Fully 41% of apartment renters expect their internet service will be ready-to-go from the moment they move into a property, according to a white paper from Parks Associates and Xfinity communities.

The white paper examines how properties can enable turnkey readiness and a seamless move-in ready experience for residents. It addresses the growing challenges from vendor fragmentation and best practices for simplifying smart tech implementation.

“With today’s renters skewing older, more family-oriented, and often working remotely, robust digital infrastructure is a requirement,” said Kristen Hanich, director of research, Parks Associates. “Consumers are interested in a variety of amenities, some of which, like security cameras around the property, controlled access to the property, and in-unit security systems, demand robust property connectivity.”

The white paper also notes that while technology offers many benefits, fragmentation across the property technology ecosystem has created a variety of challenges for many owners and operators, on-site staff, and residents.

Other highlights of the research:

• Resident who already have experienced bulk internet are much more interested in it – with 45% considering internet directly available from their property or community “highly important” and some 65% considering internet available at move-in “highly important.”
• As of 2025, roughly half of apartment renters are 45+ years of age.
• About 60% live in households with other people. Roughly half own pets.
• 60% of multifamily owning or operating companies have managed WiFi in at least part of their footprint, with 13% reporting full penetration across their portfolios.
• Nearly 50% of apartment residents rated internet available at move-in a top consideration when searching for a new home.

To download the white paper, "Achieving Turnkey Connectivity: Elevating the Total Multifamily Experience,”  click here