The Swidget team had the opportunity to attend this year’s Georgia Annual Rental Home Council Conference, where leaders across the single-family rental (SFR) industry gathered to share insights, challenges, and opportunities shaping the market. From policy updates and customer experience trends to the evolving role of AI, the event offered valuable takeaways for anyone invested in the future of residential rental housing.
Leadership and Vision: Telling the Industry’s Story
A highlight of the event was hearing from Adrianne Todman, the newly appointed CEO of the National Rental Home Council (NRHC). With her extensive experience at HUD, Todman brings an energetic and informed perspective to the role. Her message to the industry was clear: continue telling your story.
She encouraged property operators and vendors alike to showcase the positive impacts the SFR industry has on stabilizing neighborhoods, creating quality housing, and strengthening local economies. Building positive perceptions, she emphasized, starts with relationships at every level, especially with local governments.
Building Trust Through Accountability
Trust and transparency were recurring themes throughout the conference. Speakers reminded attendees that mistakes are inevitable, but it’s how a company responds that defines its reputation. From monitoring online reviews to following through on commitments, operators were encouraged to own their actions, adapt based on feedback, and engage with customers to better understand their experiences.
As one panelist noted, “Negative news travels fast, so it’s essential to stay proactive, consistent, and authentic.”
Legal Updates: Anti-Squatter Legislation and Property Protection
Legislators in Georgia are exploring updates to anti-squatter laws, focusing on response times and procedural clarity. Encouragingly, squatter and trespass activity is down across the state, though response times can vary widely by county.
Some operators have found success hiring off-duty police officers to support property recovery efforts – an approach that has proven effective in maintaining security and deterrence.
The topic of appliance theft also surfaced as a growing concern for property managers. Solutions that provide real-time alerts are becoming increasingly valuable tools to safeguard vacant or newly built homes.
Swidget’s VacantView™ property monitoring solution is helping property managers across the country mitigate losses from appliance theft and unauthorized access. The system’s discreet smart cameras detect motion in vacant homes and instantly alert security teams, allowing them to respond in real time and capture valuable evidence for law enforcement investigations.
Vendor Success: Relationships Over Transactions
For vendors supporting the SFR market, the message was simple: success takes time and trust. Industry leaders emphasize knowing your differentiators, building long-term relationships with customers, and encouraging customers to share their honest feedback. With long sales cycles and relationship-driven decision-making, word of mouth remains one of the strongest growth drivers in this sector.
AI in Operations: A Tool for Efficiency, Not Replacement
Artificial intelligence continues to make its way into property management operations, with most companies already using chatbots and automation for basic tasks. However, panelists cautioned against overreliance on AI for complex decision-making. Instead, they encouraged attendees to use AI as a force multiplier, not a person reducer. As helpful as AI can be as a starting point, it’s important to remember to verify and review AI outputs – a human element that can’t be forgotten. As the industry experiments with new technologies, change management remains a significant challenge, but one that can unlock major efficiency gains when handled thoughtfully.
Market Outlook: Consolidation and Customer Focus
Looking ahead, the outlook for the SFR industry remains cautiously optimistic. Supply is improving, and consolidation is expected as operators look to scale efficiently. The biggest challenges will continue to come from regulatory changes. This serves as a reminder to stay connected with policymakers and keep communicating the positive impact of responsible rental housing.
Across every discussion, one theme was consistent: improving the customer experience remains the top priority. Operators are increasingly seeking vendors and technology partners who make them better; helping them operate more efficiently, protecting their assets, and building stronger communities.
The conversations at the Georgia Annual Rental Home Council Conference reinforced what we at Swidget see every day: the SFR industry is evolving through accountability, innovation, and partnership. As the market grows and technology continues to transform property operations, collaboration between owners, vendors, and policymakers will be key to driving lasting impact.
