When renters are searching for their next place, some amenities are nice to have, while others are crucial. Which amenities are key to highlight on your listing? Here’s a quick look at the amenities that ranked at the top of renters’ list, according to a recent survey by Apartments.com.
The survey, conducted this fall with 30,000 people looking to rent, revealed five amenities that respondents said they couldn’t live without. Nearly half to three-quarters of renters selected these rental features as must-haves for their next place.
1. In-unit laundry
Would you rent a place that doesn’t come with its own washing machine and dryer? For most renters in the survey, the answer is no. The in-unit washer and dryer ranks first among all amenity options in the survey, with a full three-quarters of respondents.
Whether it’s a shared laundry space, the presence of washer/dryer hookups, or a trip to a local laundromat, the alternatives to an in-unit washer/dryer just don’t measure up. The overwhelming majority of renters (75 percent) consider in-unit laundry an essential they won’t rent without.
2. Air conditioning
In a close second place, 72 percent of renters say they consider air conditioning a necessity when searching for their next rental residence.
While this amenity ranks highly among renters of all ages, it’s slightly more important for older renters than those of younger ages. Seventy-five percent of respondents ages 55 to 64 marked A/C as an essential, as did 77 percent of those ages 65 and up.
3. Off-street parking or garage
Where can I park my car? Nearly half of renters (48 percent) expect off-street parking or a garage to park their vehicle, according to the survey.
And like air conditioning, this option only increases in popularity with age.
While only 41 percent of the youngest renters (18 to 24) consider this an essential, nearly half of renters ages 45 to 54 do so. By ages 65 and up, a whopping 61 percent of renters say that it’s one of their requirements — a 20-point difference between the youngest and oldest renters.
4. Dishwasher
Wash by hand or turn on the dishwasher? Nearly half of renters want the convenience and efficiency of a dishwasher. This popular kitchen appliance was selected by 48 percent of survey respondents as an essential.
Preference for this amenity, however, is linked to age, with the youngest renters the most likely to consider it a must-have.
Over half of renters ages 18 to 34 say a dishwasher was essential (51 percent). As age increases, the importance of the dishwasher drops. Only 45 percent of renters 35 to 44 consider it essential, and only 44 percent of those in the 45-to-54 age group do so.
The group least likely to consider the dishwasher an essential are those ages 55 to 64. Only 41 percent of these renters consider it a necessity.
The trend wavers for renters 65 and up, as comfort and convenience win out. Preference for a dishwasher sees a 6-point jump among this group, to 47 percent, compared to renters ages 55 to 64.
5. Balcony, patio, or private outdoor space
There’s nothing like having your own space to breathe in fresh air, feel the sun on your face, and grow a few plants. Under half of survey respondents, 45 percent, selected a balcony, patio, or private outdoor space as a non-negotiable amenity in their rental search.
Renters who prefer this amenity skew older. Only 34 percent of renters ages 18 to 24 consider outdoor space to be essential, compared to half of renters in their 40s and 50s, and a whopping 58 percent of renters ages 65 and up.
How other amenities ranked
These five amenities took the top spots with close to or more than half of renters. But they’re not the only features that renters care about.
A full 40 percent of survey respondents selected pet-friendly policies or amenities as an essential.
And one in five renters in the survey expect their next place to have an onsite fitness center.
Less popular amenities include a pool (16 percent), smart lock for entry (14 percent), and smart home appliances (11 percent).
Which amenities have the most limited appeal? Sports courts and electric vehicle charging stations were considered essential to only 3 percent of respondents.
In addition to the 12 options listed, survey respondents were also given the ability to write in their own responses, and 3 percent did so.
Accessibility was a top consideration for many of these respondents, who listed accessible units and disability-friendly parking as essential. Similarly, elevators were a top priority for respondents who provided write-in responses.
Other popular responses in the “Other” category included storage space and onsite laundry facilities.
Explore more renter insights
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