- 56% of renters are ready to move, with Gen Z showing the highest mobility, primarily driven by lifestyle upgrades over rent increases.
- Top renter expectations include water, trash, and maintenance included in rent, with transparency on fees increasingly important to satisfaction.
- Smart home features like security cameras, video doorbells, and keyless access are top priorities, especially among younger renters seeking safety and tech-forward living.
Ready To Relocate
According to a new nationwide SmartRent survey conducted with Morning Consult, 56% of US renters are considering a move this summer, reports BusinessWire. The top reasons? More space (26%), a change in neighborhood (24%), and rising rents (21%). Despite the competitive leasing season, renters are unwilling to compromise on key expectations as they hunt for better living situations.
Utilities Must Be Included
Renters today expect more than just a roof over their heads. A majority believe that basic utilities should be included in their rent — 61% expect water, 53% expect trash services, and 43% believe on-site maintenance should be part of the package. Amenities like gyms and pools ranked lower, showing a shift toward essential services and transparent cost structures.
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Smart Tech Is Now Essential
Modern renters, particularly Gen Z, are prioritizing security and tech. The survey found 69% value security cameras, 58% want smart locks or keyless access, and 56% prefer smart thermostats. These features aren’t just perks — they’re becoming baseline expectations, especially as renters aim for both safety and energy efficiency.
Gen Z Sets The Bar
Young renters, especially those aged 18–29, are the most mobile and tech-focused. A striking 68% are open to moving, with many driven by lifestyle improvements over pricing concerns. This group also expressed the highest dissatisfaction with security in current rentals and showed the strongest interest in smart tech features — 72% favor security cameras, 70% want video doorbells, and 57% prioritize smart lighting.
Why It Matters
For property managers, meeting Gen Z’s demand for tech-enabled, cost-transparent living is a strategic edge. This cohort isn’t just the most likely to move — they’re also the most vocal about what they expect. Offering bundled utilities and smart home features doesn’t just attract attention; it helps with retention in a competitive housing market.
What’s Next
As summer leasing heats up, operators looking to fill units and boost satisfaction will need to go beyond traditional amenities. Integrating smart technology and clearly communicating included services could make or break a lease — especially with Gen Z leading a generational shift in rental expectations.
