There are different types of amenities. Many renters consider certain features essential, while others are nice to have. According to a recent Apartments.com survey, these are the top five apartment amenities renters consider indispensable.
1. Laundry facilities in units
People don’t like taking dirty clothes to the laundromat – or even to a shared laundry room in the basement. Three out of four renters considered in-unit laundry a nonnegotiable amenity in our survey. It’s just so convenient to throw in a load while watching TV.
When in-unit laundry isn’t available, renters look for alternative methods to wash their clothes. Over the last two years, washer and dryer hookups have ranked as the sixth most searched amenity on Apartments.com. Among seniors willing to bring or purchase their own appliances, washer and dryer hookups are among the top five searches. A laundry facility on site is also a must-have for renters who are flexible about the appliances in their apartments.
2. Air Conditioning
The summers have become hotter, so the demand for air conditioning has increased. Air conditioning equipment is used in over 83 percent of rented apartments and 84 percent of rented single-family homes and mobile homes in the U.S., according to the US Energy Information Administration.
The fact that 70 percent of renters consider A/C essential in their search makes sense.
According to Apartments.com data from the last two years, renters in Arizona, Colorado, North Dakota, the District of Columbia, and Illinois are most likely to specify air conditioning as a requirement.
The most willing renters to go without A/C, however, are those in Montana, New Hampshire, Delaware, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.
3. Backyard or Balcony
The majority of renters consider this amenity a necessity, whether it’s a fenced-in backyard or a balcony on which to enjoy breakfast on hot summer mornings.
Private outdoor space becomes increasingly important to renters as they age. Over 60 percent of renters 65 and over consider this amenity to be essential, compared to only 40 percent of the youngest renters.
4. Dishwasher
Dishes need to be cleaned? There’s no need to pile them up in the sink when you have a dishwasher. In 58 percent of rented residences, this kitchen appliance offers convenience, hygiene, and efficiency. According to the survey, 46 percent of renters considered it an essential amenity.
What is the reason for only 46 percent? While dishwashers are useful for kitchen cleanup, they are among the least-used appliances in American homes. The EIA reports that 30 percent of renters who own dishwashers do not use them at least once a week.
5. Pet Friendly
When searching for an apartment, renters don’t just consider their own needs. Pets are at the top of their priority list. Pet-friendly policies or features were considered essential by nearly 40 percent of renters who responded to the survey.
Data from Apartments.com shows that renters in Montana, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Wisconsin are most likely to search for dog-friendly apartments.
Showcase what your community has to offer pet owners if your community is pet-friendly. Does the property have a dog park or dog-washing station? Is there a dog-friendly park or walking trail near you? Is your pet fee – or lack thereof – competitive?
If your community doesn’t allow pets, you may want to reconsider your policy so that more renters can live in your community. According to recent data from the American Veterinary Medical Association, nearly 40 percent of U.S. households own a dog and over a quarter own a cat.
Conclusion
Make sure renters know what amenities each apartment includes when advertising your available units. You will attract more renters if you provide more unit-specific information.
Looking for more information about what renters are looking for? For more information, schedule an appointment with one of our BDMs
