could be extremely promising in affordable housing— processes often disrupted by the trends in multifamily, high turnover, increasing expenses, and the need to navigate new landscapes, now more than ever with changes like HOTMA and NSPIRE.

In our industry, we're all too familiar with the endless administrative tasks that pile up, from calculating income, pulling reports, and uploading files to juggling emails and reminders. A major change is happening as we use AI to streamline our work, making our operations smoother and more efficient. Companies are now carefully evaluating every step of their processes to root out inefficiencies. This automation not only lightens the load of repetitive tasks but also sharpens the accuracy and speeds up the execution of essential processes. Along with these advantages, there arises the crucial need for ethical considerations to ensure that this powerful technology is used responsibly and fairly.

As we start using AI in multifamily or compliance, it's important to use this new technology responsibly and ethically. The White House has set clear expectations, emphasizing the protection of privacy and ensuring that AI systems are designed to be fair and equitable. They advocate for robust testing and transparency to prevent biases, particularly in sensitive areas like tenant screening and data handling.

In the affordable housing arena, where the stakes include peoples' homes and privacy, these aren't just guidelines, they are essential commitments. We should ensure that our AI solutions are responsible, safeguarding tenant data and ensuring fairness in every algorithm with human oversight. It’s about more than just efficiency—it's about maintaining trust and dignity in every interaction. As we continue to innovate, staying aligned with these ethical standards is not only smart but necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of affordable housing.

Despite the wave of technological advancements, a significant gap in AI adoption and understanding among employees remains. The tech industry, recently flooded with startups and an abundance of free educational resources on AI, offers a unique opportunity for employers to make a difference. It's essential to create thorough training programs on AI to help everyone understand and use it properly. For instance, a structured training program that focuses on the practical applications of AI in tenant management, a chatbot trained on HOTMA, or predictive inventory or demand analysis for facility maintenance can significantly empower employees. This education extends beyond using AI for routine tasks, like email. AI education should enhance employee capabilities which lead to improved service quality and operational efficiency.

We should ensure that our AI solutions are responsible, safeguarding tenant data and ensuring fairness in every algorithm with human oversight.

Integrating AI into affordable housing isn't simply about adopting new technology. Used correctly, it will fundamentally transform how organizations interact and engage with their communities. As the industry continues to evolve, stakeholders must remain diligent in assessing the impact of AI, ensuring it serves as a tool for enhancement rather than a source of complication. According to recent findings by Barna, around 32 percent of U.S. adults across all generations are hopeful that AI can bring positive change, underscoring its potential to improve daily operations and community interactions. The ongoing commitment to ethical practices, coupled with robust education programs, will be key to harnessing the full potential of AI in affordable housing. Additionally, with an estimated 29 percent of Gen Z and 32 percent of Millennials expressing skepticism towards AI, tailored educational initiatives become essential to foster a deeper understanding and acceptance of AI, ensuring they are used responsibly and effectively across all levels of the industry.

As AI continues to expand throughout every aspect of our lives, addressing the generational divide in its acceptance and application with comprehensive training and ethical practices can ensure its integration is both beneficial and seamlessly integrated into affordable housing. This approach not only keeps inclusivity in mind but also challenges us to rethink how we can leverage technology better to suit the needs of our residents and employees.

About the Author John Gonzalez oversees the marketing and compliance departments at ITEX. Since joining the company in 2016, he successfully blends his digital marketing savvy with a deep understanding of affordable housing compliance.