Students are a unique demographic of renters. Their limitations, like lack of income and strict college schedule, create a different set of needs compared to traditional renters. These needs, from short-term leasing options to proximity to campus, are crucial to consider for landlords or property managers.
If you’re investing in a property near a university, you’ll need to understand the unique wants and needs of student renters. Luckily, the latest Apartments.com survey of prospective renters reveals a lot about college tenants and their housing preferences. In this guide, we’ll share these findings to answer the question: What do student renters look for in a rental?
Key Takeaways:
- Digital-first expectations shape housing decisions: According to Apartments.com, 77% of Gen Z student renters prefer to submit rental applications digitally, 55% want to book tours online, and 41% favor chat or instant messaging with leasing agents—underscoring the need for tech-savvy leasing processes.
- Affordability and transparency lead rental priorities: 83% of surveyed students cited price as their top concern, and they strongly value clear, upfront disclosure of all rental fees—including deposits, pet fees, and parking costs.
- Location, safety, and lifestyle amenities matter most: 60% of student renters prioritize location (close to campus, work, and transit), while 48% rank safety as a top concern. When it comes to features, in-unit laundry, updated appliances, and air conditioning rank above floor plan size.
Understanding This Generation of Student Renters
To effectively meet student renters’ needs, it takes some understanding of who they are, what they like, and where their needs stem from.
Today’s college renters are individuals born roughly between 2003 and 2007, categorizing them as Gen Z. This unique generation of renters is making waves in rental markets across the country, setting new precedents and redefining housing expectations and preferences. To break it down further, here are some defining Gen Z traits that heavily influence housing decisions and trends:
Experience-driven spending
Spending habits largely influence Gen Zer’s housing decisions. In a recent survey from Apartments.com, 52% of Gen Z respondents said they’d prefer to spend their money on experiences, rather than assets. Their priorities revolve around living life to the fullest, rather than accumulating tangible items.
These findings suggest many things about student renter trends. For example, some young renters might choose location over upscale amenities, as there’s often more adventure to be had outside of an apartment. Additionally, these spending priorities could suggest disinterest in buying a home. While that was the ultimate American Dream, it seems that younger generations are shifting their focus towards experiences and personal growth rather than the traditional markers of success.
Mobile-first mindset
Many refer to Gen Z as the “Internet Generation.” This is because much of Gen Z has a mobile-first mindset, meaning they’re constantly online, in touch, and in tune with digital experiences and solutions.
In the same survey by Apartments.com, 96% of Gen Z respondents said they use the internet every day. These online habits are also displayed through their housing decisions, as 41% said they prefer to communicate with leasing agents via chat or instant messaging, 55% prefer to book apartment tours online, and 77% would rather submit their rental applications digitally. This shift toward online communication and transactions highlights the digital expectations of young renters, setting a new standard for property managers.
Cravings for connection
Another thing to know about young renters is that they crave community. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many college-aged Gen Zers missed out on pivotal opportunities for social connection. The same findings from Apartments.com determined that 58% of Gen have two or more unmet social needs and 67% describe themselves as lonely. That said, landlords should anticipate college renters looking to live with roommates or in social communities.
Top Student Renter Priorities
We polled just over 1,200 full-time students about their housing preferences. Below, we’ll outline some of our findings to paint a clear picture of what student renters want most in a rental property. Let’s get started!
Price sensitivity and cost transparency
Survey results showed that price is top priority for student renters, receiving recognition from 83% of respondents. But, along with affordable monthly rates, students are also seeking transparent pricing, meaning they want to know about all rental fees and additional costs upfront, along with the monthly rate. This can include pet fees, parking costs, security deposits, etc.
When setting rent prices for college students, consider strategies like tiered or group discount pricing. Tiered pricing involves offering different rental rates based on factors like apartment size, location, and amenities. Group discount pricing offers a lower rate for groups of roommates or friends renting together. Using these tactics will better accommodate students’ budgets and lifestyles, and increase the appeal of your property.
Location and safety
As mentioned earlier, location is a huge factor for young renters. Survey results found that six in 10 student renters consider location a top consideration when choosing where to live. Some factors that determine whether a location is considered “good” include proximity to work, campus, and public transportation.
Safety also plays into how young renters evaluate rental locations. In the same survey, 48% of respondents ranked safety and security as a top consideration for their housing search. This means students are seeking somewhere with low crime rates, walkability, and other helpful security measures like good lighting or gated entrances.
Essential amenities
Survey findings determined that student renters prioritize amenities over floor plans. This means that your average college student would likely go for the apartment with less square footage if it meant having in-unit, updated appliances like a dishwasher or laundry machine. Other sought-after features, according to survey results, include air conditioning, off-street parking or garage, adequate storage, a fitness center or gym, and walk-in closets.
Marketing and Leasing Strategies for Student Renters
Marketing and leasing strategies look a little different for college renters. They have different needs and priorities than traditional renters, such as short-term leases or multi-roommate households. As a landlord, it’s important to adapt your marketing and leasing approach to accommodate these unique student needs.
Listing best practices
To create an effective student rental listing, you must follow certain listing practices. First and foremost, make sure to provide as much detail as possible, specifically about pricing, location, and amenities. Make sure to use clear and simple language, as student renters might not be familiar with leasing jargon.
Along with detailed descriptions, embellish your listing with high-quality photos and videos. If you’re listing with Apartments.com, you might also include an immersive 3D tour, which can give potential renters a realistic and interactive view of your property.
Where to advertise
Where you advertise is just as important as how you advertise your listing, especially with young renters. As previously mentioned, student renters respond best to digital platforms, such as rental websites or social media. Whether it be a guided home walkthrough on TikTok or a virtual 360-degree tour on Apartments.com, this is your chance to get creative! Young renters commend authenticity and out-of-the-box thinking, so try to convey those in your advertising.
Lease structure and flexibility
Because students typically follow a unique academic schedule, offering leases that align with the academic calendar can be a major selling point for student renters. This means providing flexible lease options, such as shorter term leases or the ability to sublet the unit during summer months. This provides more wiggle room for students who may go away for internships or study abroad programs during the academic off-season.
Attract Student Renters with Apartments.com
Now that you understand what student renters want, it’s time to make your property stand out. Listing on Apartments.com makes it simple. Reach millions of potential renters and boost leads with our advanced listing tools. Whether your unit is close to campus, offers modern amenities, or checks all the boxes, our platform helps you highlight its best features to attract more renters.
In addition to our listing services, take advantage of our other Rental Tools for property management. From expense tracking to tenant screening, Apartments.com provides everything you need to manage your rentals efficiently.
Disclaimer: Data referenced here was collected by Apartments.com in September 2025. Renter preferences are based on survey data from CoStar Group.
FAQs
Are student renters reliable tenants?
Student renters can be reliable tenants if expectations are clear from the start. While some may lack rental experience, many are responsible and willing to follow rules, especially with proper communication and a clear lease agreement.
What lease terms work best for student renters?
Flexible lease terms, such as 12-month agreements starting in line with the academic calendar, often work best for student renters. Some may also prefer shorter-term options if they only need housing for a semester.
What amenities are most important to student renters?
Students value amenities like air conditioning, laundry facilities, and adequate parking. Affordable rent and proximity to campus and work are also major priorities for this group.
How should landlords advertise rentals to students?
Landlords can advertise rentals to students through platforms like college housing boards, social media, and student-focused websites. Highlighting affordability, location, and key amenities will grab their attention.
