Apartments offer too much of what renters don’t necessarily want
The prime example: An estimated 53 percent of renters want an in-unit washing machine but only 13 percent of units have one.
In 59 out of 70 metro areas that Apartment List analyzed, renters are likely to have difficulty finding the amenities they want or they are paying extra for amenities they don’t want. In some cases, renters do both.
While plenty of renters make finding a pet-friendly building a priority, this is one area where the mismatch means that more apartments offer the amenity than it is requested. For example, 52 percent of buildings allow cats but only 12 percent of renters search for a cat-friendly building. Similarly, 48 percent of apartments allow dogs but only 27 percent of renters want a dog-friendly building.
Renters in more affordable markets typically have higher expectations for amenities, while renters in more expensive areas are willing to settle for less. Topping the list of markets with demanding renters is San Antonio, where the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,050. Renters in New York City, where the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,470, are the least demanding and probably just grateful to have found shelter.
To see the full analysis of the misalignment between desired and available amenities, click here.
Source: washingtonpost.com
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