# Slash Commands

Slash commands give you instant answers without waiting for the AI. Type a command starting with `/` in the management chat and get formatted results immediately — no AI processing, no token usage, no waiting.

## Available Commands

| Command | Example | What it does |
|---------|---------|--------------|
| `/properties` | `/properties` | List all your properties with rent, beds/baths, and status |
| `/properties active` | `/properties active` | Filter by status: `active`, `draft`, `archived`, `rented`, `inactive`, `maintenance` |
| `/property <address>` | `/property 123 Main` | Look up a specific property by full or partial address |
| `/contacts` | `/contacts John` | Search contacts by name, email, or phone |
| `/showings` | `/showings past` | List upcoming or past showings |
| `/conversations` | `/conversations active` | List recent conversations filtered by status |
| `/availability` | `/availability 2026-03-15` | Show available showing slots (defaults to next 7 days) |
| `/stats` | `/stats` | Dashboard overview — property counts, active conversations, showings, contacts |
| `/usage` | `/usage 7` | Token usage and cost for the last N days (default: 30) |
| `/help` | `/help` | Show available commands |

## How They Work

When you type a message starting with `/`, Rentalot checks if it matches a known command **before** sending anything to the AI. If it matches:

- The database is queried directly
- Results are formatted and returned instantly
- No AI tokens are used
- The response is always consistent

If the command isn't recognized, your message is passed to the AI assistant as normal — so typing something like `/thisIsNotACommand` won't cause an error, it'll just be treated as a regular message.

## When to Use Commands vs. Natural Language

**Use slash commands when** you want a quick lookup — "show me all properties," "what showings do I have today," "how many tokens did I use this week." These are instant and free.

**Use natural language when** you need the AI to think — "find properties under $2,000 that allow dogs," "book a showing for John tomorrow afternoon," "draft a follow-up message for the prospect who asked about parking." The AI can search, filter, combine tools, and compose responses in ways slash commands can't.