A swimming pool isn’t necessarily the top-billing amenity your renters are seeking, but wi-fi access may be. While they may expect outdoor gathering spaces, today’s renters also expect that you’ll provide their internet service as part of the rent. The good news is that they’re also willing to pay more for it.
Expanded wi-fi coverage expected
Just a few years ago, prospective tenants would have been satisfied with a few wi-fi access points in shared areas like the pool and clubhouse. They expected to have to find their own in-home connectivity solution.
An overwhelming majority now expect community-wide wireless internet. They also expect to be able to stream unlimited video, as many residents opt out of traditional TV and head instead to Netflix, Disney Plus, and other online entertainment sources. The move toward remote work has only made wi-fi more important, as more people work from home and need reliable high-speed internet.
While some tenants may opt out of included wi-fi and get their own service, the ability to tap into community internet service is still a value add for tenants. Don’t underestimate the power of high-tech upgrades to help convert prospective tenants and justify higher rents for your property.
Smart homes trending
Renters want the convenience that new technology offers, and that includes security systems and other environmental controls they can operate from a smartphone. If they forget to lock the front door, they want to be able to open a smartphone app and lock the door remotely.
They want to see how much energy they’re using, and they want to be able to monitor what’s going on at home even while they’re away. All this connectivity is going to require forward-thinking property owners to set up two wireless access points with huge bandwidth—one for smart house programming, and one for internet access—and it’s going to have to be reliable.
Community wi-fi options are becoming more readily available to meet this demand. SmartRent Community Wi-Fi is one forward-thinking solution that offers easy setup for new tenants. Coupled with connection speeds of up to 1 GB, it’s an attractive “amenity” that developers say is helping properties improve and maintain occupancy rates.
Class A Management helps with property updates
Part of what we offer at Class A Management is on-site management and more than four decades of experience providing the amenities and technology that residents expect from the best apartment communities. Contact Class A Management to take care of your residents, as well as their internet needs. Call us today at 817-295-5959 or e-mail, info@classamgmt.com.