Findigs, a tenant screening platform, has launched its Policy Optimization Engine, a new rules engine designed to provide rental operators with the capability to define their entire screening workflow, visualize its impact on key performance indicators such as occupancy and delinquency, and optimize criteria across their property portfolios.
The Policy Optimization Engine enables leasing and operations teams to establish screening policies across their entire portfolio. It offers insights into how specific criteria influence outcomes such as approval rates, eviction instances, and time-to-lease. The system also facilitates benchmarking performance across different assets, teams, or markets, aiding in the identification of overly restrictive or risky criteria and allowing for simulated adjustments to model their impact on key metrics.
Findigs positions itself as an end-to-end tenant screening solution. Its platform automates the collection of applications, verification of documents, applicant decision-making, and audit trail provision. This integrated approach allows property operators to centralize their screening processes, apply consistent business rules across their portfolio, and refine these rules to improve asset performance and net operating income (NOI).
Steve Carroll, CEO of Findigs, highlighted the challenge faced by many operators in setting tenant acceptance criteria. “We found that many operators fly somewhat blind when setting their tenant acceptance criteria. For example, we always ask the question, ‘how did you decide on the minimum rent-to-income ratio?’ and often, it’s admittedly an imperfect science,” Carroll stated. He added that while focus often goes to credit score thresholds, the new engine aims to provide a comprehensive view of the numerous factors influencing a leasing decision.
Marlee Murdock, Vice President of Performance (Operations) at Western Wealth Communities, commented on their experience with the platform. “Our Findigs partnership has empowered our onsite teams to be more effective, responsive, and confident in their leasing decisions,” Murdock said. She further noted that the collaboration has enhanced both the speed and quality of their screening process, reducing friction and marking a significant shift in their business approach towards a more sustainable underwriting process.
The Policy Optimization Engine is currently available to all customers utilizing the Findigs platform. Findigs is utilized by property owners and managers, including Evernest, Western Wealth Communities, and McKinley, to streamline tenant screening, automate processes, and optimize policies for balancing collections and increasing NOI.
