UP Front: What Apartment Renters Really Want

Smart technology. Green space. Sustainability. For years, apartment owners have been in search of the ideal mix of amenities and building features to attract the best renters. In return, they have been met with an avalanche of suggestions, some of which have hit the mark and others washing out.

For example, while virtual tours of apartments have been heavily marketed by vendors as the next big thing, research has found that the majority of renters still prefer an in-person tour with a community representative. Such findings, of course, are rarely absolute. For instance, 14% of renters noted that they would rent an apartment sight unseen, says Rick Haughey, VP of Technology Initiatives at the National Multifamily Housing Council.