What Home Renters REALLY Want

People rent homes (versus apartments) for multiple reasons. They want more privacy. They desire extra space. They want to live in horizontal neighborhoods, with streets, rather than vertical neighborhoods, with floors.

But a just-released survey from Point2Homes revealed another surprising need when renting a home: better pet accommodations. Specifically:

• Almost 69% of survey participants have pets

• Pet-friendly policies are the third most important factor in deciding where to rent

“This was a striking takeaway,” Point2Homes’ Senior Real Estate Writer and report author Alexandra Ciuntu told Connect CRE. “This shift highlights just how much pets have become integral to households, shaping major living decisions.”

More than 13% of respondents pointed out that pet accommodations and amenities were the main reason for renting a single-family home versus an apartment. While this might not seem to be a high percentage, “it’s more than those who said their main reason was to accommodate a growing family,” the report said.

Hassle-Free Living with Less Maintenance

One benefit of apartment living is having maintenance on call in case of an overflowing toilet or broken AC. Home renters want this, too.

“There is a strong preference for hassle-free living, meaning a desire for less responsibility regarding maintenance, overall home upkeep and administration,” Ciuntu observed. “This change might have stemmed from the pandemic’s impact, as renters reassess their needs and look for a more stress-free lifestyle.”

When asked what they would customize in their rentals, many suggested an upgraded kitchen. Additional storage and living spaces and improved energy efficiency were also mentioned.

 “Privacy and comfort have become more critical, influenced by the pandemic’s impact on how people are now using their homes,” Ciuntu said. “Remote work also reshaped priorities, with more renters seeking larger homes, dedicated workspaces, high-speed internet and even opting for suburban or rural areas.”

The Takeaway

The survey suggests that builders and investors can best meet the needs of the growing cadre of home renters by understanding their current needs. Space, privacy and sustainable features are among those needs.

Additionally, with the growing trend of pet ownership, appealing amenities can include doggy doors, pet-friendly flooring, double-gated entryways, an on-site pet park and pet waste stations. “Additional amenities like on-site pet spas, grooming stations, treat stations, and even agility courses should be considered,” Ciuntu said, along with doggy daycare and pet social events.

Home renting is gaining in popularity. But it’s no longer enough to build a bunch of houses on a bunch of lots and call it a day. Said Ciuntu: “Investing in modern conveniences and adaptable living spaces will be crucial for attracting and retaining tenants in an increasingly competitive environment.”

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