Tech Innovations Are Making Renting Easier

Technology has significantly transformed the rental experience for tenants, introducing various tools and platforms that enhance convenience, communication, and management. Technology is playing a significant role in simplifying and enhancing the lives of tenants in various ways.            Here are some of the key advancements:

1. Tenant Portals: Tenant portals are digital platforms that facilitate communication and management between landlords or property managers and tenants. Ashoka Lion uses AppFolio, a  powerful platform for all  communication and service needs. Tenants can access the Online Portal from any mobile device by downloading the mobile app, AppFolio. Tenants  can access their tools and important information from anywhere and offers a range of features designed to simplify the rental experience.

Features of Tenant Portals:

a. Online Rent Payments: Tenants can pay their rent online, a convenient method than traditional methods like checks or cash. The Online Portal is an easy, fast, and secure way to pay charges online, view payment history, and submit maintenance requests. Ashoka uses  AppFolio, an app that provides user-friendly interface that makes the process quick and hassle-free. The app offers the option to set up automatic payments that ensure rent is paid on time every month, supports various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and electronic checks, and also alerts tenants about upcoming due dates or issues with their payments. online payment systems use advanced technologies to ensure that your personal and financial data is protected from unauthorized access and fraud. Ashoka Lion offers tenants an opportunity to submit a payment plan for tenants not able to pay their rent on time.

b. Maintenance Requests: Tenants can access all the details of the services offered, the procedures, the requirements, and the guidelines to be followed before moving in to the property, after moving in, and things to adhere to during the stay. Online Portals provide information regarding things to keep in mind to maintain the rental property and manage minor problems related to plumbing, AC, and appliance repair. It also provides lots of simple practical tips to maintain and avoid minor problems that may lead to huge problems and expensive maintenance. Effective maintenance management can help ensure tenant satisfaction and maintain the property’s value.

c. Lease Management: Tenants can view their lease agreements, renewal options, and any modifications and also stores important documents related to the lease, such as addendum and notices.

d. Communication: Enables direct communication between tenants and property managers for quick resolution of queries or concerns, sends reminders about upcoming rent due dates, maintenance schedules, and other important information.

e. Account Information: Tenants can update their personal information, contact details, emergency contacts, and provides a record of past payments, charges, and credits for easy reference.

f. Community and Property Information: AppFolio shares updates about property management, community events, or policy changes and also offers information about on-site amenities and services.

g. Online Applications and Renewals: Allows prospective tenants to apply for rental units online and provides an option for tenants to renew their lease or give notice to vacate.

h. Support and Resources: AppFolio includes a section for frequently asked questions and helpful resources related to tenancy and property management.

2. Smart Home Technology: In today’s world, smart home technology is revolutionizing the way tenants experience rental living. These advancements not only improve daily living but also contribute to energy savings and increased security.

a. Smart thermostats that are designed to optimize energy usage by learning your schedule and adjusting temperatures accordingly. For tenants, it's a simple yet powerful tool that adds convenience, control, and comfort to daily life.

b. Smart locks allow tenants to manage access remotely, eliminating the hassle of lost keys. Ashoka uses an app KeyHero, a key management system that helps manage physical keys more securely and efficiently, integrating technology to streamline key storage, access, and tracking. It provides a secure way to store physical key cuts to prevent unauthorized access and tracks, the keys that are checked out and by whom, helping to manage access and prevent loss. KeyHero offers a convenient key duplication service for tenants who have been locked out. They can provide key copies quickly, helping tenants regain access to their homes without significant delays.

c. Smart appliances and sensors can alert tenants to maintenance issues before they become major problems.

3. Virtual Tours and Lease Signing: Technology has transformed the rental search process with virtual tours and online lease signing options. Virtual tours allow prospective tenants to explore properties from the comfort of their own home, saving time and reducing the need for in-person visits. Once a decision is made, online lease signing simplifies the process by eliminating paperwork and allowing tenants to sign contracts electronically. These innovations make the rental process more efficient, accessible, and less time-consuming for tenants.

4. Security Enhancements: Technologies like video doorbells and security cameras offer tenants increased security and peace of mind, allowing them to monitor their property from anywhere.

These technologies collectively make renting a more seamless, efficient, and enjoyable experience for tenants. Technology streamlines the rental process, improves efficiency, and enhances the tenant experience by offering greater convenience and control