Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started & Implementation
How long does it take to implement Ai Lean?
Most customers see results within 90 days. We handle the integration with your facility management system and provide dedicated training to get your team up and running quickly.
Will Ai Lean integrate with our current property management software?
Yes! We integrate with all the major self-storage facility management systems (FMS), including some of the more challenging ones. Our team works directly with your software provider to ensure a seamless API connection.
Does Ai Lean support mixed properties?
A mixed property includes both traditional self-storage units and vehicle storage such as parking for cars, boats, and RVs.
Currently, Ai Lean supports one delinquency workflow per state, which means we do not yet support mixed properties that require separate workflows for different unit types within the same state. We recognize the importance of this functionality and are actively planning to expand our platform to support mixed properties as part of our product roadmap for next year.
How much training will my staff need to use Ai Lean?
Ai Lean is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, requiring minimal training for daily use.
We support your team with:
Personalized onboarding sessions to get your staff up and running quickly
On-demand training available as your team grows or roles evolve
Quick-reference guides for key tasks (currently in development)
Short training videos (coming soon), which will be easily accessible directly within the platform for ongoing learning and refreshers
Our goal is to make training simple, accessible, and scalable—so your team feels confident using Ai Lean from day one and beyond.
Cost & ROI
Is Ai Lean too expensive for smaller operators?
Our customers typically see cost savings that exceed our fees. By recovering units faster and reducing staff time on delinquency tasks, most operators find we pay for ourselves through improved efficiency and faster revenue recovery.
What kind of ROI can we expect?
Our customers save 500+ hours monthly and reduce delinquency rates to under 2%. The time savings alone—equivalent to 70% reduction in auction-related tasks—allows your team to focus on sales and customer service.
Legal & Compliance
How do you handle different state lien laws?
Our system automatically adapts to state-specific compliance requirements. We have legal experts who understand both the letter and intent of lien laws in each state, including complex markets like Florida and California.
What if we have unusual situations like abandoned vehicles?
We have attorneys who advise on tricky legal situations and provide guidance for complex cases that fall outside standard lien processes.
Do you ensure we stay compliant with communication timing laws?
Absolutely. Our automation ensures all communications go out within legally permitted hours and maintains detailed audit trails for compliance documentation.
Can we use online advertising for auctions in all states?
It depends on the state. Some states like New York still require newspaper advertising, while others now permit online ads. We ensure you're compliant with each state's current requirements and keep you updated on law changes.
What if we need to send certified mail for notices?
We handle all mailing requirements according to state law. For example, in New York, we can use personal delivery, certified mail, or verified mail with electronic notification (if the lease permits email notices and the tenant provided their email in at least two lease locations).
Lease Audit & Verification Process
What exactly do you check during a lease audit?
We perform comprehensive lease audits to ensure all information matches your property management system, including primary tenant details (name, address, email, military status), alternate contact information, required signatures, and lien-on-goods documentation. This prevents legal issues before they arise.
How do you handle military status verification?
During the audit process, Ai Lean will review the lease agreement to ascertain if the tenant has declared military affiliation, or if the lease omits a military status inquiry.
Ai Lean will generate and provide the Local Manager and District Manager with a list of tenants requiring military status verification.
The Local Manager has the appropriate personally identifiable information (PII) to perform an accurate verification and they shall conduct the search and upload the results to the Ai Lean system.
Ai Lean will authorize the tenant's auction scheduling upon confirmation of a negative military status by the audit team.
What happens if we discover a tenant is deceased or in bankruptcy?
If Ai Lean receives documentation indicating that a tenant is deceased, in bankruptcy, or has military status, the account is immediately placed on hold within the system. This hold pauses the lien process entirely—meaning the tenant will no longer move through the workflow, receive communications, or be scheduled for auction. Our team actively monitors and reassesses the hold status to determine the appropriate next steps and ensure compliance with all legal obligations before any further action is taken.
Do you perform UCC searches?
Yes. Ai Lean performs UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) searches when required by state law. A UCC search identifies whether a third party—like a lender—has a legal claim on the contents of a storage unit. For example, in states like Colorado, we perform a UCC search for every tenant after the pre-auction notice to help protect you from selling property that may be subject to a lien. We include this step to ensure full legal compliance and reduce your risk of post-sale disputes.
New Location Acquisitions & Special Situations
What happens when we acquire a new storage facility?
We help manage the transition by coordinating new lease distribution to all existing tenants with 30-day notice. Our audit process verifies both old and new leases, and after 30 days, we legally rely on the new lease for lien proceedings.
What if we can't locate tenant information for a unit?
We follow strict due diligence procedures. If rent hasn't been paid for 30 days and we only have minimal tenant information, we guide you through entering the unit to search for contact details, using third-party search systems like Accurint, and documenting good faith efforts to locate the tenant before proceeding with any sale.
How do you handle returned mail for new lease notices?
While sending to the "last known address" may meet legal requirements, we recommend extra due diligence using third-party search systems. We also suggest using electronically signed platforms like RPost for new leases, which about 60% of tenants accept through "click and accept" functionality.
Process & Operations
How do you help with early intervention?
Our system monitors payments in real-time and triggers automated reminders as soon as tenants fall behind, preventing most cases from escalating to the auction stage.
Do you handle the auction process too?
Yes! We upload your photos once and automatically publish them across multiple auction sites, verify all details are correct, and manage the entire auction workflow—something most lien companies don't offer.
Will this work if we're expanding into new markets?
Definitely. Our expertise in state-specific laws makes expansion easier, and our scalable solution grows with your business without requiring additional headcount.
Service & Support
Is this just software, or do you provide human support?
We combine automation with dedicated human support. Each customer gets a dedicated account manager who proactively flags issues and provides personalized service—not just automated responses.
What makes you different from other lien companies?
Unlike competitors who only handle the legal backend, we manage the entire lien compliance process from start to finish, including auction setup and management. We're a true end-to-end partner, not just a software vendor.
What if we need help after implementation?
We provide ongoing support and will never say "it's not our job." Our team is accessible and committed to your success, with responsive communication and proactive problem-solving.
Stop Losing Revenue to Unpaid Units
Inside this free guide, you'll learn:
The true cost of delinquency - Calculate exactly what unpaid units are costing your business
5 proven strategies that immediately reduce delinquency rates
State-by-state approach to lien laws - And how to avoid costly legal pitfalls
How automation transforms - Real-world case study shows what's possible
Step-by-step action plan - Implement a delinquency reduction system