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The first edition of this guide, called AI in BTR, was published by the ARL in April 2026. But regulation is moving quickly and the technology is moving even faster.Ìý

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This second edition of the guide has been produced with one goal in mind: to make the content more approachable for ARL members, so opportunities can be seized, risks can be identified and decisions can be taken with confidence. This move from consideration to action is important to the sector’s forward momentum.

The ARL’s ambition – to grow the sector, and members’ businesses, faster than would happen otherwise – involves us helping members chart a path through this new technological landscape by requiring them to do more than just avoid harm. As the sector works together to persuade residents, government, stakeholders and institutional investors that well-serviced, amenity-rich Build to Rent is the safest, most professional option for rental living, and continues to build the business case for the cultural legitimacy of renting in the UK, it needs to gather credible evidence that responsible AI deployment can improve operational performance, resident experiences and investability.

One of the things that came through again and again in our research and conversations with AI experts is that what marks a company’s ability to succeed with AI deployment is not its employees’ technical expertise but their operational discipline. And operational excellence is a hallmark of good rental living, so we are well positioned to thrive.

AI is already entering rental living through ordinary software. The opportunity is to use it to improve homes, services and performance; the responsibility is to know where it is used, govern decisions proportionately and remain accountable for outcomes.

We have a real opportunity, with the rapid deployment of artificial intelligence across our estates, to demonstrate leadership: we can prove that early responsible adoption of AI is improving net operating income (NOI), resident outcomes and employee experience. My team and I look forward to working with members as we learn, share best practice and grow in competence, together.

Chief Executive, the ºÚÁÏרÇø

August 2026