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Actionable insights to help you stay on the cutting edge.

Realtor agent giving a key of apartment to new owner after signed lease agreement

Understanding The Power of Renters Security Deposit Insurance

Ready to streamline your move-in process and reduce financial risk? Discover how modern renter security deposit insurance can benefit owners and residents.

The Hidden ROI of Property Risk Mitigation During Economic Uncertainty

Security Deposit Replacement

Property risk mitigation is key during economic uncertainty. Learn how deposit alternatives drive ROI by reducing vacancy loss and protecting revenue.

Modern Facade Building with Modern Balconies of Multifamily Apartment Buildings

Multifamily Risk Management: How LeaseLock’s Chief Economist Adds Value to Every Operator

Home

Multifamily risk management requires sharper tools in volatile markets. Learn why having an economist on your team gives operators a key financial edge.

How to Maximize Summer Multi-Family Leasing Season With Deposit-Free Insurance

Zero Deposit Leasing

Summer is prime time for multi-family leasing. Discover how deposit-free insurance helps property managers boost occupancy and streamline operations.

What Renters Really Think About Traditional Deposits and Why Alternative Security Deposits Are Better

Security Deposit Alternatives

Today’s renters want flexibility and ease. Learn how alternative security deposits simplify leasing, boost conversions, and benefit both renters and operators.

How Deposit Automation Improves NOI in Multifamily Housing

Lease Insurance

Leverage security deposit automation for higher NOI. Transform multi-family profitability with simplified operations by checking out this article.

Common Misconceptions About Lease Insurance

Lease Insurance

Uncover the truth behind common misconceptions about residential lease insurance and learn how it offers more advantages over traditional methods.

How Security Deposit Replacements Simplify the Move-In Process

Security Deposit Replacement

Need a security deposit alternative? Simplify the move-in process with the following options.

7 Reasons Multi-Family Operators Are Moving Toward Security Deposit Replacement Solutions

Lease Insurance

Discover why security deposit replacement solutions are revolutionizing multi-family leasing. Explore faster deals and happier residents today.

property manager looking at renter screening

The Future of Resident Screening for Multi-Family Property Managers

Lease Insurance

Learn all about modern resident screening for multi-family communities. Elevate your asset protection with next-gen, data-driven insights.

How Security Deposit Alternatives Boost Net Operating Income for Multi-Family Properties

Security Deposit Alternatives

Boost net operating income for multi-family properties with deposit alternatives. Elevate your community’s profits with modern solutions.

Tips for Streamlining Move-Ins with Digital Deposit Alternatives

Lease Insurance

Simplify your residents’ move-ins with a digital deposit alternative. Transform renter satisfaction with modern leasing solutions with this helpful guide.

Property manager shaking hands with renters

The Top 4 Reasons Security Deposit Replacement Programs Improve Resident Retention

Deposit Insurance

Learn how a security deposit replacement program builds trust. Transform resident satisfaction and reduce financial hurdles with modern solutions.

property manager showing a rental unit to couple

How Alternatives to Security Deposits Can Help You Attract More Renters

Deposit Insurance

Discover how alternatives to security deposits attract more residents. Improve occupancy rates with flexible solutions for today’s property managers.

Side view of a property manager on computer

Property Manager Deposit Insurance: What You Need to Know About Security Deposit Alternatives

Lease Insurance

Discover how property manager deposit insurance can replace traditional deposits, simplify leasing, and attract more renters to your properties.

Curious african-american woman, carefully listening

Rental Application Fraud Is on the Rise— 4 Ways to Spot It Early

Insurance, Leasing

Rental application fraud is rising fast. Spot red flags and safeguard your property by taking a deep drive into this guide today.

Confident focused businesswoman, teacher or mentor coach speaking

7 Resident Screening Best Practices and the Hidden Costs of Poor Evaluations

Insurance, Leasing

Discover resident screening best practices in this helpful guide. Protect your property and finances with improved evaluation strategies.

Do Expensive Security Deposits Turn Renters Away? Everything You Need to Know

Security Deposit Replacement

Learn how expensive security deposits impact renters and explore alternatives like surety bonds and lease insurance to attract more residents.

Understanding Lease Insurance Costs: Is It Worth the Investment?

Insurance, Leasing

Learn about lease insurance costs and how they compare to traditional deposits. Explore potential savings, value, and ROI for property managers.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing Lease Protection Insurance for Property Managers

Insurance, Leasing

Learn how lease protection insurance for property managers simplifies operations, reduces risk, and promotes accessibility. Step-by-step guide included!

Why No-Deposit Apartment Rental Insurance Is a Win-Win for Renters and Property Managers

Insurance

No-deposit apartment rental insurance makes leasing easier for renters and property managers by eliminating upfront costs and streamlining operations.

How Lease Insurance and Fair Housing Work Together to Promote Inclusivity

Insurance, Leasing

Learn how lease insurance and fair housing principles align to reduce financial barriers, promote inclusivity, and simplify leasing for both parties.

How LeaseLock Advisory Services Team Accelerates Portfolio Success

Insurance, Leasing

Discover how LeaseLock's Advisory Services team streamlines Zero Deposit™ adoption, empowers leasing teams, and enhances portfolio performance with tailored strategies and expert support for rental housing operators

What Is the Best Alternative to Security Deposits?

Insurance, Leasing

Discover why lease insurance is the best alternative to security deposits. Gain flexibility, protection, and a simpler process for property managers.

Comparing Lease Insurance to Surety Bonds: A Comprehensive Guide

Insurance, Leasing

Learn why lease insurance offers better protection than surety bonds, providing broader coverage, flexibility, and faster claims resolution.

Key Takeaways from OPTECH 2024

Events, Events & Speaking Engagements

Comparing Traditional Deposits vs. Security Deposit Alternatives for Renters

Insurance

Learn about how security deposit alternatives for renters compare to traditional deposits, and explore which offers the best benefits for both parties.

Reducing Administrative Burden on Your Organization With Security Deposit Replacement Programs

Insurance

Throw traditional deposit processes out the window with security deposit replacement programs. Read on to see how you can boost occupancy rates today!

The Benefits of Offering Security Deposit Alternative Programs to Residents

Insurance

Discover the benefits of offering security deposit alternative programs to residents! Boost satisfaction and simplify property management today!

Unveiling Unscripted: LeaseLock’s New Multifamily Podcast

Insurance, Leasing, Press Releases

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our first-ever episode of Unscripted, the podcast where multifamily and rental housing professionals come together to discuss the real stories, challenges, and strategies shaping the industry today.

Why LeaseLock? (Q+A with SVP, PRODUCT LAURA WILLIAMS)

TEAM Q+A

In this ongoing series, we explore the journeys of industry leaders who have chosen to align themselves with LeaseLock. Today, we sit down with Laura Williams, SVP of Product, to understand her passion for the real estate industry, her role in driving innovation, and why LeaseLock stands out as the perfect place for her to make an impact.

New modern apartment building with balconies and blue sky

What Does Zero Deposit Insurance Insurance Actually Cover?

Insurance, Leasing

Looking for a way to bypass traditional security deposits? Zero deposit insurance could be the perfect alternative. Here’s what you need to know.

A Resident-Friendly Lease Signing Process: The Key to Happy Residents

Insurance, Leasing

Looking to keep your resident retention rates high? Follow this guide to provide a positive lease signing process that keeps residents happy.

Cropped shot of House broker giving a property key to his customer

What Happens to Renters with a Security Deposit Alternative When They Move Out?

Insurance, Leasing

Traditional security deposits present many challenges for landlords. Depending on how long renters stay, security deposit alternatives can be hassle-free.

Q&A w/ Abby Ordonez, Vice President of Central Services at ResProp Management

Miscellaneous

With housing costs at record highs and most Americans living paycheck to paycheck, rental housing investors and operators play a critical role in facilitating accessible housing.

Steiner Jovanovic Leads Progressive Discussions at Apartmentalize 2024

Events & Speaking Engagements, Miscellaneous

Explore key insights from NAA Apartmentalize 2024 in Philadelphia, where discussions on AI, centralization, and ESG took center stage. LeaseLock CEO Janine Steiner Jovanovic led a critical ESG panel, focusing on the social governance aspect and the challenges of funding social initiatives.

Why LeaseLock? (Q+A with Chief Technology Officer Sudip Shekhawat)

TEAM Q+A

The Key Benefits of Zero Deposit

Security Deposit Programs

Explore some of the key benefits of zero deposit apartment leasing, from improved financial security to simplified property management.

Making Move-In More Efficient With Security Deposit Alternatives

Security Deposit Programs

Discover how security deposit alternatives can simplify the move-in process for both tenants and owners and operators.

Unlocking social impact: the key to affordable rental housing with lease insurance

Insurance, Leasing

Understanding the Role of Rental Deposit Insurance in Property Management

Leasing

Learn about the ins and outs of rental deposit insurance in property management and explore why it's essential for property management.

Worm's eye view of skyscraper apartment buildings

Explore a few key tips and strategies when considering security deposit replacement for your portfolio.

Side view of business partners shaking hands

The Future of Security Deposit Insurance and Replacements

Security Deposit Replacement

A Guide to Security Deposit Replacement Programs

Security Deposit Programs

Learn about the advantages of a security deposit replacement program and how it can elevate your leasing process.

The Fundamental Problem With Security Deposits (It’s Not What You Think)

Miscellaneous

Despite being riddled with risk, multifamily has accepted security deposits as part of property management just as residents have accepted paying them as part of renting an apartment. As neither party likes dealing with deposits, it’s time…

three-use-cases-for-the-multifamily-shift-to-smarter-loss-protection

3 Use Cases for the Multifamily Shift to Smarter Loss Protection

Insurance, Leasing

Multifamily historically has been slow to embrace technology, but the industry countered that notion with its recent tech renaissance during the pandemic. Almost overnight, tech solutions went from last resort options to first-strike weapons…

NAA-Apartmentalize-Recap-Top-3-Highlights

NAA Apartmentalize 2022 Recap: Top 3 Highlights and Takeaways for Multifamily Innovators

Announcements, Insurance, Leasing

We’re still buzzing with excitement from all the amazing events that unfolded at last week’s NAA Apartmentalize 2022. With over 11,000 vendors and attendees, our team was delighted to welcome a constant stream of visitors to our booth and…

3 Tips to Make the Most of Your Time at NAA Apartmentalize 2022

Announcements, Leasing

Apartmentalize 2022 is the biggest event in rental housing and if you don’t have a solid plan in place it can be overwhelming to navigate, but not to worry—we’ve got you covered! As a California based company and a team who’s attended…

How Data-Driven AI Is Transforming Risk Management for Multifamily Operators

Leasing

With the onset of the pandemic, the usually innovation-averse multifamily industry was forced to embrace new technologies. Today, those automations and technology platforms are becoming the standard in property management. While artificial…

Leasing Season Panel: Multifamily Experts Share Top Leasing Hacks

Insurance, Leasing

The Covid-19 pandemic is finally fading away, and the ensuing economic recovery and employment growth have fueled unprecedented demand for apartment homes. That demand has led to off-the-charts rent growth. To optimize this momentum, operators…

true-integration-5-questions-to-ensure-tech-isnt-just-interfacing-png

Integration vs. Interface: 5 Factors Operators Need to Consider

Leasing

The rapid advancements of technology in the multifamily industry demand decision makers to develop a working knowledge of their capabilities. In order to improve operations while streamlining workflow, operators need to deploy technology solutions…

Quarterly Checkpoint: LeaseLock Momentum by the Numbers

Announcements

Coming off a strong first quarter, LeaseLock is eager to build on growing momentum. From reaching $3 billion in leases insured, to eliminating millions of dollars in security deposits, to partnering with several new enterprise clients, we continue…

Boost Lead Conversion (and NOI) With These 4 Leasing Tech Hacks [WHITE PAPER]

Insurance, Leasing

Two years since the start of the pandemic apartment leasing is returning to pre-COVID levels. Data sourced from PMS integrations shows this momentum with a 136% jump in leads and 20% more applications since the same time last year. Google searches…

2022 Multifamily Outlook: 20 Conversations With Senior Executives

Insurance, Leasing, Research

LeaseLock is proud to serve as a sponsor for the 2022 edition of 20 fo 20, the industry's leading executive survey on multifamily operations and technology. This year's report provides a unique executive viewpoint on the current and future state…

3 Overlooked Benefits of Optimizing the Claims Management Process

Insurance, Leasing

Multifamily property teams are often overwhelmed by the growing number of administrative tasks. Technology has proven to be a valuable tool to ensure nothing is overlooked throughout the lease lifecycle, including new solutions that streamline…

3 Reasons Why Deposits Need Replacement, Not Alternatives - Whitepaper

3 Reasons Deposits Need Replacement—Not Alternatives [WHITE PAPER]

Insurance, Leasing

With staff shortages being a top multifamily challenge, property management companies are looking to adopt processes and systems that improve operations—not strain them. This means operators will sometimes forgo financial opportunities if…

top-multifamily-challenges-grace-hill-webinar-recap

Top 3 Multifamily Challenges: How to Navigate Them in 2022

Deposit Laws, Leasing, Research

A panel of experts recently discussed how to overcome the industry’s most pressing issues in the webinar, “Multifamily Top 3 Challenges: How to Navigate Them in 2022.” Moderated by LeaseLock CRO Ed Wolff, the discussion featured Jennifer…

2021 Year in Review Growth Highlights Feature

LeaseLock 2021 Highlights by the Numbers

Announcements

As 2021 comes to a close, LeaseLock would like to reflect on the significant growth we have achieved alongside our clients, partners, advisors, supporters, and colleagues. From raising $52 million in Series B, to surpassing $2 billion in leases…

What’s New With LeaseLock? A Major Product Upgrade

Announcements, Insurance

As 2021 comes to a close, multifamily operators are gearing up for what’s ahead in 2022. It’s also a time for us to reflect on all we’ve accomplished as an industry, from the opportunities identified to the challenges overcome. This past…

multifamily-deposits-bad-customer-experience

Why Security Deposits & Surety Bonds Are Bad for Customer Experience

Insurance, Leasing

In the previous two articles in this series, we outlined two reasons why multifamily operators should consign the use of security deposits to history. First, we talked about how many operators are missing opportunities to eliminate bad debt…

apartment-visionaries-survey-research-2021

Original Research: The 2021 Apartment Visionaries Survey Report by Grace Hill & LeaseLock

Announcements, Leasing, Research

After conducting a joint industry study, LeaseLock and Grace Hill are excited to release the official survey analysis. The 2021 Apartment Visionaries Research Report surveys nearly 300 multifamily operators on their primary asset performance…

risk-of-security-deposits-deposit-alternatives

The Growing Risk of Deposits and Deposit Alternatives

Deposit Laws, Insurance, Leasing

In our last blog, we discussed how operators are reducing bad debt by insuring leases instead of taking security deposits. The bad debt that we discussed in that post ought to be enough to motivate any operator to rid themselves of deposits…

The Bad Debt Opportunity Most Operators Are Still Missing

Insurance, Leasing

In today's multifamily market, the issue of bad debt is not always top of mind. Eye-popping year-over-year rent increases and uncomfortably high occupancies create a natural tide of financial optimism. If you asked most operators, they'd tell…

leaselock-advisory-board-marcie-williams

Advisory Board Spotlight Q&A: RKW Residential’s Marcie Williams

Announcements

In line with our mission to provide valuable thought leadership for the rental housing industry, we’re featuring multifamily experts whom we’ve had the honor of welcoming to our advisory board. In this month’s edition of LeaseLock Advisory…

apartment-leasing-process-renter-experience

Elevating Resident Experience Across the 5 Stages of the Apartment Leasing Process

Leasing, Research

Looking to elevate your firm’s apartment leasing process and resident experience? Doing so requires meeting the modern renter’s demands as well as addressing the major pain points across the entire renter journey 一 from the moment they…

security-deposit-dispute-move-out-experience

How to Avoid Security Deposit Disputes — Don’t Ignore the Move-Out Experience

Insurance, Leasing

When former apartment residents look back on their living experiences and assess their satisfaction, their lasting sentiments rest heavily on the final interactions they have with their apartment communities. So, why are so many renter relationships…

leaselock-advisory-board-jennifer-staciokas

Advisory Board Spotlight Q&A: Western Wealth’s Jennifer Staciokas

Announcements

LeaseLock is honored to have a select group of advisory board members who graciously lend their thought leadership, guidance and support in an effort to further our mission of eliminating security deposits for good. But their insights go far…

Budget Season Best Practices: How Operators Can Budget Around Uncertainty & Bad Debt

Leasing, Risk

Happy budget season! Multifamily communities and corporate teams are starting their annual budgeting and forecasting exercises, but what’s different this year? As we edge out of the pandemic, what budget season best practices can multifamily…

Texas Security Deposit Law: Why the New Deposit Bill Is a Win for Multifamily

Deposit Laws, Insurance, Leasing, Research

With legislation around the eviction moratorium, rent relief programs, and security deposits constantly evolving, Texas property owners and operators need to stay up-to-date on the latest rental housing laws. What are the biggest challenges…

multifamily-budget-season-survival-guide

5 Budgeting Tips to Streamline Multifamily Budget Season

Leasing, Risk

It’s nearly budget season — are you in budgeting shape? As multifamily dives into budgeting and forecasting exercises, apartment operators need to do all they can to make the process as smooth as possible. A pain-free budget season may seem…

multifamily-technology-automated-leasing

Multifamily Technology: 4 Types of Automation to Drive More Leases

Leasing, Research

While the industry entered 2020 on a high note, COVID presented various challenges for both apartment operators and renters. Unemployment led to missed rent payments, economic interruptions slowed rent growth and halted apartment construction,…

Are Operators Accountable for Illegal Evictions? What the CFPB Rule Means for Multifamily

Research

It’s estimated that close to 10 million households are behind on their rent payments. In order to prevent a mass eviction crisis, the CDC extended the temporary eviction moratorium through June 30, 2021. To further protect renters, the Consumer…

Illinois Rental Laws: The Guide to Rent Assistance & Deposit Legislation

Deposit Laws, Insurance, Leasing, Research

Illinois property owners and operators are constantly navigating ever-changing rental housing laws. With new legislation around rental assistance and security deposits, what do these policies mean for multifamily in the Chicago region and Illinois…

covid-19-emergency-rental-assistance-programs-by-state

The Guide to $25 Billion Emergency Rental Assistance Program by State

Research

More than a year after the onset of COVID, it’s estimated that 8 million Americans are behind on rent. We’ve closely monitored rent payment behavior to keep a pulse on how multifamily is faring during the crisis and inform apartment owners…

California Rental Laws: What to Know About SB 91, Rent Control, Deposit Laws & More

Deposit Laws, Insurance, Leasing, Research

California lawmakers extended a statewide eviction moratorium through June 2021 and passed an emergency measure to deliver $2.6 billion in rent relief. Local jurisdictions in San Diego and Los Angeles counties have also passed their own eviction…

LeaseLock 2020 Year In Review [Infographic]

Announcements

2020 was a year marked by unprecedented change. Even in the face of economic uncertainty and industry disruption, LeaseLock has experienced several major milestones and unprecedented growth. Our sights are set on an even bigger 2021, but we’re…

January 1st Rent Payments: $900 Billion COVID Relief Package Passes

Leasing, Research

Percent of rent collected on January 1st slipped 2 points MoM. First-day rent payments steady across Class C properties. Stimulus package includes $25 billion in rental assistance. At the turn of a new year, the multifamily industry…

December 1st Rent Payments Uptick — Class C Properties Still Struggling

Leasing

Percent of rent collected on December 1st jumped 2 points MoM. First-day rent payments slipped across Class C properties. Lawmakers propose new $908 billion stimulus plan. Last month was marked by uncertainty — a resurgent COVID…

November 1st Rent Payments: New Stimulus Package in Limbo

Leasing, Research

Percent of November 1st rent collected dropped 9 points MoM. First-day rent payments slipped across properties of all asset classes. Congress has yet to pass another COVID relief bill. The US presidential election is today, coronavirus…

what-is-apartment-lease-insurance-hero-image

What Is Lease Insurance, And Why Do Apartment Operators Need It?

Insurance, Leasing, Risk

Lease insurance—what exactly is it? In the multifamily industry, apartment lease insurance is a completely new insurtech product designed to totally eliminate costly security deposits, drawn-out surety bond applications, and confusing guarantee…

October 1st Rent Payments Slump as Revised HEROES Act Offers Hope

Leasing, Research

Percent of October 1st rent collected dropped 5 points MoM. First-day rent payments dipped across all asset classes, each hitting post-COVID lows. The House of Representatives approves $50 billion in emergency rental assistance. October…

As Vacancies Rise, Class A Properties Seek a Competitive Edge

Insurance, Leasing, Research

The pandemic has impacted multifamily in a range of ways, and all operators face a unique set of challenges. While the economic effects of the pandemic hit Class C residents notoriously hard, all asset classes have been affected by different…

Sept 1st Rent Payments Dip After CDC Announces Eviction Halt — Still No Federal Rent Relief

Leasing, Research

Percent of September 1st rent collected dropped 2 percentage points MoM. Percent of renters who paid full rent on first-of-month hit a new post-COVID low. First-day rent payments dipped across all asset classes. On the heels of a…

what-do-renters-want-covid-search-trends-feature-image

What Do Renters Want? Hint: Don’t Be Blockbuster, Be Netflix

Leasing, Research

In the multifamily world, search trends have been useful in understanding what renters want when it comes to amenities, geographical location, pricing, among other factors. As the pandemic reshapes life as we know it, search trends indicate…

August 1st Rent Payments Decline Following Benefits Running Out

Leasing, Research

August 1st rent payments are slightly above the pre-COVID average. Percent of renters who paid full rent has hit a new post-COVID low for first-of-month. Class C rent payments saw a healthy boost after a shaky start in July. Negotiations…

peak-leasing-playbook-2020-feature-image

Peak Leasing Playbook 2020: The Operator’s Apartment Leasing Guide [Report]

Leasing, Research

Leasing season is upon us, but this year, it looks different. The COVID-19 pandemic has sent shockwaves through the multifamily industry, and for most apartment operators, their leasing game is on the line. That’s why we’ve created the operator's…

Class C Residents Show Signs of Growing Financial Strain

Leasing, Research

Class C rent payments dropped 17 percentage points MoM Class C residents are faring worse than both Class A & B Leads at Class C properties are up, but signed leases have tapered off Class C properties are usually the hardest…

July Rent Payments Decline, Signaling Distress Among Renters

Leasing, Research

Renters show signs of financial insecurity, with July rent payments dipping 8% MoM. Class C rent payments are 8% lower than last month. Searches for "rent assistance" spike again as federal benefits near expiration. At the close of…

July 1st Rent Payments Match Pre-COVID Levels Ahead of Benefits Running Out

Leasing, Research

July 1st rent payments return to pre-COVID levels. Renters are still seeking rent assistance as federal benefits are set to end at the end of the month. California and Texas struggle to recover, and Class C rent payments see bump from…

Peak Leasing Season Drives Strong Leads, As Operators Refocus Efforts on Closing Leases

Leasing, Research

Apartment leads surged post-COVID, reaching a higher percentage year-over-year. Applications and signed leases rebounded to pre-COVID levels, but don't match leads. Class C properties saw a strong surge in leads—higher than Class A…

june-rent-payments-mid-june-checkin-hero-image

Mid-Month Update: June Rent Payments Remain Steady as Leasing Kicks Back Up

Leasing, Research

Percent of total rent collected in mid-June dipped 2% month-over-month. Rent collected in June is 8% lower than the 3-month pre-COVID average. Search interest in "apartments for rent" spiked, passing up pre-COVID levels. Total rent…

New Peak Leasing Season? How Operators Should Modify Their Strategy

Leasing, Research

Peak leasing season—the spring and summer months when leasing traffic accelerates—didn’t arrive this year as it normally would. Instead, a global pandemic made its way to the U.S. in March, causing most of the nation to shut down and subsequently…

COVID-19 June Rent Payment Report: June Rent Payments Steady as Employment Rebounds

Leasing, Research

While the pandemic wears on, we continue to monitor the effects of COVID-19 on rent payments across the U.S. Nearly three months since we first began closely analyzing rent payment behavior trends, we report on rent payments during the June…

June 1st Rent Payments Start to Slip, Growing Number of Renters Seek Relief

Leasing, Research

A new month has begun, and it’s time to re-evaluate how American renters are holding up amid the economic downturn. Although states have begun to loosen stay-at-home orders and businesses are partially reopening, unemployment has hit an unprecedented…

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