Internet Access More Important than Laundry Facilities for Apartment Dwellers

In a sign of just how important internet access is, a new survey suggests rental apartment hunters are more concerned with high-speed internet and wi-fi than they are with in-home laundry facilities.


The survey commissioned by cable television and internet provider Comcast, found 34 percent of the 205 building managers, building owners and real estate developers of multifamily properties surveyed in the United States ranked wi-fi as the most important amenity. After that, 25 percent said high-speed internet was, while a mere 13 percent said in-room laundry facilities.


Furthermore, the survey found that 87 percent of those asked said technology “plays either an extremely or very important role” in renter satisfaction.


Thirty percent of those surveyed said high quality internet service increased property values by 20 percent.


Another 89 percent said technology was an “important factor” in a renter’s choice to sign or renew a lease.


The importance of technology varied by age, with 88 percent saying younger tenants aged 18 to 34 found technological amenities more important than among those 52 and up.


The survey was conducted by researcher firm Precision Sample and was given online between December 7-10, 2016.


Comcast said it provides services to 189,000 properties and 14.7 million units in the United States.