Long-term renting is becoming more mainstream
Renting Gains Ground as Long-Term Choice Across Generations
Long-term renting is becoming more mainstream, even as renters are raising their expectations for service and transparency, according to new research from Rently, a resident lifecycle management platform for multifamily and single-family operators.
The Rently 2026 Renting by Generation Report, which is based on an online survey in January among 800 adult renters, finds younger renters place the most weight on speed, ease, and flexibility, while older renters look for predictability, stability, and support.
Almost half of the respondents, 49%, said long-term renting is more acceptable today than it was a decade ago. In addition, 46% described renting as somewhat or very positive compared with 20% who described it as somewhat or very negative.
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Over half of the respondents, 54%, rated speed and ease as very or extremely important for tasks like touring, applying, getting help, or moving out. However, it was higher for Gen Z respondents at 63% compared with 44% of boomer and older respondents.
“Renting is no longer a stepping stone to homeownership. For a growing share of Americans, it is a deliberate choice,” said CEO Merrick Lackner. “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.”
Only 39% of millennial and 34% of Gen Z respondents said they view renting as a temporary step before owning compared with 20% of Gen X and 16% of baby boomer and older respondents. In addition, almost half of baby boomer and older respondents said they feel no pressure to eventually own a home, while 33% of Gen Z respondents said owning is very likely in the future. Affordability is the main factor to buying a home, with 56% of respondents saying they cannot afford a down payment or a mortgage.
When asked what makes renting feel worthwhile for the long term, 54% of respondents noted predictable monthly costs with no surprise changes, followed by 53% citing having maintenance and repairs handled for them.
Source: Multifamily Executive
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