Here’s what renters really want, according to Zillow

“Listings with a pet-friendly lawn area, coworking space or community happy hours attract more interest as tenants appear to prioritize practical amenities and community-focused benefits,” the analysis said.

Totally understandable, in my mind. Who doesn’t love puppies and cocktails?

For the analysis, Zillow looked at nearly six million rental listings, from apartment complexes to single-family homes, and found specific amenities that contributed to more savings and shares per day — a signal of demand, it said. To be clear, this is not a science, everyone likes different things.

Still, “the most requested amenities are off-street parking and in-unit laundry,” according to Zillow. Ads featuring off-street parking received 85% more savings and 103% more shares; those with in-unit laundry mentions received 76% more savings and 67% more daily shares. Of course, the two are somewhat necessary and practical.

The fun comes later. Homes with pet-friendly places resulted in 76% more daily savings and 91% more ratings; homes with air filtration mechanisms (less fun, but more or less practical in a post-pandemic world) received 72% more savings and 79% more shares; places offering happy hour received 50% more savings and 67% share; and rentals with coworking spaces received 16% more savings and 23% more shares.

There are luxury amenities that also result in more savings and distributions. “Bowling greens can contribute 30% more savings and 37% more daily shares, and a putting green generates 25% more daily savings and 40% more daily shares,” Zillow said. When it comes to particular features of a home, people seem to be fond of butcher block countertops and barn doors. I guess that means there are rustic luxe vibes?

And what may once have been felt to be a necessity no longer is. Rentals with a business center get 24% less savings and 27% fewer actions per day.

For fun, let’s check out some rentals on Zillow in Los Angeles. There are several apartments in what appears to be an upscale complex downtown, where rents range from about $2,500 to $4,000 a month. Under amenities, it lists a lounge, clubhouse, rooftop terrace, pet park, fitness center, pool, and business center. In another, in the heart of Hollywood, the complex has a pet park and pet wash station, plus a barbecue area with a pool and hot tub. Neither one is cheap, but that’s a given.

If you don’t consider amenities like these, in some cases where there is an influx of apartments, landlords are still sweetening deals to attract tenants and keep their apartment from sitting empty. It can be anything from weeks or months of free rent, reduced security deposits, reduced Wifi or parking, to helping move furniture.