How SMS AI works in RentEngine

SMS AI answers routine leasing questions and handles simple actions for you—using your policies and listings—at no extra cost on your plan.

Find it in Settings → Communication → AI → SMS AI


What SMS AI can do

  • Reply to tier-1 / tier-2 questions (availability, rent, fees, pet policy, how to schedule/apply, reschedule, etc.).
  • Use your Snippets, listings data, company settings, and portfolio defaults as the source of truth.
  • If it can’t confidently answer, it notifies your team by email so you can jump in.
  • If a prospect asks about multiple listings in the same thread, AI may need human help to avoid mixing details.


Set it up

  1. Open: Settings → Communication → AI → SMS AI.
  2. Create a Time Block (schedule when AI is active):
    • Click Add Time Block.
    • Choose Start Day/Time and End Day/Time.
    • To cover the full week, add one block Monday 12:00 AM → Sunday 11:59 PM, or create several weekday/weekend blocks.
  1. Choose Operation Mode for the block:
    • Full Auto – AI replies immediately.
    • Approval Required – AI drafts a reply; you approve/send from the Command Center.
  1. Tune the voice: pick a Tone (e.g., Professional) and add Custom Instructions (e.g., “Be concise, always include scheduling link.”).
  2. Save Settings.


Daily use

  • Conversations appear in the Command Center.
  • In Approval Required windows, you’ll see the AI’s draft message—edit or send.
  • You can always take over any thread and change the prospect’s status, schedule, or assign to a teammate.


Best practices

  • Keep Snippets up to date (fees, pets, income rules, links). AI leans on them heavily.
  • Make sure listings have clear prices, fees, photos, and availability.
  • Use a friendly, direct tone and add specific guardrails in Custom Instructions (e.g., “Never promise concessions; link to application after a showing”).
  • If you manage large portfolios, encourage prospects to name the address to reduce confusion across multiple units.


Limits & handoffs

  • AI focuses on basic Q&A and actions. Complex situations (owner-specific terms, edge-case screening, multiple properties at once) are handed off via email alert.
  • You can temporarily pause AI by removing or adjusting the Time Blocks.

Updated on: 20/09/2025

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