Meet HODA

 

Frequently asked questions

What is HODA?

HODA®, or Homeowner Digital Assistant, is an AI assistant for homeowners. It responds to inquiries 24/7 and can answer community- specific questions via text. HODA integrates with FirstService Residential’s Connect platform, offering instant responses without the need to call or email management.  

How does it work?

Homeowners simply text HODA with any questions about their association and HODA will respond to them automatically by text. HODA is fully customized to enable it to respond to questions about each specific association.  

What kind of questions can it answer?

Integrated with FirstService Residential Connect™, HODA can answer questions about the association based on available information and policies. It handles inquiries such as account balances, recent transactions, service requests, billing issues, amenity reservations, complaints, and visitor parking passes.  

What if HODA doesn’t have an answer?

If HODA is missing information, it will automatically submit a ticket to the on-site staff or FirstService Residential’s Resident Support Services (RSS) team for response.  

What if a homeowner owns multiple units at one property or units in multiple FirstService Residential managed associations?

If a homeowner owns multiple units that are managed by FirstService Residential, HODA will ask the requester to specify which unit they are asking about.
 

What is HODA’s approach to resident privacy and data?

 HODA only accesses information already stored in FirstService Residential's secure internal database system. It does not collect, store, or return any new personal information beyond what residents have already provided to their association. HODA simply retrieves existing data from FirstService Residential’s Connect platform to answer questions about account balances, transactions, and community policies. Additionally, HODA’s underlying AI runs on a private, closed system that does not access external sources, ensuring that all data remains secure and contained within the organization’s infrastructure.
 

What information does HODA access?

HODA accesses the same information available through FirstService Residential’s Connect platform that residents can already view online - account details, payment history, service requests, and community documents. It does not collect additional personal data or create behavioral profiles, and it is not designed to predict individual behavior like a personal assistant.
 

How is data transmitted when using HODA?

HODA uses secure web communication and follows standard telecommunications security protocols for text. The system only retrieves information that residents are already authorized to access through their Connect Resident Portal account.
 

Can residents opt out of HODA?

Yes.  HODA is an optional service.  Residents are welcome to explore its features at their convenience; however, participation is entirely voluntary. Those who prefer not to use HODA may continue to communicate through traditional methods, including phone, email, or the Connect Resident Portal. 
 

Is HODA compliant with Canadian privacy laws?

Yes. HODA operates under FirstService Residential's existing privacy policies, which comply with applicable Canadian privacy legislation including PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) and provincial privacy laws.
 
To learn more about how we collect, use, and protect your personal information, please refer to our USA and Canada privacy policies for further details.