The definition of rental housing is changing. Fast.
Today’s renters want more than a transitional space or a place to put their stuff. They want housing that aligns with their lifestyles, values, and desires without compromising community, connection, and convenience.
At Quinn Residences, we have dedicated rental communities throughout the Southeastern US, giving us unique insights into what modern renters are actually looking for in a home. With an average resident age of 37, we see firsthand what millennial and Gen Z renters prioritize when choosing a home and a community.
Here’s what we’ve learned.
#1 Smart Homes and Simple Experiences Set the Standard
Modern renters want modern amenities. They want the smart solutions that make their homes more efficient, and more connected.
According to consumer research by Parks Associates, 75% of single-family renters are interested in smart home features offered by property owners, including 60% who want preinstalled security and smart home devices.
That’s why all Quinn Residences include a full suite of smart home features, including:
- Ring doorbell
- Leak detection
- Smart thermostat
- Smart lighting
Of course, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are impacting more than the in-home experience. Renters are increasingly expecting to make online appointments, pay, and submit maintenance requests from their phones.
At a time when rents are soaring in many areas and affordability is top of mind, transparency about rents, fees, and lease conditions is an absolute must.
#2 Purpose-Driven Design Supports How People Actually Live
Modern renters want their homes to support their lives. They want well-designed spaces that accommodate everything from work-from-home and wellness to community connection and recreation.
Already, more than a third of renters use their home as an office, while nearly 20% say their next rental must have a gym or wellness space. This is especially true for millennial and Gen Z renters. Right Now Living reports that 73% of this rental cohort says wellness influences where they choose to live.
Notably, old-school, big, open clubhouses sit empty and are rarely used. That’s why Quinn’s amenities focus on use and customer demand. Our residents consistently tell us that social gathering spaces are among their most-used and most-loved features. Proven, high-demand amenities include:
- Playgrounds
- Fire pit seating
- Outdoor barbecue areas and kitchens
- Walking trails and green spaces
As residents spend more time living and working under one roof, energy efficiency matters more than ever. Quinn homes feature high-efficiency HVAC systems, energy-saving appliances, and EV-ready garages to help residents lower their footprint and their utility bills.
Ultimately, purpose-driven design means acknowledging these lifestyle shifts and building single-family rental environments that truly serve the renter’s daily needs.
”Renters want the privacy, space, and convenience of a true home for their pets to enjoy
#3 Pet-Friendly Living Is Non-Negotiable
People love their pets, and pet owners make up the majority of renters. They even search for “pet-friendly” twice as often as they do for other rental amenities, according to Zillow.
One of the most remarkable trends we’ve observed in Quinn’s demographics is that more than 40% of our residents have furry family members.
Unsurprisingly, private, fenced-in backyards are a significant driver of rental demand. It’s one of the biggest reasons renters choose a single-family home over an apartment. Renters want the privacy, space, and convenience of a true home for their pets to enjoy.
That’s why Quinn communities are designed with pets in mind from the ground up. Our neighborhoods feature large, dedicated dog parks and open green spaces where pets and their owners can socialize, exercise, and feel at home.
Simply put, pets are part of the plan.
Renting Redefined
Renters today aren’t settling. They’re choosing rental options that actually meet their needs.
They want smart, well-designed homes in communities built around how they actually live, not just where they sleep.
At Quinn Residences, we build single-family rental communities with all of this in mind: the technology, the thoughtful design, the pet-friendly spaces, and the neighborhood feel that turns a rental into a home.
Want to Learn More?
- Explore Our Portfolio: Find a dedicated rental community near you and discover how connection thrives in every season.
- Join the Conversation: Follow Quinn Residences on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest updates.
Homes with Life in Mind.
