Investing in affordable housing technology is only the first step toward improving operational efficiency. The real challenge comes next: getting renters to actually use it. Belmont Properties, a Yardi Breeze Premier client, recently reported an impressive statistic: 98% of their residents have signed up to use RentCafe Affordable Housing. They know that if residents don’t engage with your technology, your team misses out on the benefits that make digital tools worthwhile in the first place.
When affordable housing renters view an app as confusing or unappealing, participation drops and so does the return on your investment. That can limit access to tools like paperless certifications, automated income verifications, online rent payments and fast community messaging.
Driving renter adoption is essential to realizing the full value of affordable housing technology.
How to effectively implement affordable housing technology
Belmont Properties manages approximately 2,200 affordable housing units across Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. Achieving near-universal adoption required intentional effort.
One of Belmont’s creative and notable ideas is possibly a first for Yardi clients. “We had a RentCafe Rally,” said Cody Adams, COO of Belmont Properties.
The RentCafe Rally brought residents and onsite teams together for hands-on support, live demonstrations and account setup assistance. Belmont added friendly competition, prizes and themed events to create excitement and encourage participation.
“We created excitement not only in our office but with residents as well. Making it fun benefits everyone,” Adams said.
Why engagement matters for staff and residents
High adoption unlocked meaningful efficiency gains for Belmont. Online rent payments reduced manual processing. Digital certifications saved time for both staff and residents. Compliance workflows became easier to track and manage.
“Being able to access this information 24 hours a day, seven days a week means we are essentially always open,” said Erik Wheeler, president and CEO of Belmont Properties.
The result was fewer delays, less paperwork and more time for teams to focus on residents.
Adoption doesn’t happen on its own
Belmont’s experience shows that the right technology strategy usually relies on an effective engagement strategy as well.
Housing providers that invest in education, support and creative rollout strategies help residents feel confident using digital tools. That confidence leads to better participation, smoother operations and stronger communities.
Get started with Breeze Premier and RentCafe
This is a great time to take a look at Breeze Premier, Yardi’s intuitive and powerful solution for small to mid-size affordable housing providers. Sign up today for a free on-demand webinar and get a complete walkthrough. Current Breeze Premier clients can also reach out to their Yardi contacts for more information about RentCafe.
