Which amenities matter most to renters as they search for a new place this summer? Some unit-level and community amenities are nice to have, while others are crucial. A recent survey by Apartments.com revealed the top amenities as of May 2025.
The survey, which featured over 20,000 people planning to rent their next place, highlighted the top amenities renters said they couldn’t live without.
Does your property have renters’ must-haves? When evaluating your amenity offerings, these 10 features can boost your property’s appeal the most.
1. Air conditioning
Like in-unit laundry, air conditioning is a practical consideration. A whopping seven in 10 renters aren’t willing to brave a hot summer without A/C. And for the first time, this popular amenity took the #1 spot, outranking even in-unit laundry.
And while air conditioning is important to renters of all ages, it’s even more important for older renters. Three-quarters of baby boomers won’t rent without A/C, whereas only 67 percent of millennials rank A/C as essential.
2. In-unit laundry
Most renters wouldn’t choose a place that doesn’t come with its own washing machine and dryer. Having an in-unit washer and dryer is a necessity for 68 percent of renters.
This amenity has slipped down in the ranks compared to past surveys, where in-unit laundry typically ranked well above all other options as the #1 amenity with about three in four renters. What’s behind this shift?
As popular as in-unit laundry is, some renters are willing to rent if a place has an onsite laundry facility — 29 percent of renters marked this amenity as required. The addition of this option to the survey is likely the reason for the slip in the popularity of the in-unit washer and dryer.
But even so, the race between air conditioning and in-unit laundry remains tight — a difference of only two points.
3. Off-street parking or garage
Nearly tied with the dishwasher, parking comes out ahead, as the third most popular amenity. For 44 percent of renters, having off-street parking or a garage is essential.
And this amenity is increasingly important for renters as they get older. Around 40 percent of Gen Z and millennials say off-street parking or a garage is a requirement. For Gen X, it’s 45 percent. But over half of baby boomers and Silent Generation renters say they wouldn’t choose a place without it.
4. Dishwasher
Wash the dishes by hand? No thanks, say 44 percent of respondents. For these renters, this kitchen amenity is a must-have.
Youngest renters are the most likely to consider a dishwasher a necessity. Nearly half of Gen Z respondents (49 percent) said it was a requirement, while only 41 percent of Gen X and baby boomer respondents agreed.
5. Balcony, patio, or private outdoor space
Renters want their outdoor space, too. For 43 percent of survey respondents, it’s crucial to find a place with a balcony, patio, or private outdoor space. These units give renters the opportunity to step outside without leaving their home, to enjoy the fresh air and sun, and even to grow some outdoor plants.
Older renters are much more likely to value outdoor space. Only 34 percent of Gen Z renters consider a balcony essential, compared to a whopping 53 percent of baby boomers.
6. Onsite laundry facilities
For renters who can live without an in-unit washer and dryer, laundry still matters. The presence of onsite laundry facilities — a new addition to the survey this quarter, based on past write-in responses — was a must-have for 29 percent of respondents. This amenity offers the ease of having a go-to place within the building to wash and dry a load of laundry.
7. Storage
Is there room for my stuff? This key concern for renters selecting their next place is likely motivating 29 percent of renters to say that storage is a must-have. Whether it’s a spacious apartment with ample cabinets and closets, a place with an outdoor storage closet on the balcony, or a property that offers extra storage space in the basement, any additional storage is essential.
This amenity is more popular among women than men (31 percent to 26 percent), and it gains popularity with age. Less than a quarter of Gen Z renters (24 percent) consider storage a must-have, compared to 37 percent of baby boomers and 39 percent of the Silent Generation.
8. Walk-in closets
When you live in an apartment, every square foot counts. For 27 percent of respondents, having a walk-in closet is a necessity. The walk-in closet, an ever-popular apartment amenity and new addition to the survey, gives renters a comfortable way to store their clothes and belongings without clutter.
Women, who comprise the majority of apartment seekers, are 7 points more likely than men to prioritize walk-in closets. Much like storage more generally, the importance of the walk-in closet also increases with age. It’s a must-have for a third of baby boomers and up, but only a fifth of Gen Z renters say they wouldn’t rent without it.
9. Fitness center or gym
For 19 percent of renters, their next place has got to have a fitness center or gym. Wellness has been a top priority for multifamily in recent years, and renters appreciate having an onsite place to lift weights, hop on the elliptical, or crank up the treadmill for a run.
This amenity is especially popular among younger renters. Having an onsite gym is considered essential for 23 percent of Gen Z renters and 21 percent of millennials, compared to only 17 percent of Gen Xers and 13 percent of baby boomers.
10. Elevator
When you live on the top floor, it matters whether you have to take the stairs or can use the elevator. Having an elevator, which was a common write-in option in past surveys, was a new addition this quarter and was a priority for 17 percent of renters.
Not surprisingly, the elevator becomes increasingly important to renters as they age. Only 13 percent of Gen Z renters say it’s a must-have, whereas 28 percent of baby boomers and 44 percent of the Silent Generation say so. Does your building have elevators? Highlighting this amenity can be a great way to attract senior renters.
How other amenities ranked
These amenities took the top 10 spots, ranking as important to a fifth or more of renters. But they’re not the only features that renters care about.
Less popular amenities include a pool (16 percent), smart lock for entry (12 percent), and smart home appliances (10 percent).
Which amenities can most renters live without? Sports courts like tennis, pickleball, and basketball are essential to only 4 percent of renters, while only 3 percent won’t choose a place that lacks electric vehicle charging stations.
In addition to the amenities discussed above, survey respondents were also given the ability to write in their own responses, and 5 percent did so.
Accessibility was a top consideration for many of these respondents, who listed accessible units, living on the ground floor, and disability-friendly parking as essential.
Other popular responses in the “Other” category included hardwood flooring, a fenced-in yard, garbage disposal, and washer/dryer hookups.
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