Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on Point2Homes.
Single-family home renters have become a powerful force in the residential market, significantly shaping the post-pandemic landscape. Unlike apartment dwellers, house renters prioritize features typically associated with homeownership — privacy, space, a yard.
However, a recent Point2 survey revealed that pet accommodations are now a bigger priority than making room for a growing family.
Ownership is not in the cards for more and more would-be homebuyers. That much is clear from rising home prices, mortgage rates, and limited availability. For many, the numbers simply don’t add up, which turns most of them to renting as the next-best thing.
And, with homeownership increasingly out of reach, single-family rentals are now serving as the entry point for those who can no longer afford to buy, redefining the concept of a “starter home.”
Understanding the preferences of single-family home renters has become crucial for property managers, developers, and investors.
To find out what makes house renters tick, Point2 conducted a survey of over 1,500 respondents interested in house renting.
Why Rent a House?
Main reason for renting a house instead of an apartment:
- For more privacy: 27.7%
- For more space: 25.2%
- To have a yard or garden: 15.7%
- For better pet accommodations: 13.2%
- To accommodate a growing family: 11.3%
- Other: 7%
Factors most likely to influence the decision to rent a house:
- Rent: 70.2%
- House size: 28.1%
- Pet policy: 23.2%
- Condition of the house: 20.2%
- Proximity to work/school: 16%
- House amenities: 10.7%
- Lease terms: 8.9%
- Its remote location: 8.9%
- Utility costs: 8.7%
- Other: 3.3%
- Reviews/recommendations: 1.7%
How Satisfied Are House Renters With Their Accommodations?
House renters exhibit a duality in their preferences: they value the flexibility and convenience of renting while also appreciating the stability that comes with longer-term stays.
This balance allows them to understand the trade-offs between renting and owning, which in turn shapes preferences for what matters most in a home.
Out of the 1,509 survey participants, 1,020 were house renters. Notably, while most were satisfied with their current rental, 27% expressed a neutral stance — feeling neither particularly satisfied nor disappointed.
- Satisfied: 59.2%
- Neutral: 27.4%
- Not Satisfied: 13.4%
This neutral stance could suggest they are weighing the flexibility of renting against the desire for a more personalized space or the long-term investment of homeownership.
How Renting a House Influences Long-Term Housing Plans
The allure of the American Dream of owning a house remains strong, with nearly 52% of renters expressing interest in buying a house:
- I’m considering buying a house: 51.9%
- I plan on renting houses for the foreseeable future: 18.9%
- I’m exploring alternatives (tiny homes, co-living): 12%
- It has not influenced my long-term plans: 10.8%
- I’m thinking of downsizing to a rental apartment: 2.7%
- I’m considering buying an apartment: 2.6%
- Other: 1.1%
The second-most popular housing plan was staying the course: Almost 19% said they are committed to continue renting, appreciating the balance of flexibility and stability that renting provides.
This type of commitment ends up influencing the upgrades they desire, as renters may seek to enhance their current living spaces if not invested in purchasing a home.
What’s Top on the House Renter’s Wishlist?
When asked what they would customize in their rental, many house renters went for an upgraded kitchen.
Next up — and almost equally divided — were additional space (both storage and living spaces, like a finished basement or a converted attic) and improved energy efficiency.
If you could customize one feature of your rental house, what would it be? Survey respondents said:
- Upgraded kitchen: 20.9%
- Additional storage space: 14.9%
- Improved energy efficiency: 14.6%
- Additional living space: 14.4%
- Larger yard: 11.1%
- Smart home technology: 7.1%
- Enhanced security systems: 5.3%
- Other: 5.2%
- Open floor plan: 4%
- Accessibility features: 2.5%
What Feature Could Sway a Renter’s Final Decision?
What unconventional space would make you choose one rental house over another?
- Sunroom/roof deck: 30.8%
- Workshop/craft room: 15.9%
- Gardening area: 15.1%
- Home gym/yoga studio: 14.2%
- In-home theater room: 9.4%
- Recording studio: 5.4%
- Art studio: 4.3%
- Other: 3.2%
- Wine cellar: 1.6%
Beyond functionality, renters might be swayed by having standout spaces that can create a sense of individuality, luxury, or enhanced comfort. These distinct areas can be the deciding factor when choosing between otherwise similar rental houses.
For instance, around one-third of all survey participants would love a sunroom or a roof deck; at the same time, about 15% would go for either a workshop-craft room type of space or a greenhouse.
Despite the desire for upgrades, house renters are nothing if not realistic about their options. When it comes to home size, in particular, the ideal house rental type is closer to reality than fantasy.
Renter Expectations Match Reality
Detached single-family home
- What house renters would ideally rent: 79.9%
- What house renters rent: 65.6%
Townhouse/row house
- What house renters would ideally rent: 12.3%
- What house renters rent: 15.9%
Semi-detached (duplex/triplex)
- What house renters would ideally rent: 5.7%
- What house renters rent: 12.5%
Other
- What house renters would ideally rent: 2.1%
- What house renters rent: 6.1%
Notably, most single-family home renters who took the survey (65.6%) live in a detached house with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Interestingly, when asked about the ideal house size and layout, the most popular combination was renting the same property type with the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
This suggests that, for many house renters, their current living arrangements align closely with their ideal: They may want upgrades, but in terms of space, they are largely satisfied.
Renters Prefer Less Hassle
One of the biggest perks of renting is having less responsibility — particularly with all of the maintenance that comes with living in a house.
To that end, the survey revealed that more than 41% of respondents are not too bothered about not being able to renovate or modify a single-family rental the way they’d like.
Additionally, another 4% actually prefer that their contract include no modifications allowed because it eases responsibility and leads to less hassle overall on the renter’s part.
Embracing Hassle-Free Renting: Decorating Over Renovating
How does the ability to renovate or modify a rental house affect your decision to rent it?
- It’s extremely important to me: 12.7%
- Important/I’d like to make some changes: 29.1%
- Neutral/I’m okay with standard: 41.2%
- Not important/Don’t plan on any changes: 13.4%
- Prefer no modifications/Like it as-is, less hassle: 3.6%
Personalizing a Rental
How do you usually personalize a rental house to make it feel like home?
- Decorate with personal items: 78.6%
- Use own furniture: 74.5%
- Cook and bake in the kitchen: 34.7%
- DIY projects: 24.3%
- Spend time until you get used to it: 23.5%
- Temporary changes (removable wallpaper, decals): 17.7%
- House-warming party: 6%
- Other: 0.3%
According to more than 78% of respondents, decorating is all it takes to create a cozy feel and make a rental feel like home. Another thing that does the trick for more than one-third of them? Making the most of the kitchen.
That said, essential kitchen appliances — like a refrigerator, stove or dishwasher — are must-haves for the majority of renters. (As a matter of fact, 11% believe that upgraded kitchen appliances could even be reason enough for a rent increase).
Practicality Tops Comfort: House Renters Favor Essentials
As far as must-haves go, nothing beats heating and AC, as 68% of survey participants consider them non-negotiables.
Everyday house amenity or feature that’s non-negotiable in a rental:
- Heating and AC/cooling systems: 68%
- Kitchen appliances: 52.6%
- In-unit washer and dryer: 39%
- Ample outdoor space: 23.9%
- High-speed internet/Wi-Fi: 19.4%
- Garage: 17.5%
- Ample storage space: 14.2%
- Security (controlled access, surveillance system): 8.1%
- Other: 3%
- Smart home features (smart thermostat, keyless entry): 2.5%
- Accessibility features (grab bars, stairlift): 2.1%
This sense of practicality extends to what might justify an increase in rent. More than 45% said utilities included would do it, while less than 22% reported that a pool would be worth it.
Amenity or Feature That Might Justify an Increase in Rent
- Utilities included: 45.1%
- Swimming pool: 21.7%
- Upgraded kitchen appliances: 10.9%
- Furnishings provided: 7.2%
- Security upgrades: 6.5%
- Pet-friendliness: 5.7%
- Other: 2.9%
Focus on Furry Family Members
Pet accommodations outrank family growth as reason for renting a house.
Pets and the policies that affect them are a deciding factor in choosing a rental home. More than 13% of respondents said that their main reason for renting a single-family home, as opposed to an apartment, has to do with better pet accommodations.
Might not seem like a lot, but it’s more than those who said their main reason was to accommodate a growing family (11.3%).
Furthermore, more than 68% of survey participants are pet owners and consider the furry family member part of the household.
Additionally, for more than 23%, a pet policy is crucial in deciding on a place, while close to 6% believe that pet-friendliness would even justify an increase in rent. (For 44- to 59-year-olds, this would actually be more justifiable than security upgrades.)
House Renting With Pets
Are you renting with pets?
- Yes, they’re part of the household: 68.5%
- No, I don’t have any pets: 15.9%
- No, but I’m considering getting pets: 7.8%
- I used to have pets but not anymore: 7.8%
Top three factors most likely to influence the decision to rent a house:
- Rent: 70.2%
- House size: 28.1%
- Pet policy: 23.2%
And 5.7% of respondents believe pet-friendliness might justify an increase in rent.
Main reason for renting a house instead of an apartment:
- For more privacy: 27.7%
- For more space: 25.2%
- To have a yard or garden: 15.7%
- For better pet accommodations: 13.2%
- To accommodate a growing family: 11.3%
- Other: 7%
For 13%, better pet accommodation is the top reason for renting a house, surpassing the need for space for a growing family.
Focus on Young Renters
Gen Z wants some eco-friendliness in their rental house; a yoga studio would be nice, too …
A quick breakdown of the Gen Z renters (18- to 27-year-olds) who took the survey reveals that more than 28% rent with their significant other, followed by nearly 23% who rent alone — the second-highest share of solo renters after seniors older than 60.
Granted, privacy is a top priority for house renters of all ages, but Gen Z manages to stand out: More than one-third of young renters of this generation (33.3%) cited privacy as their main reason for choosing a house over an apartment — a larger share than any other generation. Next, 28% of Gen Z renters listed the need for more space as their top driver.
Gen Z also sets itself apart in its focus on sustainability. When asked about the role of eco-friendliness in their rental choice, over 44% said that it’s an important influencing factor, with an additional 7.3% stating that it’s extremely important.
Whereas, for older generations, a sunroom or a workshop might make them switch to a different rental, Gen Z is built differently. The unconventional space that would make young people choose one rental over another would be a home gym or a yoga studio.
The generational divide becomes even clearer as having a workshop is trumped by having a music studio or a theater room.
Gen Z House Renting Preferences
One-third of Gen Z said privacy is the main reason for renting a house, not an apartment.
- 18-27 years: 33.3%
- 28-43 years: 26.4%
- 44-59 years: 28.2%
- Over 60 years: 25.9%
Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness Preferences by Age
How important is sustainability and eco-friendliness in your rental house choice?
18- to 27-year-olds:
- Important: 44.3%
- Neutral/It’s not a dealbreaker: 32.3%
- Haven’t thought about it: 11.5%
- Extremely important: 7.3%
- Not important: 4.7%
28- to 43-year-olds:
- Important: 33.1%
- Neutral/It’s not a dealbreaker: 35%
- Haven’t thought about it: 16.6%
- Extremely important: 7.5%
- Not important: 7.8%
44- to 59-year-olds:
- Important: 29.8%
- Neutral/It’s not a dealbreaker: 37.8%
- Haven’t thought about it: 14.1%
- Extremely important: 9.7%
- Not important: 8.6%
Over 60 years old:
- Important: 29.6%
- Neutral/It’s not a dealbreaker: 29.6%
- Haven’t thought about it: 25.9%
- Extremely important: 7.4%
- Not important: 7.4%
Unconventional Spaces That Would Make Gen Z Choose One Rental Over Another
- Home gym/yoga studio: 23.4%
- Sunroom/roof deck: 22.4%
- Gardening area: 16.7%
- Home theater: 12%
- Recording studio: 9.4%
- Workshop/craft room: 8.9%
- Art studio: 4.2%
- Other: 3.1%
By zeroing in on what matters most to single-family renters — like pet-friendly policies, privacy, space, and sustainability — property managers and developers can tap into fresh opportunities and reshape the rental landscape.
And, as more turn to renting rather than buying, this shift may turn out to be more than just a trend.
It’s a chance to redefine the rental experience and meet the demands of a growing and evolving renter base.
Methodology
The study is based on a survey among 1,509 United States respondents. The survey ran between July 31 and Aug. 31, 2024.
The analysis included both participants who are already renting a house as well as participants who aim to rent a house.
Respondents were able to choose multiple options for various questions regarding overall preferences and priorities in a rental house, while questions tailored for specificity required single answers.
For instance, participants were asked to select their age group in order to better identify generational differences in house preferences.
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