When renters search for a place to live, amenities matter. Some unit-level and community amenities are nice to have, while others are crucial. A few clear winners rank at the top of the list for most renters, according to a recent survey by Apartments.com.
The survey, which featured over 20,000 people planning to rent their next place, highlighted five amenities that anywhere from nearly half to over three-quarters of renters considered absolutely essential.
Does your property have renters’ must-haves? When evaluating your amenity offerings, these five features can boost your property’s appeal the most.
1. In-unit laundry
Most renters wouldn’t choose a place that doesn’t come with its own washing machine and dryer. Ranked first among essential amenities, the in-unit washer and dryer is a must-have for 76 percent of renters.
The advantages of in-unit laundry far surpass alternatives like a shared laundry space, the existence of washer/dryer hookups, or having a laundromat nearby. If your apartments come with their own washing machines and dryers, renters are far more likely to give them serious consideration.
2. Air conditioning
Like in-unit laundry, air conditioning is a practical consideration. A whopping seven in 10 renters aren’t willing to brave a hot summer without A/C. This amenity ranked second on the list.
And while air conditioning is important to renters of all ages, it’s even more important for older renters. Three-quarters of renters ages 55 and up won’t rent without A/C, whereas only 68 percent of those under 55 will do so. For older renters, air conditioning ranks in the #1 spot, even above in-unit laundry.
3. Dishwasher
Wash the dishes by hand? Nearly half of renters say no thank you. For 49 percent of respondents, this kitchen amenity is a must-have.
Younger renters are more likely to prioritize a dishwasher. Fifty percent of renters under 55 consider a dishwasher an essential, compared to only 45 percent of those ages 55 and up.
4. Off-street parking or garage
In a close fourth place after the dishwasher, parking is also a top priority. For 47 percent of renters, having off-street parking or a garage is essential.
And this amenity grows increasingly important as renters age. While only 44 percent of renters under 55 prioritize parking, it’s a must-have for well over half of those 55 and up. In fact, 56 percent of older renters ranked it as an essential.
5. Balcony, patio, or private outdoor space
Renters want their outdoor space, too. For 45 percent of survey respondents, it’s crucial to find a place with a balcony, patio, or private outdoor space. These units give renters the opportunity to step outside without leaving their home, enjoy the fresh air and sun, and even grow some outdoor plants.
This feature is especially important for older renters. Well over half of those 55 and up said they wouldn’t rent a place without private outdoor space, compared to only 41 percent of those under 55.
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.
Pets are also a top consideration. For 39 percent of survey respondents, pet-friendly policies or amenities are essential. And 22 percent of renters in the survey expect their next place to have an onsite fitness center or gym.
Less popular amenities include a pool (16 percent), smart lock for entry (13 percent), and smart home appliances (12 percent).
Which amenities are most renters willing to live without? Sports courts like tennis, pickleball, and basketball are essential to only 4 percent of renters, while only 3 percent won’t choose a place that lacks electric vehicle charging stations.
In addition to the amenities discussed above, survey respondents were also given the ability to write in their own responses, and 5 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.
What else do renters want?
Explore more findings from the latest renter survey:
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