In the age of doomscrolling and multi-screen entertainment, today’s multi-dwelling unit owners and operators are under pressure to have their internet- and smart tech-enabled properties up and running at the time of move-in, according to new research recently released by Parks Associates and Xfinity Communities.
According to the new report—Achieving Turnkey Connectivity: Elevating the Total Multifamily Experience—41 percent of apartment renters expect their internet service will be ready to go from the time they step foot into their new property. To boot, nearly 50 percent of survey respondents rated internet availability at move-in a top consideration with searching for a new home.
Renter expectations don’t stop at internet connectivity, though. Many will search for properties that offer a wide variety of smart tech amenities, including connected thermostats, smart door locks, water leak detectors, smart security cameras, and modern access control solutions—all of which, MDU owners and operators can fold into their operational transformation and modernization strategies, the report notes.
To put into perspective just how important modern-day renters consider some of these technologies, consider this: Good soundproofing and insulation topped the list of most-important tested amenities; but after that three of the next four were smart-tech-related benefits, including security cameras around the property, controlled access, and in-unit security systems. Those benefits ranked above things like TV service, a community pool or hot tub, and office space. Also making the list was property-provided smart home devices.
The challenge though, as Parks and Xfinity note, is fragmentation across the ecosystem. While there are many benefits to being able to accommodate all of those renter demands, it often places the MDU owner and operator in a tricky position of having to navigate myriad smart building partnerships—over 21 different partners, on average, according to a 2024 Parks Associates report. And while that can sound like (and is) a lot for the property managers, it also becomes a challenge for the renter as well when having to navigate all of those different products and providers if (and when) something goes wrong.
Hence the reason Parks teamed up with Xfinity for this report, to showcase the benefit of partnering with a one-stop-shop like Xfinity for your connected solutions.
“Today’s renters expect more than just four walls—they expect instant, reliable connectivity the moment they walk through the door,” Ilan Eframian, Vice President of Xfinity Communities, said in a statement. “At Xfinity Communities, we’re proud to help property owners meet that expectation with turnkey solutions that elevate the resident experience and simplify operations. Seamless day-one internet isn’t just a convenience—it’s how we help properties stand out and keep residents happy from the start.”When expectations aren’t met or if a renter becomes dissatisfied with the smart tech in their unit, net promoter scores have been found to drop by an average of -39—a massive hit in customer satisfaction.
