What Do Renters Want in 2025? Amenities, Features & More

Why is it important to know what makes the perfect apartment? Whether it’s for renters, landlords, or just a curious commentator, this knowledge shows the priorities of today’s renters and reflects the trends we see forming in the real estate market. To gain some clarity on the issue, we surveyed 2,200 renters to uncover the most sought-after apartment features, amenities, and surroundings. Here’s what we found.

What’s the apartment style renters want the most?

About 41% of renters are drawn to suburban neighborhoods with lots of greenery and great amenities. Another 33% like being close to the action: living in mixed-use areas where shops, restaurants, and entertainment are just steps away.

Sustainability matters to many renters too, with 28% showing interest in eco-friendly communities that promote greener living. And classic charm still holds appeal: 24% lean towards historic buildings with timeless style. Artsy urban loft conversions with eclectic, unique vibes cater to 22% of renters, while sleek, modern high-rises in busy downtown areas pull in 20%. Meanwhile, vacation-inspired communities with resort-style features catch the eye of 17% of renters, as do smart-tech homes designed with the latest innovations.

What are top must-have amenities renters won’t compromise on in 2025?

In-unit laundry is a must-have feature for 63% of renters, while two out of three renters (62%) want to feel safe and secure in their community. Affordability matters just as much, with almost two-thirds (63%) of renters citing rent price as a significant factor in their decision to rent.

Meanwhile, clean, well-kept common areas also go a long way as 53% of renters say they make a real difference in how a place feels. A sense of home is important for 51% of renters, while friendly staff and responsive property management are valued by almost half of renters. Reliable high-speed internet is essential for 46% of them. For 42% of renters, having enough closet and storage space is crucial. At the same time, 40% of renters prioritize parking along with private outdoor spaces, such as balconies or patios.

What do renters look for in a neighborhood?

When it comes to choosing a location for their apartment, most renters prioritize safety, with 54% of respondents saying the safety of the neighborhood is the most important factor. Walkability comes next, with 39% selecting it as a top priority, followed by proximity to shopping (36%) and access to public transportation (30%). Other considerations include being near dining and entertainment (29%), highways (27%), and work (24%). Less commonly cited factors include access to outdoor activities (22%), proximity to medical facilities (21%), and being near a school (15%).

For many renters, affordability outweighs location, with 40% choosing the most budget-friendly neighborhood as their ideal. Lively urban neighborhoods near shops and entertainment appeal to 32% of respondents, while 31% prefer quieter suburban areas. Rural areas with open spaces attract 21% of renters, while 19% favor neighborhoods experiencing growth. Only a share of 16% choose ultra-urban areas close to a city’s business center, and 12% say a warehouse district with creative spaces best matches their ideal.

How much more are renters willing to pay for what they want in 2025?

Most renters show only limited willingness to compromise on price when a property offers all the benefits they seek. About 48% of respondents are prepared to accept a rent increase of up to $100, with 24% comfortable paying up to $50 more and another 24% willing to go up to $100. A smaller share of 20% pay an additional $101 to $200. Willingness drops further for larger amounts: 14% go up to $500 more, and only 18% consider paying over $500 extra per month.

What perks do renters want?

Renters show the most interest in financial incentives, with 41% citing lower rent for a longer lease as the most appealing move-in perk. Waived application fees (18%) and assistance with the security deposit (15%) follow. Other perks such as moving assistance (9%), help with utility connection (7%), free parking for the first month (6%), and deals on renters’ insurance (4%) hold less appeal.

As for digital services that enhance the rental experience, 49% of renters say photos and videos of specific apartment units help the most. Digital rent payments and maintenance requests are next at 44%. A third of renters express interest in digital lease applications and signing (33%) and virtual tours (33%). Other digital tools that receive support include one-stop platforms for services like renters’ insurance (26%), online community portals (24%), interactive property maps (21%), and AI-assisted apartment searches (16%).

Who are these renters?

We’ve asked our website visitors to take part in this survey that helped us understand what exactly would make an apartment their true home, their ‘happy place.’ Almost 2,200 renters answered our survey, most of them being part of Gen X (37%), followed by Baby Boomers (25%), Gen Zs (18%) and Millennials (17%).

Fair use and redistribution

We encourage you and freely grant you permission to reuse, host, or repost the research, graphics, and images presented in this article. When doing so, we ask that you credit our research by linking to RentCafe.com or this page, so that your readers can learn more about this project, the research behind it and its methodology. For more in-depth, customized data, please contact us at media@rentcafe.com.