America’s small landlords are changing and driving a shift in property management, embracing AI, demanding higher levels of service and increasingly turning to professional managers, according to the PM Trends Report 2026.
The national survey conducted by The Harris Poll of 500 U.S. small landlords who own one to 10 residential rental units, along with industry data, examined the single-family-rental landscape.
Millennials and Gen X now make up 72% of small landlords, bringing new expectations for technology, service and professional management.
The report highlights several trends shaping the future of property management
- AI is becoming part of the property management journey: Three in four (75%) landlords expect to use AI tools such as ChatGPT to find or evaluate their next property manager, while 74% are comfortable with property managers using AI to support day-to-day operations.
- Tenant experience is becoming an owner priority: 92% of landlords say they would be willing to sacrifice some cash flow to provide a better rental experience for tenants, challenging the assumption that owners are focused only on maximizing returns.
- Professional management is becoming the preferred approach: 62% of small landlords currently use a professional property manager, reflecting the continued shift toward outsourced management among smaller rental owners.
- Owners are willing to invest in additional value: About half of landlords would pay more for services such as asset management, quarterly inspections, financial services and tenant protection.
- A Single Major Repair Could Push One-Third of Small Landlords to Sell: 31% would seriously consider selling after an unexpected repair under $15,000.
The report was co-authored by Jordan Muela and Peter Lohmann, two property management industry recognized leaders.
“The profile of the typical small landlord is changing,” said Lohmann. “Today’s owners increasingly expect technology, transparency and strategic guidance from their property manager, not simply rent collection and maintenance coordination. Property managers that adapt to those changing expectations will be well positioned for future growth.”
