Three Ways to Strengthen Resident Retention in 2026

Member Resources, Owner/Management ,

What do residents value most, and what can property management teams do to encourage renewals? New industry research highlights three areas worth prioritizing.

Resident retention remains a priority for multifamily property owners and management teams. Understanding what influences residents' decisions to renew can help communities improve the resident experience while reducing turnover costs.

According to an infographic published through Multifamily Dive, based on research from Zego, 24% of surveyed renters had not yet decided whether to renew their leases, presenting an opportunity for property management teams to strengthen resident relationships.

Three Key Takeaways for Property Management Teams

1. Balance digital convenience with personal service.

Residents value convenient digital tools for routine tasks, including rent payments, maintenance requests, and community updates. However, sensitive matters such as financial concerns and neighbor issues often benefit from direct, personal communication.

2. Communicate the value behind rent increases.

Rent increases can influence renewal decisions. Proactively communicating community improvements, amenities, and ongoing investments can help residents better understand the value their community provides.

3. Address the factors within your control.

Maintenance quality, management responsiveness, communication, and property upkeep can all influence whether residents choose to stay. Gathering resident feedback and responding to concerns can help management teams identify opportunities for improvement.

Explore the Full Resource

For AASC members looking to strengthen resident satisfaction and retention strategies, this resource offers actionable insights to consider when evaluating community operations and resident engagement.

Read the full infographic: 3 Steps to Drive Multifamily Resident Retention & Acquisition in 2026.

Source: Multifamily Dive / Studio by InformaTechTarget, custom content for Zego.