63% of Gen Z Say Speed and Ease Matter Most in the Renting Experience, New Rently Survey Finds

New report reveals generational differences in what makes renting feel worthwhile, from flexibility and convenience to predictability and support

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As renting becomes a longer-term reality for more households, what renters want from the experience is diverging by generation. New research from Rently, the resident lifecycle management platform designed for single-family and multifamily operators, shows younger renters place the most weight on speed, ease and flexibility, while older renters are more likely to prioritize predictability, stability and support. The results point to a market shaped by different life stages and expectations.

The Rently 2026 Renting by Generation Report is based on an online survey conducted in January 2026 among 800 U.S. adults ages 18 and older who currently rent an apartment, condo or house. Conducted via third-party survey platform Pollfish, the report examines how attitudes toward renting versus owning differ across generations, including motivations for renting, perceptions of long-term rentership and future homeownership expectations.

Rently’s findings suggest long-term renting is becoming more mainstream, even as renters raise their expectations for service and transparency. The report points to a higher baseline for what ‘good renting’ looks like, from smoother processes to fewer surprises month to month.

Key Findings include:

• 63% of Gen Z rate speed and ease as very or extremely important in the renting experience.
• 46% of renters describe renting as somewhat or very positive, compared with 20% who describe it as somewhat or very negative.
• 54% of renters say predictable monthly costs with no surprise charges make renting feel worthwhile long-term, and 53% say the same about having repairs and maintenance handled for them.
• 39% of Millennials and 34% of Gen Z view renting as a temporary step before owning, compared with 20% of Gen X and 16% of Boomers+.
• 49% of renters say long-term renting is more acceptable today than it was 10 years ago.
• 49% of Boomers+ feel no pressure at all to eventually own a home, while 33% of Gen Z say owning is very likely.

“Renting is no longer just a stepping stone to homeownership. For a growing share of Americans, it is a deliberate choice,” said Merrick Lackner, CEO at Rently. “In a market where buying can feel out of reach and flexibility matters more than ever, renters want speed, predictability, and real support. The rental experience should feel simple and responsive because for many households, renting truly feels like home.”

Visit the full 2026 Renting by Generation Report on Rently’s website for the complete survey results and additional insights.

About Rently

Rently is a resident lifecycle management platform designed for single-family and multifamily operators, helping optimize every stage of the rental journey—including listing properties, streamlining leasing processes with self-guided tours and smart access, and improving resident living experiences through smart home technology. From enhanced security and greater operational efficiency to increased occupancy and NOI, Rently provides tailored solutions that support operators' goals from a single, unified platform. To learn more, visit www.rently.com.