6 Property Management Trends for 2026

Property management industry trends often influence resident retention and acquisition. Here are the 6 latest trends that you need to know.

Our Resident Experience Management Report is back for another year and we are excited to share the findings from our latest edition. If you want to know the newest, most interesting, and latest property management trends, The Resident Experience Management Report is a great resource. And trust us, it’s full of insights to help companies thrive in the long run.

After surveying 600 property managers and 1,000 renters, this report uncovered several noteworthy developments that property managers should have on their radar and reveals the property management trends that are happening at multifamily communities. Let’s dive into 6 of the most impactful trends that are poised to influence the resident experience in the year ahead.

What industry trends in property management are influencing resident retention & acquisition?

Based on our research, here are the latest 6 property management and apartment industry trends that are influencing resident retention & acquisition:

1. Renters mostly prefer digital self service options over human assistance
2. The move-in experience influences lease renewals
3. Retention goals have soared since 2021
4. Property managers mistakenly say renters do not renew because of life changes
5. Renter expectations are increasing, especially around on-site customer service
6. Renters continue to favor the basic elements of apartment living over amenities

RENTER INSIGHTS

2025 Resident Experience Management Report

Building on five years of insights from property managers, our latest report includes direct feedback from renters. We’ve gathered perspectives from over 1,000 renters and 600 multifamily companies to provide a dual perspective on the current state of the multifamily resident experience.

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Trend #1: Renters mostly prefer digital self service options over human assistance

Renters in our survey were asked to identify which apartment-related tasks they want to handle digitally and which ones they’d rather have help from their property manager. For almost all of the listed activities, digital/automated services were preferred over human interaction. A digital environment is overwhelmingly preferred for administrative tasks like paying rent, taking a survey, or receiving community updates.

Although automation and digital interfaces were favored for most activities, there are some exceptions. More renters prefer human assistance with the move-in process, package delivery, and lease renewals. In these cases, renters expressed a need for personalized attention and expertise that human interaction provides.

This finding shows the importance for property managers to invest in user-friendly technology that streamlines common resident touchpoints. Automating these everyday interactions can enhance the resident experience because it gives on-site teams the bandwidth to assist renters who prefer human assistance.

Trend #2: The move-in experience influences lease renewals

The move-in experience sets the stage for how a renter feels about their apartment community. It also influences whether or not a resident will renew. After surveying renters, data shows there is a clear link between the quality of the move-in experience and a renter’s likelihood to renew their lease. Renters who rated their move-in experience as somewhat or extremely positive are twice as likely to renew their lease than those who said they had a negative experience.

Luckily, property management companies are doing a good job at providing a positive move-in experience. In fact, 75% of renters we surveyed rated their move-in experience as either extremely or somewhat positive. This suggests that property managers are recognizing the move-in as a strategic touchpoint for fostering resident loyalty.

Trend #3: Retention goals have soared since 2021

The Resident Experience Management Report has tracked resident retention rates and goals for 5 years in a row. Looking at the data this year, we noticed a striking trend – the percentage of property managers who have set retention goals of more than 70% has tripled since 2021. What does this mean for the multifamily industry? The upward trend of high retention goals shows how valuable resident retention has become for multifamily companies.

Interestingly, the report also found that these ambitious retention goals are actually achievable, provided that property managers can convert undecided renters to choose renewal. Fifty-eight percent of renters are already planning to renew, which is a great foundation to reach these high goals.  Only 15% of renters have firm plans to move, leaving 23% undecided. If property managers can convert those on the fence, they will exceed their annual retention targets.

Trend #4: Property managers mistakenly say renters do not renew because of life changes

One of the most eye-opening findings from our report is that property managers continue to misunderstand the primary reasons why renters choose not to renew their leases. While property managers believe life changes and purchasing a home are the top factors, responses from renters show that expensive rent, poor maintenance, and security concerns are the true drivers of non-renewals. Life changes are only the 6th common reason for a renter to move.

While property managers do seem to understand that price sensitivity is a main concern, they also underestimate how important maintenance, safety concerns, and property upkeep are to renters. These things rank at the top of the list for renters, and at the very bottom for property managers.

This disconnect highlights the need for property managers to closely listen to their residents and gain a deeper understanding of their pain points. By addressing the issues that are within their control, such as maintenance and security, managers can better position their communities to retain valuable long-term residents.

Trend #5: Renter expectations are increasing, especially around on-site customer service

For two years in a row, our survey asked renters how their overall expectations of their apartment community have changed. Year-over-year data shows an increase in renters who say expectations are rising. This means property managers need to be strategic about providing a good living experience for their renters.

That’s why we dug deeper and asked renters to specifically indicate where their expectations are rising. The most common answers were on-site customer service and digital self-service tools. Renters are seeking more responsive, personalized interactions with property staff, as well as user-friendly platforms to handle routine tasks.

For property managers, meeting these heightened renter expectations will require a combination of skilled customer service training and strategic investments in resident-centric technology. By giving renters the right mix of human interaction and user-friendly digital tools, operators can foster greater loyalty and satisfaction among their residents.

Trend #6: Renters continue to favor the basic elements of apartment living over amenities

As we look ahead to 2026, one of the key trends in property management is the shift in renter priorities. According to our research, renters are continually prioritizing the essential aspects of their living experience over other features like amenities.

For two years in a row now, renters have consistently ranked maintenance repairs, security, and community appearance/cleanliness as their top priorities. These fundamental elements of property management are seen as non-negotiable by residents.

In contrast, property managers have tended to overestimate the importance of technology-enabled lifestyles and amenities to renters. While these can enhance convenience, renters view them as added bonuses rather than necessities. If a property lacks the strong fundamentals, residents are more likely to seek housing elsewhere, regardless of the luxury features on offer.

This mismatch between renter priorities and property manager perceptions is an important one to address. Successful property management requires a laser-focus on getting the basics right – maintaining properties, ensuring safety and security, and keeping common areas clean and well-kept. Flashy amenities may catch the eye, but renters are increasingly clear that these are not what truly matter most to their daily living experience.

By aligning their strategies with renter values, property managers can build stronger, more loyal resident communities. It’s a shift that will be essential for staying competitive in the years ahead.

More insights & best practices from our Resident Experience Report

If you think any of these property management industry trends are interesting, you’ll definitely want to give the full report a read. We not only elaborate further on these trends, but we also offer recommendations for the future to help thrive in this market. Read our latest Resident Experience Management Report now!