Technology plays an integral role in enhancing various aspects of life. Younger generations, who are the primary drivers of the rental housing industry, now expect a living experience that delivers a new level of convenience and comfort. It may sound harsh, but renters may refuse to rent in a community that fails to adequately meet their tech preferences. Residents are redefining convenience and connectivity as part of their quest to gain greater control over their daily lives.

Some items, such as community-wide WiFi connectivity and in-unit washers and dryers, are making the transition from amenities that are nice to have to must-haves. However, there are numerous tech-driven amenities that can set a community apart from others in a market where competition for residents is growing. With the peak renting season just over the horizon, owner-operators need to examine the benefits they offer renters and what they can add to rise above the rest.

Impact of Tech-Driven Amenities on Resident Satisfaction

With the rise of smart home technology, residents have gained unprecedented control over their living spaces. From adjusting the lighting and temperature to managing security systems, these amenities empower residents to personalize their homes according to their preferences. Offering customization fosters a sense of ownership and comfort among residents, ultimately leading to higher satisfaction rates.

Tech-driven amenities have advanced the era of convenience in multifamily. Functions that previously required a trip or phone call to the office are now administered via user-friendly apps, enabling residents to effortlessly manage logistics like package delivery, maintenance requests, amenities access and more. This streamlined approach saves time and effort, allowing residents to focus on other aspects of their lives, as well as empowering onsite teams to focus their efforts on other property management responsibilities. As a result, resident satisfaction levels have soared in communities equipped with convenience technologies, as the hassle of mundane tasks is replaced with seamless digital solutions.

Ways to Enhance the Resident Experience Through Convenience and Control

1. The Delivery Experience: The rise in technology has facilitated a parallel rise in e-commerce, producing an influx of packages being delivered to multifamily communities. Some properties are not equipped with the infrastructure or package solutions to handle the rise in packages and the corresponding overflow issues. Innovative technologies now address this challenge by providing residents with convenient and secure delivery options. Resident-controlled deliveries, via user-friendly apps, have become the go-to solution for operators. Residents can track packages in real-time, schedule deliveries when it's most convenient and receive photo confirmation if they choose to have their package left at the door. This level of control removes many of the package management pain points, including missed deliveries and pilfered packages.

2. Efficient, Personalized Living: Personalization makes smart home technology appealing, even more so in an age where inflation requires residents to better manage their budgets. Intelligent thermostats and lighting offer a higher level of control over the temperature and promote energy efficiency, thus reducing consumption, costs and environmental impact. Several smart thermostats can even connect with the local energy programs to automatically reduce consumption in their units at times when rates and usage are the highest. As the world becomes increasingly conscious of the need for sustainability, smart amenities have emerged as a key player in reducing the environmental impact of multifamily living.

3. Better Access and Control: In addition to eliminating the need for keys, lifestyle-enhancing tech like smart locks offer residents a greater sense of security and control over their personal space. Temporary access can be granted by the resident to service providers or their guests via an app. These devices also track and alert the resident to times when their lock is used.

4. Flexible Work Spaces: Hybrid and remote work is the norm for many residents. Studies show that about 50% of the U.S. workforce is at home at least one day per week. Providing in-unit nooks or flexible spaces that can easily be converted to offices accommodates the needs of remote workers. However, residents who work at home don't necessarily want to be in their units all the time. A tech-rich co-working space with reliable Wi-Fi, printers and ample charging ports provides a respite for residents who need a break from looking at the same walls. Adding in some non-tech features, such as comfortable seats, light snacks and coffee, helps to establish a sense of work-life separation.

5. Digital-First Lead Nurturing and Leasing: Providing an immersive tech experience from the onset of the leasing experience shows a willingness to meet today's apartment hunters through their preferred channels. Online tours of units and the community, chatbots to answer basic questions and online scheduling all cater to future residents. These immersive technologies bring a new dimension to their search and enhance engagement.

In the evolving landscape of multifamily living, lifestyle-enhancing technology has emerged as a game-changer. From offering convenience and control to redefining efficiency and sustainability, tech-driven amenities have transformed the way residents experience their homes. The integration of user-friendly apps and third-party solutions significantly increases resident satisfaction, retention and property performance.