
Key Takeaways
- Today’s renters prioritize lifestyle, convenience, and long-term value over just location and square footage, making amenities a key factor in rental decisions.
- Features like energy-efficient systems, smart home technology, dedicated workspaces, and high-speed internet help properties stand out while improving tenant comfort and satisfaction.
- Investing in modern, functional, and well-maintained amenities can increase tenant interest, boost occupancy rates, and encourage long-term tenant retention.
The evolving definition of value has greatly altered from what the tenants once associated with square footage and geography. The new definition encompasses how a property supports a lessee tenant’s lifestyle and daily convenience, as well as long-term kindness.
Gilbert has grown into one of the country’s premier residential communities due to the development of smart developments, quality living environments, and accessibility to amenities. When it comes to property owners in Gilbert wanting to know, it is important for property owners operating in Gilbert to know what renters value.
In this article, Keyrenter Gilbert will discuss the top 8 rental amenities most frequently used as decision points for tenants to continue their search. Each of these amenities is analyzed regarding how the amenity affects the decision-making process for a tenant to either move forward with their application or to continue searching.
1. Resort-Style Outdoor Living Area
Outdoor space is not an afterthought in Gilbert, but is central to the design and construction of new homes. New homes with outdoor kitchens, covered patios, or landscaped seating areas incorporate outdoor elements that provide additional usable living areas.
The outdoor area is typically used for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the climate and should therefore provide a variety of shade-producing structures and durable materials to protect from the strong rays of the sun.
Therefore, well-designed outdoor areas add to the functionality of the residential property and also add to the aesthetic appeal of the new home, and therefore increase their desirability.

2. Energy-Efficient Design
Efficiency is increasing in popularity as an economic and environmental priority. Energy-efficient windows, modern insulation, and high-performance appliances are all attractive features of a rental unit to tenants, as they reduce the cost of utilities and enhance tenant comfort. Renters will enjoy a more comfortable living environment when you provide features to reduce utility costs.
3. Smart Home Technology
Today’s residential living includes many technologies that are used to control the environment. Smart thermostats, keyless entry systems, and smart lighting that can be controlled via an app.
These technologies provide residents with more precise control of their living environment and greater convenience, while also enhancing security through smart home technologies as well as providing residents with enhanced energy management capabilities. Many tenants view properties as being well-maintained and modern when smart home technologies are present.
4. Dedicated Home Office
Dedicated home office spaces have become a highly prized space in a home. Recent trends demonstrate that with the increasing number of people working remotely or in a hybrid environment, there is a growing demand for the incorporation of dedicated office spaces or flexible rooms that can support home office functions throughout the property.
Adequate lighting, connectivity (i.e., sufficient power and data outlets), and acoustic considerations have helped to make the office space more usable. Additionally, tenants are also seeking an environment that allows for productivity without reducing comfort.

5. Modern Kitchen Spaces and Premium Kitchen Finishes
The kitchen is still one of the most influential areas of a rental property. Renters in Gilbert are interested in rental properties that include durable countertops, modern or upgraded appliance packages, and an efficient/effective layout.
The open concept of a rental property is crucial in regard to the integration of kitchen and living space, creating a seamless flow of activity and providing the ability to be social. Having a functional and aesthetically appealing kitchen provides reasons to enjoy cooking on a daily basis and will likely improve overall tenant satisfaction with their rental property.
6. Providing Ample Storage Space
The amount of storage space available to tenants is a very important consideration; not only are storage solutions useful for tenants to maintain a clean and organized living space (through the use of walk-in closets, built-in shelving, and cabinetry), but they can also allow tenants to create a more functional living environment by using additional storage alternatives.
Garages and external storage unit opportunities help to further increase the functionality of a property. Families who live in family-friendly communities place a higher value on maintaining their personal belongings in an orderly manner.
7. Offering Pet-Friendly Options
As the number of pet owners continues to rise, so too has the need for properties that offer “pet-friendly” options. Pet owners are attracted to properties that provide fenced yards, walking trails close by, and designated areas for pets to be used outside.

8. High-Speed Internet Connectivity
Today‘s modern world is characterized by a vast amount of available information online, making reliable Internet access essential. The backbone of work, education, and entertainment has been innovation through high-speed connectivity.
If properties lack adequate high-speed connectivity, they could fall short of meeting the expectations of their tenants. Therefore, implementing strong internet connections is key for meeting and exceeding both the needs and desires of today’s tenants.
Long-Term Considerations
Evaluations of amenities should involve a long-term view on overall value. Use of durable materials, flexible designs, and energy-efficient systems all lend to long-term value. Consistent upkeep ensures amenities remain attractive and functional. Inattention to upkeep can lead to diminished effects of amenities and, therefore, diminish the appeal of the overall property.
Adopting a forward-thinking philosophy allows a property owner to plan for changing tenant preferences and keep the property relevant in today’s ever-changing environment.
Final Thoughts
Gilbert, Arizona’s rental market, is indicative of how tenant priorities are changing. As a result, amenities have taken on an increasingly important role in determining desirability, thus affecting the initial interest level and the level of satisfaction experienced after renting.
As indicated by the eight types of amenities discussed herein, property owners have opportunities to enhance their rental properties through distinctive offerings. By incorporating these types of amenity features into their properties correctly and by promoting them in a clear manner, property owners will see an increased degree of occupancy and tenant loyalty.
To provide amenities that are suitable for your rental property, goals, and market conditions, we recommend that you contact Keyrenter Gilbert today.
