Millennials and Gen Z are quickly becoming the renters who matter most in Lake County. Considered as the largest adult generation, millennials are renting longer than those before them. Meanwhile, Gen Z is entering the housing market with clear expectations shaped by technology, sustainability, and flexibility.
Together, they bring their own ideals of what homes should feel like, prioritizing convenience, transparency, and features that support their fast-moving, connected lifestyles.
At Cruise Property Management, we observe today’s renters and see these shifts up close. Because we manage homes across the region, we understand what truly attracts and keeps Millennial and Gen Z residents in 2025.
Read on to discover what features these younger renters value most and how Lake County rentals can evolve to meet their needs.
Key Takeaways
- Millennial and Gen Z renters are driving the 2025 market, prioritizing convenience, flexibility, and sustainability in their housing choices.
- Smart technology and reliable connectivity are no longer “bonus” features, but core expectations for daily comfort and efficiency.
- Wellness, community, and pet-friendly design significantly influence leasing decisions and overall renter satisfaction.
- Landlords who embrace transparency, digital tools, and modern amenities will be better positioned to attract and retain younger renters in Lake County.
Understanding What Younger Renters Value
Millennials and Gen Z bring a different mindset to renting, and their priorities echo how modern communities work. Flexibility, sustainability, and convenience consistently appear at the top of their criteria.
Research shows that 37 percent of Millennials and 44 percent of Gen Z have passed on job or housing opportunities that clashed with their personal values. This indicates that, for many, living spaces are an extension of their ethical and environmental beliefs.
More than half of both generations also review a company or brand’s sustainability track record before making decisions, showing that “green” is now a deciding factor, not a bonus feature.
Beyond values, this group expects a connected lifestyle with seamless online management. Many prefer paying rent, filing maintenance requests, and communicating with management through digital tools.
They are also drawn to environments that support wellness, whether through thoughtful shared spaces, opportunities for community, or layouts that promote balance between work and rest. Properties that acknowledge these expectations stand out more quickly to younger renters who want a home that reflects both their lifestyle and their outlook.
Smart Home Features in 2025 Rentals
Smart tech is now a standard expectation for younger renters, not a luxury upgrade. From app-based entry to smart thermostats and automated lighting, these additions support their preference for independence and self-service.
Many renters want to control temperature, lighting, and access from their phones, and they often look for app-based systems for payments and maintenance requests. These tools allow them to manage daily tasks in the same streamlined way they arrange transportation, groceries, or banking.
Smart devices also support sustainability by helping reduce energy consumption through timers, monitoring, and efficiency controls. For owners, this can mean lower utility waste and a more attractive offering.
By focusing on smart home features in Lake County, IL, local property owners can stay aligned with national rental trends. These features meet expectations that are becoming increasingly mainstream for Millennial and Gen Z residents.
Digital Leasing and Virtual Tours
The leasing experience itself is part of the appeal for younger renters. Gen Z, especially, prefers fully online processes, with digital tours, online forms, and fast communication. Paper-based signings, in-office scheduling, and voicemail exchanges often feel inconvenient and outdated to this audience.
Features such as 360-degree video tours, mobile-friendly listings, and live chat options can simplify decision-making and shorten the time between inquiry and application. For busy renters comparing multiple properties, being able to gather information in minutes makes a meaningful difference.
By offering digital leasing and virtual tours, Lake County, IL, rentals can better meet expectations for speed, transparency, and accessibility.
Top Amenities for Daily Comfort
While smart tech attracts attention, everyday convenience is just as important. In-unit laundry and high-speed internet consistently rank at the top of what younger renters want and expect.
Among Lake County, IL, rental amenities, reliable Wi-Fi and strong connectivity are especially critical. Much of their work, entertainment, and communication depends on uninterrupted internet access. A renter may overlook certain aesthetic details, but slow internet or shared laundry facilities are often deal-breakers.
Recent amenity trends also show growing demand for outdoor and community-oriented spaces. Rooftop decks, green courtyards, and firepits provide areas to gather and unwind, while wellness-focused amenities like fitness rooms, yoga studios, and pet-friendly spaces fit modern routines.
Practical conveniences, such as smart parcel lockers, bike storage, and secure package rooms, round out a more efficient living experience. These features help support a lifestyle where productivity, relaxation, and connection are all within reach.
Flexible Lease Options and Remote-Work Appeal
Flexibility continues to influence housing choices, with many Millennials renting longer and seeking options that adapt to changing circumstances.
Remote and hybrid work have increased the need for layouts that support extended time at home. Some renters now prefer larger units to carve out a dedicated workspace, while others appreciate on-site coworking areas or quiet lounges for focused tasks.
Flexible lease terms give renters room to respond to career changes, evolving schedules, or personal milestones without feeling locked in. Offering flexible lease terms that Millennial renters in Lake County, IL, find appealing can also support retention by reducing the pressure that often leads to frequent moves.
Properties that recognize the impact of remote work and provide adaptable solutions can better meet the needs of today’s mobile workforce.
How to Attract and Retain Younger Renters
Understanding how to attract Millennials and Gen Z renters in Lake County, IL, starts with aligning operations and communication with their expectations. Authenticity, responsiveness, and transparency matter.
Younger renters prefer accurate visuals, straightforward pricing, and communication through digital channels such as text, app messaging, or online portals. They also respond positively to sustainability efforts and community-minded initiatives.
Strong service and thoughtful amenities help build long-term satisfaction, but meaningful follow-through is just as important. Properties that combine modern technology, intentional design, and dependable management are more likely to earn trust and retain younger renters well beyond the first lease term.
FAQs
1. What do Millennials and Gen Z renters value most in a rental home?
They prioritize convenience, sustainability, flexibility, and technology that supports a connected lifestyle. Features like digital tools, wellness-focused spaces, and eco-conscious practices strongly influence their decisions.
2. Why are smart home features important for younger renters?
Smart thermostats, app-based access, and automated systems offer independence, self-service, and energy efficiency. These tools allow renters to manage tasks from their phones and support their preference for streamlined, digital living.
3. Which amenities are top priorities for daily comfort?
In-unit laundry, high-speed internet, strong Wi-Fi, and wellness-focused shared spaces rank high. Convenience features like parcel lockers, bike storage, and pet-friendly areas also improve everyday living.
4. How can Lake County landlords attract and retain Millennial and Gen Z renters?
By offering digital leasing, transparent communication, flexible lease terms, and sustainability-focused amenities. Authentic marketing and responsive management help build trust and long-term satisfaction.
Future-Proofing Rentals
Millennial and Gen Z renters are clear about what matters to them: convenience, comfort, sustainability, and technology that genuinely simplifies daily life. For Lake County property owners, focusing on these priorities is less about chasing trends and more about creating homes that remain relevant and appealing over time.
Cruise Property Management helps landlords make practical, future-focused improvements that resonate with today’s renters and support long-term occupancy. Connect with our team today if you’re looking to strengthen your rental’s appeal in 2025 and beyond. We’re here to help you take the next step with confidence!
