New SmartRent Survey Reveals What Renters Expect from Property Managers During Peak Summer Leasing Season
MWN-AI** Summary
SmartRent, Inc. recently conducted a survey revealing that 56% of U.S. renters are poised to move, driven largely by a desire for more space and modern amenities. The survey, conducted in partnership with Morning Consult, highlighted Gen Z's significant influence, with 68% of this demographic open to relocating for lifestyle upgrades. Key expectations from renters include that rent should cover essential utilities, such as water (61%), trash (53%), and on-site maintenance (43%). These findings emphasize a growing demand for transparency and convenience in rental agreements, especially as renters wish to avoid unexpected charges.
In addition to utility expectations, the survey pointed to the rising importance of smart home technologies. Renters expressed a particular interest in security features, with 69% prioritizing networked security cameras, 58% valuing smart locks, and 56% desiring smart thermostats. This trend is especially pronounced among younger renters, who also identified security concerns as a primary issue in their current living situations.
The results suggest that property managers who incorporate essential utilities alongside modern technologies can significantly enhance their appeal, particularly among younger tenants. With Gen Z leading the charge for smart living options, property managers that address these expectations are more likely to retain this valuable demographic. Frank Martell, President and CEO of SmartRent, emphasized the importance of aligning rental offerings with the lifestyle needs of today's renters, stating that integrating these features not only attracts potential tenants but also contributes to a more connected and efficient rental housing industry.
Overall, the survey underscores the evolving landscape of renter expectations as the peak summer leasing season unfolds.
MWN-AI** Analysis
As the summer leasing season heats up, property managers must heed the findings from SmartRent's recent survey, which underscores evolving renter expectations and preferences. With 56% of U.S. renters ready to move—especially among the tech-savvy Gen Z demographic—property managers should adapt their strategies to meet these demands or risk losing potential tenants.
The survey highlights a significant expectation among renters for core utilities to be bundled into their rental agreements, with 61% wanting water and 53% desiring trash services included. This expectation for transparency and comprehensive service suggests that property managers should consider revising fee structures to include essential utilities. By doing so, operators can enhance tenant satisfaction while bolstering their reputation for reliability and transparency.
Moreover, the emphasis Gen Z places on modern amenities cannot be overlooked. A staggering 69% of renters expressed a desire for networked security features, such as security cameras and smart locks. Property managers should prioritize integrating smart home technology, which can serve as a critical differentiator in a competitive market. Investing in these tech-forward solutions not only meets the demands of younger tenants but can also lead to lower operating costs through enhanced energy efficiency.
In conclusion, property managers are presented with a unique opportunity to attract and retain a high-mobility tenant base by aligning their offerings with the expectations uncovered in the SmartRent survey. Focusing on the integration of smart technologies and transparent utility inclusion will not only meet the demands of today’s renters but also position property managers as leaders in the evolving rental landscape. By adopting these strategies, they can create a more appealing rental experience that caters to the lifestyle and safety priorities of modern renters.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
- 56% of U.S. renters are ready to move, with Gen Z driving demand for modern amenities
- Majority believe rent should cover water and trash expenses
- Gen Z prioritizes rental homes with security cameras, video doorbells and smart locks
SmartRent , Inc. (NYSE: SMRT), the leading provider of smart communities solutions and smart operations solutions for the rental housing industry, today released new findings from its nationwide survey of renters, conducted in partnership with Morning Consult . As the highly competitive summer rental season unfolds, the results reveal the nuanced approach renters are taking as they consider their next home. While many are open to moving, they bring firm expectations to their search, especially around core utilities and technologies.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250626105622/en/
A new survey of 939 U.S. renters reveals that 56% are ready to move - driven by a desire for more space, new neighborhoods and rising rents. Most expect basics like water and maintenance to be included, and many prioritize smart home features like security cameras and keyless access. Younger renters, especially, show high mobility, with 68% open to relocating for a lifestyle upgrade.
Renters are Ready to Relocate
According to the survey of 939 U.S. renters, 56% are ready to move out of their current rental property. Respondents cited desiring more space (26%), wanting to live in a new neighborhood (24%) and price increases at their last residence (21%) as the top reasons behind their most recent moves. These driving factors illustrate why renters might want to relocate even during the high season.
In addition to reasons why renters leave their rental homes, the survey also uncovered several areas where they aren’t willing to settle as they search for their next property, despite the competitive market.
Renters Expect Core Utilities and Services Included in Monthly Rent
When asked about what they would expect to be included in their monthly rent, 61% said their property manager should cover water, 53% said trash and 43% said on-site maintenance. These priorities indicate that renters have a standard level of convenience and care that they believe should be built into the rental experience. Basic living standards took precedence over building amenities like a gym, pool or common outdoor space. Importantly, this also underscores the need for transparent fee structures, as renters want to avoid surprise charges and know exactly what they’re expected to pay for. The data also reinforces that clear expectations around the services included help to build trust and satisfaction in the rental relationship.
Security Cameras and Smart Locks Top Renters’ Wish Lists
Renters want modern technologies, and they look for these factors during their rental searches. Many renters said the following smart home technologies are “very important” or “somewhat important” to have in their next rental property: Networked security cameras (69%); smart door locks/keyless access (58%); and smart thermostats (56%). These features are designed to enhance safety and reduce utility costs, making them differentiators in a crowded market.
Young Renters Offer Potential for Property Managers
Young renters still present the biggest opportunity for property managers during this peak rental season. Sixty-eight percent of 18-to-29-year-old respondents say they’re open to relocating – the highest of any cohort surveyed.
These renters indicated the strongest preferences for what they’re looking for in a property. They reported that their motivation to move is determined much more by the opportunity for lifestyle upgrades than rent increases, with 34% looking for more space and 26% wanting to try a different neighborhood.
They’re also the age group most frustrated by the lack of security in their current rentals, as 21% of them flagged it as a key concern. This relates to their tech-forward tendencies; they expressed the strongest interest in smart technologies like networked security cameras (72%), video doorbells (70%) and smart indoor lighting (57%) when compared to other age groups.
Gen Z renters are less driven by rental costs, are very willing to move and are the most vocal about wanting larger apartments equipped with smart home staples. As such, property managers who deliver these upgrades can attract, and more importantly retain, this important demographic in the ever-competitive landscape. Offering peace of mind enhancing devices directly addresses a major pain point while reinforcing the lifestyle upgrade this age group values most.
“Renters have high expectations, especially in competitive markets,” said Frank Martell, President and CEO of SmartRent. “Our survey shows that when operators bundle essential utilities with smart?home features, they stand out, especially among renters under 30 years of age. This is on top of this technology also lowering costs. Renters today want transparency, as well as the convenience and technology that fits their lifestyles. By helping property managers deliver on these priorities, we’re supporting a smarter, more connected rental housing industry, preparing them for what comes next.”
To learn more about how SmartRent can help meet the renter expectations uncovered by the survey, visit www.smartrent.com .
Methodology: Morning Consult interviewed 939 renters in the United States between May 27 th – 29 th , 2025. The Margin of Error for the total sample is +/-3 at the 95% confidence level. The interviews were conducted online and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on gender, educational attainment, age, and region.
About SmartRent
Founded in 2017, SmartRent, Inc. (NYSE: SMRT) is a leading provider of smart communities solutions and smart operations solutions to the rental housing industry. SmartRent’s end-to-end enterprise ecosystem powers smarter living and working in rental housing by automating operations, protecting assets, reducing energy consumption, enhancing the resident experience and more. The company’s differentiators - purpose-built software and hardware, and end-to-end implementation and support - create an exceptional experience, with 15 of the top 20 multifamily operators and millions of users leveraging SMRT solutions daily. For more information, please visit smartrent.com .
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250626105622/en/
Media Contact
Amanda Chavez - Vice President, Marketing and Communications
media@smartrent.com
Investor Contact
Kelly Reisdorf - Head of Investor Relations
investors@smartrent.com
FAQ**
How does SmartRent Inc. Class A SMRT plan to leverage the growing demand for smart home technologies among renters, especially Gen Z, to enhance its market position in the competitive rental housing industry?
What strategies is SmartRent Inc. Class A SMRT considering to help property managers meet the high expectations for included utilities and services as highlighted in the recent survey?
With 56% of U.S. renters ready to move, how does SmartRent Inc. Class A SMRT intend to capitalize on this trend to expand its customer base and service offerings?
Given that 68% of young renters prioritize smart technologies, how is SmartRent Inc. Class A SMRT positioned to attract and retain this demographic in an evolving rental landscape?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about SmartRent Inc. Class A (NYSE: SMRT).
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