In today's vast digital landscape and fast-paced environment, reliable WiFi connectivity has become more than just a convenience – it is now a necessity. Year over year, reliable connectivity continues to move up the ladder as a top priority for residents. The 2024 NMHC and Grace Hill Renter Preferences Survey has identified this as a top requirement of features and amenities in apartment communities.

This demand goes beyond simply avoiding dropped signals. Residents expect continuous connectivity and seamless access to all online services and features the moment they step foot on a property, whether inside their home or throughout the community.

Operators are finding that they can effectively meet connectivity expectations, regardless of property type, by offering a managed Wi-Fi service – a connectivity foundation that keeps residents connected to the same secure internet connection throughout an entire property regardless of their location.

It's All in the Data

The survey also underscores the importance of connectivity in today's communities. The survey, which gathers insights from 172,000 renters, ranks more than 80 features and amenities, and to no surprise, high-speed internet connection and cell phone reception are atop the list.

According to the survey's findings, a staggering 90% of respondents were either interested in or wouldn't rent without high-speed internet. That makes it the third-highest ranking apartment feature this year, following air conditioning and in-unit washer and dryer. Likewise, 86% of respondents indicated that they are interested in or wouldn't rent at a community without reliable cell reception. Moreover, when considering the respondents who wouldn't rent without dependable cell reception, it ranked as the most-sought-after amenity, with 39% saying it is a necessity.

Meeting Resident Expectations

Residents have made it abundantly clear – they crave immediate and end-to-end connectivity at every turn of the renter journey and experience. From self-guided touring and self-service leasing to the functionality of proptech and smart home features, reliable connectivity is a must have. However, not every community is outfitted with an adequate digital infrastructure that can power community-wide WiFi.

In order to optimize operations and enhance the resident experience, operators are realizing they must improve the connectivity foundation of their communities. Because every community is different and there is no one size fits all solution, operators can partner with an innovative managed WiFi provider that can design and implement a customized approach based on unique building needs. Many communities simply lack the infrastructure required to support the seamless connectivity of the countless devices both residents and associates have come to rely on. Enlisting a managed WiFi provider that is capable of laying a reliable fiber network backbone, whether in a new-build or existing community in need of a retrofit, will ensure continued digital sustainability.

It's about more than just implementing quick fixes to meet the immediate needs of residents and onsite teams, laying a solid digital infrastructure positions communities for adaptability and sustained ROI.

Residents expect immediate connectivity that seamlessly follows them wherever they are located on a property. Onsite teams require community-wide connectivity to effectively accomplish their day-to-day duties and operational tasks. Whether maintenance teams need access to control rooms or residents need WiFi reliant remote work capabilities, a continuous, community-wide WiFi service is essential to enhancing operations, as well as attracting and retaining residents. Now more than ever before, residents demand reliable, affordable, convenient and affordable connectivity.