#Japan #Tokyo #AI Platform #ACAT #Imperial Real Estate

Transforming Tenant Screening with AI

Imperial Real Estate Co., Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo's Ginza district, is pioneering advancements in tenant screening by integrating an AI-driven system dubbed "ACAT". This innovative platform includes the deployment of a RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) agent specifically designed to assist with tenant screening operations. Beginning in July 2026, Imperial Real Estate aims to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of processing tenant applications, significantly reducing manual labor and increasing speed.

The Challenge of Traditional Screening

Tenant screening has often involved a multitude of paperwork that requires extensive cross-verification and analysis. Previously, employees manually compared documents with foundational data, leading to cumbersome workloads and variability in accuracy, often dependent on individual experience. During peak periods, workflow bottlenecks created undue pressure on staff, resulting in potential inaccuracies and slower processing times.

Recognizing these obstacles, a collaborative effort was initiated between front-line staff and the AI Development Promotion Office. Over the course of four months, real tenant application documents were analyzed, tested, and optimized, allowing for the development of the RAG agent that effectively supports screening tasks.

RAG Agent: The Power of AI in Action

The RAG agent dramatically changes the landscape of tenant screening. By simply uploading the required documents in PDF format to ACAT, the RAG agent can provide verification results in approximately 30 seconds. Its main functionalities include:

• - Document Comparison: It cross-checks application forms, identity verification documents, and information from management systems to detect subtle discrepancies, such as non-standard characters in names or specific address details that humans often overlook.

• - Compliance Checks: Utilizing publicly available information, the agent organizes compliance-related inquiries concerning applicants and their representatives, providing preliminary checks to assist staff.

• - Identity Verification: The RAG agent ensures that required elements on identity verification documents are correctly masked, helping maintain the proper handling of personal information.

• - Verification of Contractual Conditions: By confirming that rental prices and associated costs match the initial listing criteria, it ensures that the necessary approvals within the internal system have been obtained.

Important to note is that while AI assists in the verification process, it does not make final decisions regarding tenant acceptance; this responsibility remains with the designated staff.

Monthly Impact: A Major Efficiency Boost

With around 15,000 tenant screening applications processed annually, data from internal evaluations indicate that the implementation of AI has the potential to cut verification times by roughly 17 minutes per case and streamline the overall process. By standardizing the verification procedures through AI, inconsistencies based on individual approaches are minimized, making it easier for staff, regardless of experience level, to ensure necessary checks are completed.

Future Prospects and Expansion Plans

As the utilization of the RAG agent progresses, Imperial Real Estate will continuously assess its efficiency and accuracy. The company aims to extend this AI implementation to other business areas, driving enhancements across all leasing management operations. Additionally, plans are in place to integrate an external API for anti-social checks, which will further automate verification processes and bolster reliability.

A cornerstone of Imperial Real Estate's strategy involves a clear division of roles between AI and human staff, thus allowing employees to focus on customer interactions and problem-solving tasks that add greater value.

About ACAT

The ACAT platform, developed intrapreneurially by Imperial Real Estate, embodies a robust AI framework that enhances operations through various specialized AI tools. This includes:
- General-purpose AI such as Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini for conversational tasks
- Utility agents that aid in routine tasks without needing external prompts
- Business-specific RAG agents that utilize in-house knowledge to streamline operations.

The use of these AI tools promotes significant gains in productivity, facilitating tasks such as the automation of minute-taking or email drafting. By leveraging comprehensive existing knowledge, the RAG agent provides consistent and efficient responses in everyday office interactions.

Company Overview: Imperial Real Estate

Renaming itself from Architect Developer Co., Ltd. in May 2026, Imperial Real Estate stands firm on its motto: "Creating Beautiful Ways to Live". The company specializes in the development and management of rental collective housing, committed to delivering optimal value to owners, investors, and residents through data-driven governance and specialized financial expertise. Imperial Real Estate is focused not just on the present but also aims to co-create meaningful community development for future generations.

For more information, visit Imperial Real Estate.