Traditional rental amenities like gyms and swimming pools are losing their appeal, as US renters now favour lifestyle-focused features such as pet areas and happy hours, according to new data from Zillow Rentals.
Listings featuring newer amenities such as turfed pet areas, air filtration systems, and community events like happy hours are seeing significantly more daily saves and shares compared to rentals with fitness centres and pools.
Zillow’s analysis of nearly 5.6 million rental listings shows that homes with pet-friendly turf areas experience a 76% boost in daily saves and a 91% increase in shares, while air filtration systems generate 72% more saves and 79% more shares. Community happy hours have also proved popular, with listings offering this feature receiving 50% more saves and 67% more shares.
In contrast, traditional luxury amenities are seeing fewer daily saves and shares. Fitness centres lead to 26% fewer saves, while pools result in 10% fewer saves. Business centres fare even worse, contributing to a 24% drop in saves.
The most in-demand essentials remain off-street parking and in-unit laundry, with these amenities generating nearly double the daily saves and shares compared to listings without them.
“Renters are being more deliberate about their choices, seeking practical and community-oriented features that enhance their daily lives,” said Emily McDonald, Zillow’s rental trends expert.
“With more money and time spent in the rental market, renters are looking for spaces that offer both convenience and lifestyle perks.”
As the rental market slows following a pandemic-era building boom, renters may have more opportunities to find homes with their preferred amenities, with many listings now offering concessions such as free parking to attract new tenants.
