Preferental: The Startup Transforming South Africa’s Rental Market with AI

A Startup Revolutionizing Rental Management

South Africa’s rental market is fraught with challenges, from tenant rights favoring renters to financial instability caused by high unemployment and inflation. Recognizing these pain points, Preferental, a forward-thinking PropTech startup, has stepped in to transform the space with cutting-edge AI technology.
Founded with a mission to streamline property management, Preferental is tackling one of the most frustrating aspects of being a landlord: tenant screening. With 40% of landlords skipping this critical step and 18.3% of tenants in arrears, the company saw a clear need for an innovative, fast, and reliable solution.

From Startup Vision to AI-Powered Efficiency

Traditional tenant screening in South Africa is a slow, cumbersome process, often taking up to 24 hours. Preferental’s AI-driven app slashes this time to mere seconds, allowing landlords to make data-backed decisions faster than ever.
Ross Fitzcharles, CEO of Preferental, emphasizes how AI is reshaping the industry. “We built Preferental to remove uncertainty and risk for landlords. By automating tenant vetting, we’re giving landlords the tools they need to safeguard their investments and grow their portfolios with confidence.”

Key Features That Make Preferental a Game-Changer

• Automated Screening & Reporting: Instantly performs credit checks, background verifications, and rental history assessments.
• AI-Powered Precision: Advanced machine learning algorithms ensure highly accurate tenant evaluations.
• Lightning-Fast Processing: Reduces screening times from 12-24 hours to just seconds.
• Seamless Integration: Syncs with leading financial and background check services, including TPN, TransUnion, and Compuscan.
• Fraud Prevention & Security: Biometric authentication and real-time data verification enhance protection.
• Risk-Based Deposit Recommendations: AI-driven deposit suggestions tailored to tenant risk levels.

Compliance & Data Protection: Fully aligned with POPIA and GDPR standards to protect user information.
Making Tenant Screening More Accessible

Unlike traditional methods that put the financial burden on landlords, Preferental’s model shifts the screening cost to tenants, making it more affordable and transparent for property owners. For R249, tenants receive a full screening report, ensuring fair and open access to rental opportunities.

A Startup Shaping the Future of Property Tech

Preferental isn’t just another rental management tool—it’s a startup that’s redefining how landlords and property managers approach risk and efficiency. By leveraging AI, the company is streamlining processes that once took hours or even days, positioning itself at the forefront of PropTech innovation in South Africa.
With its ability to mitigate risk, improve tenant reliability, and simplify property management, Preferental is set to become an essential tool in the rental industry.

For more information, visit: www.screenings.preferental.com