Utility Wisdom

Manufactured housing rents climbed 6.4% year over year in the second quarter of 2026, yet national occupancy slipped for the first time in over three years. The industry has room to grow, but protecting the affordability of existing communities is becoming increasingly important.In this episode, we examine how recent federal legislation could influence the industry's growth and why rising utility costs deserve closer attention. We also explore what aging infrastructure means for NOI and how operators can make informed decisions about utility management as internet connectivity becomes a bigger part of community operations.

The connectivity landscape is getting more complex, and multifamily owners and operators have some big decisions to make. We sat down with Nic Arri, Vice President of Solutions Consulting at Conservice, to explore how provider consolidation and emerging technologies are reshaping connectivity strategy. We discuss the importance of taking a portfolio-wide approach, managing risks in long-term agreements, and making infrastructure decisions that support the future of each property. Tune in for practical insights on navigating today's connectivity market while keeping the resident experience front and center.

What’s next for broadband in multifamily? We sat down with Kevin Donnelly of the Real Estate Technology and Transformation Center (RETTC) to discuss the evolving landscape of multifamily connectivity. They explore the latest regulatory conversations around bulk internet, the balance between consumer protection and affordability, and what new research reveals about the value of bulk internet programs. Tune in for insights on how policy, technology, and resident expectations are shaping the future of connectivity in rental housing.

Jeff Smedley sits down with Scott Hines of Mark-Taylor Residential for a candid look at what’s shaping multifamily today. They discuss Scottsdale market conditions, multifamily financing, the complexity behind utility management, and what operators should expect from a true partner. They also dig into AI, why good data matters, and the role transparency and risk mitigation play in making better decisions.

Who manages the utilities at a senior living community? Often, it’s a business manager or bookkeeper who is also juggling resident enrollment, retention, and day-to-day community operations.Lauren Howard sits down with Justin Brady to explore why that model becomes harder to sustain as senior living portfolios grow. They discuss costly utility issues like late fees and incorrect rate schedules, the growing demand from owners and investors for reliable utility and sustainability data, and how operators can take work off community teams while building a utility process that scales.