2025 Wrap Up: Advancements in Innovation, Affordability, and Responsible Tech

Although 2025 has come to a close, RETTC’s advocacy efforts are not slowing down. With a successful OPTECH conference behind us, RETTC has spent the past few months leading meaningful advocacy on behalf of rental housing providers and their technology partners. Across Capitol Hill, federal agencies, and real estate coalitions, RETTC helped policymakers understand how innovation is improving housing affordability, operational efficiency, and the resident experience. Our message was clear: Smart policy should build on what’s working. 

Below are some of our key advocacy accomplishments since we saw you at OPTECH:  

Leading Responsible Innovation and Artificial Intelligence

RETTC continued to lead the conversation on how emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, are transforming rental housing in responsible, pro-renter ways. 

• Congressional engagement on AI use in housing: RETTC submitted a comment letter to the House Financial Services Committee highlighting how rental housing providers and their technology partners are already using AI to enhance resident experiences, streamline operations, and drive transformation.
• Launching and promoting the AI Governance Framework for Rental Housing: RETTC conducted outreach to key congressional committees and the Administration to announce its AI Governance Framework, underscoring the industry’s commitment to responsible innovation that supports affordability, efficiency, and better outcomes for residents.
• Showcasing AI’s potential to policymakers: In partnership with NAA, RETTC hosted two policy receptions for congressional and administration staff, demonstrating how AI tools can help address housing affordability challenges while improving service and compliance. 

Championing Proven Connectivity and Technology Models

RETTC also worked to ensure that federal policymakers recognize how existing technology models are effectively serving renters today. 

• Broadband and connectivity advocacy: Ahead of a Senate hearing on FCC oversight, RETTC submitted a comment letter to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation emphasizing that the multifamily broadband market is delivering real results for renters. RETTC urged lawmakers to support pro-housing, pro-renter connectivity policies without disrupting models that are already expanding access and reliability. 
  
  

Addressing Operational Challenges and Fraud 

Protecting housing providers and residents from fraud and unnecessary regulatory burdens remains a priority. 

• Raising concerns about fraudulent rental applications: RETTC joined NAA in outreach to the House Committee on Small Business to highlight the growing problem of fraudulent applications and the need for policy solutions that protect legitimate housing providers and renters alike. 

Advancing Housing Supply and Financing Solutions 

RETTC actively supported legislative and regulatory efforts aimed at increasing housing supply and improving financing frameworks. 

• Supporting the Housing for the 21st Century Act: RETTC joined a coalition of partners in expressing support for this legislation, which would streamline federal inspection standards, encourage state and local permitting reform, and increase FHA multifamily loan limits.
• Backing the Road to Housing Act: RETTC joined partners in urging congressional leadership to include the historic Road to Housing Act in the National Defense Authorization Act, recognizing its potential to significantly expand housing opportunities.
• Engaging on enterprise housing goals: Working alongside NMHC and NAA, RETTC raised concerns regarding FHFA’s proposed 2026–2028 Enterprise Housing Goals to help ensure policies align with real-world market conditions and housing realities. 

Looking Ahead

These efforts reflect RETTC’s core mission: ensuring that public policy keeps pace with innovation, protects renters, and enables housing providers and technology partners to deliver better, more affordable housing outcomes. As we settle into the new year, RETTC remains committed to elevating expertise, fostering responsible technology adoption, and serving as a trusted voice at the intersection of real estate, technology, and policy. We look forward to continuing this important work together in the year ahead.