More Gen Z tenants are looking for attractive, move-in ready spaces that make life a breeze from day one. Experts say that while the aesthetic appeal of a rental building can make a big difference, apartments or houses that come with modern conveniences and amenities are a bigger draw for tenants who are 29 years old and younger. “Gen Z renters are drawn to modern, well-designed spaces with features that make life easier and more social,” says Alex Abernathy, executive VP of Marketing for one of the nation's largest operators of student housing. Abernathy adds that Gen Z also craves connection, so rental communities that offer curated experiences are a priority for them.
As young professionals crave modern spaces, landlords should make strategic design changes, as well as the necessary preparations and preventative maintenance for a successful leasing season. To create move-in ready properties, here are the final touches that will help you win over Gen Z renters.
Functional Nooks
A new Gallup survey reveals that 71 percent of Gen Z professionals work in a hybrid setup, with their schedule split between the office and home. If you're aiming to attract young renters, think about setting up a home office or a functional nook in your rentals. The latter can be the ideal solution if space is scarce, and you can set it up in the bedroom, the living room, or even in the kitchen or dining area.
Start by installing a wall-mounted workstation to create a “floating desk” effect. You can use a piece of wood to DIY a workstation, or buy a ready-made Murphy table and anchor it directly to the wall. Add a few floating shelves to the nook, making sure that they're strong enough to support books, plants, and a few decorative knick knacks. Decorate the shelves with a potted fern and a small print or painting on a custom picture mount to keep the artwork flat and protect it from moisture and warping. Don't forget to add a cushioned chair that your tenant can use while they're working.
Smart Access
The average person misplaces their house keys about 2 to 6 times per year, but Gen Z may misplace their physical keys more often than Gen Xers or Millennials. Research suggests that Gen Z tend to lose things often since they rely on their phones to remember tasks and keep track of schedules, and this leads to the weakening of their natural memory and mental mapping. Dealing with multiple real-world responsibilities and multitasking also causes them to absentmindedly misplace essential items like wallets, eyeglasses, phones, and keys.
If you don't want to constantly deal with accidental lockouts, consider installing a smart lock to the main doors of your rental properties. Keyless entries like keypad deadbolts or smartphone controlled locks means that your Gen Z tenant won't have to worry about losing their keys. To make the smart lock safer for your renter and make them feel secure, hand over the master account or full administrative rights once they move in. Your tenant should be the only one generating the entry codes to ensure maximum privacy. Also, choose smart locks that come with a physical key backup. There's always a chance that the device's battery will run out or the software could go haywire, so a physical key will come in handy and prevent your renter from being locked out.
Fast Internet and Energy-Efficient Appliances
A good Internet connection is a must for Gen Z, so upgrade to no less than 500 Mbps fiber Internet. Optimize the router by keeping it away from large metal objects or heavy appliances that may cause interference, and move it to the center of the apartment. Consider advertising your Internet speed too to attract Gen Z renters.
If your appliances are outdated or if they're in dire need of replacement, swap them out for energy-efficient models. Gen Z prioritizes energy efficiency because it aligns with their financial needs since these help to reduce energy and water consumption. What's more, they view using appliances with low carbon footprints as an actionable way to fight climate change. Start by replacing the refrigerator, oven, and air conditioner with energy efficient models, and mention these upgrades in your ads.
Beautiful and modern spaces are a must for young professional tenants, so apply these final touches to make your properties Gen Z approved. It's the key to ensure a steady stream of tenants who prioritize lifestyle and flexibility, so you can enjoy years of maximized leasing success.
