What Modern Multifamily Residents Want — and How to Deliver It
Multifamily housing is evolving rapidly. As someone who works with multifamily operators every day, I can see firsthand that today’s residents — especially younger, digital-native renters — are looking for homes that offer more than four walls and a roof. They’re looking for comfort, flexibility, convenience, and security, all supported by modern technology.
According to Capterra, 73% of renters say that technology influences their housing decisions. That means that to attract and retain modern renters, property managers need to understand what truly shapes the resident experience, from how they tour the property to how they open the front door.
Flexible Touring Options
Many prospective renters still prefer a guided tour in order to get the best answers to their questions, but almost 40% say they want the option to tour a property on their own schedule. Self-guided tours are especially appealing to busy professionals or renters relocating from out of town, whose schedules might not be as flexible. Prospects who prefer self-touring want to take their time, exploring the unit at their own pace without the perceived pressure of a leasing agent in the room with them.
I often hear concerns about enabling these kinds of tours safely and securely. But the truth is, it doesn’t have to be a challenge. Modern property technology allows managers to verify identities, book tours, and enable temporary access to prospects with no staff coordination required. You’ll meet your prospects’ growing demand for flexibility and fill vacancies faster.
Outdoor Spaces to Recharge and Relax
Renters are increasingly placing emphasis on green spaces, patios, rooftop lounges, firepits, and nearby parks, which offer them both relaxation and a chance to connect with their neighbors. Residents want wellness and community from their multifamily properties, and offering them a relaxing space to mingle is essential for keeping residents happy and turnover low.
Community Events That Build Connection
More than ever, I’m noticing that residents are seeking a sense of connection with their community and their neighbors. Community events like movie nights, barbecues, or seasonal parties will help residents feel more at home and foster a sense of belonging and loyalty. Property teams that invest in regular events — and communicate them well to their residents — will enjoy higher retention and better reviews.
Controlled Access to Amenities and Deliveries
Shared facilities like gyms, pools, lounges, and mailrooms are valuable, but only if residents feel safe using them. According to apartments.com, more than 70% of renters want controlled access to amenities, package facilities, and the property itself.
With RemoteLock, managers can create access schedules and permission for these areas, even enabling secure, self-serve package access to residents — an increasingly valuable amenity with the continued rise in online shopping.
Secure, Convenient Guest Access
Increasingly, I’ve noticed a desire for autonomy in the way that residents interact with their apartments. They want to be able to treat their unit like their own home, not a borrowed room. This means that residents expect to be able to grant access to friends, family, or service providers — without requiring staff involvement.
RemoteLock supports guest access with time-bound PINs or mobile credentials. Residents can manage guest permissions independently through an intuitive app, while property managers retain full visibility and control.
Flexible Pet Policies
Pets are family, and nothing drives away a prospective renter faster than telling them their family isn’t welcome — especially if your pet policies seem irrational. Renters are especially drawn to properties that not only allow pets but welcome them with dog parks, pet washing stations, or relaxed restrictions. It’s something I’ve heard time and again — pet-friendly policies aren’t just a perk anymore, they’re a priority.
A Mobile-First Living Experience
Modern residents manage nearly every aspect of their lives via smartphone — from groceries to home climate control. They expect the same from their housing. In fact, 59% of renters say they’d be more likely to select a future apartment if it offered mobile access control.
Thanks to modern technology like locks from Schlage and the RemoteLock Resident App, property managers can offer a mobile-first experience without major infrastructure upgrades. Properties that embrace a mobile-first mindset will certainly be better positioned to meet resident expectations and stand out in a competitive rental market.
Energy Efficiency That Doesn’t Sacrifice Comfort
Sustainability is now a deciding factor for many renters. In one survey, 72% of residents said energy efficiency impacts their rental decisions. But energy savings shouldn’t come at the cost of resident comfort.
Our multifamily customers at RemoteLock have placed significant emphasis on implementing smart thermostats in recent years. This allows property managers to adjust temperatures in vacant units, offer remote thermostat control to residents, and run a more efficient property.
This is especially valuable during move-ins, extended vacancies, or seasonal changes.
Integrated, Not Isolated, Technology
Renters may never see what’s happening behind the scenes, but they benefit when systems work together. Properties that connect their access control with property management systems can resolve issues faster and deliver a smoother resident experience.
Today’s renters expect more from their properties than ever, but the good news is that modern property technology makes it possible to meet those expectations without adding undue complexity. I’m proud of the work we’re doing at RemoteLock to help multifamily managers deliver the security, convenience, and efficiency that modern renters demand.
Nolan Mondrow
CEO
With more than 25-plus years of experience in software, telecommunications, e-commerce and international trade sectors, Nolan Mondrow is RemoteLock’s CEO. He’s held executive and leadership positions in both startups and Fortune 50 companies throughout his career. After Nolan had a hand in pioneering the industry’s first Wi-Fi connected locks, he’s been leading the charge at RemoteLock, the industry leader in access-centered property operations.
