Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your DIY Resident Benefits Package

Creating a DIY resident benefits package gives you full control over quality, flexibility, and profitability—without relying on a third-party bundle that may not truly align with what your residents want. By carefully curating the services you offer, you can enhance the resident experience, generate steady ancillary revenue, and set your property apart in a competitive rental market.

Here’s a step-by-step approach to building a custom resident benefits package that works for your business and your residents.

Step 1: Assess Your Residents' Needs

Before choosing which perks to include, take time to understand what your residents actually want and value. What works for one property may not be ideal for another.

• Survey your residents to gauge interest in different services. Would they appreciate pet benefits? Package lockers? Smart home integrations?
  
  
• Look at industry trends to see what’s becoming standard in resident benefits. Services that offer convenience, cost savings, and lifestyle perks tend to be the most successful. Buildium’s 2025 Property Management Industry Report is a great place to start.
  
  
• Evaluate your property type. A community of young professionals might prioritize smart home features and credit-building services, while a family-friendly community might care more about air quality and pet-friendly perks.

By gathering this insight, you ensure your benefits package is built on real demand—not just assumptions.

Step 2: Select the Right Services (Balancing Cost vs. Value)

Once you’ve identified what your residents value, the next step is curating the right mix of benefits. The key is balancing cost-effectiveness for you while ensuring real value for residents.

Prioritize services that are:
✔ Convenience-driven – Like air filter delivery, smart home upgrades, and package lockers.
✔ Cost-saving – Renters appreciate perks like utility concierge services, discounted insurance, and flexible payment options.
✔ Lifestyle-enhancing – Credit-building programs, gym discounts, and pet-related benefits improve the overall resident experience.

💡 Pro Tip: Choose services that also benefit property managers and owners—such as air filter delivery, which improves air quality for residents, protects HVAC systems for owners, and generates passive income for property managers.

Step 3: Partner with Specialized Service Providers

One of the biggest DIY benefits is that you get to choose the best vendors for each service instead of settling for a one-size-fits-all package.

When selecting a provider, ask:

• Do they specialize in this service? 
• Do they offer flexible delivery options? (For example, with air filter delivery, you should be able to choose the delivery schedule that works best for your residents.)
• Is their pricing fair and transparent? (Hidden fees can create distrust.)
• How is their customer service? (Can your team easily contact them if an issue arises?)

💡 Example: Instead of using a third-party company that bundles multiple services together, working directly with FilterTime for air filter delivery ensures residents get high-quality filters, flexible shipping options, and better customer support.

Step 4: Pricing Your Package for Profitability

A resident benefits package should offer value while also being a smart revenue stream. The key is transparent pricing that residents perceive as a benefit—not an extra fee.

Here’s how to price your package effectively:
✔ Break down the actual value of each service. Show residents how much they’d pay for these services separately vs. what they’ll pay through your package.
✔ Offer tiered options. Some renters may want basic benefits, while others may appreciate a premium tier that includes additional perks.
✔ Ensure compliance with fair housing and fee regulations. The goal is to enhance the resident experience—not add unnecessary costs.

When positioned correctly, a well-priced benefits package makes residents feel they’re getting more for their money, rather than paying unnecessary fees.

Step 5: Effectively Market Your Benefits Package

Once you’ve built your DIY resident benefits package, the final step is making sure residents understand the value.

💡 Marketing Tips:
✔ Highlight convenience – Emphasize how these services make life easier for renters (e.g., never having to worry about changing an air filter).
✔ Communicate cost savings – Show how certain perks (like energy-efficient air filters) can lower utility bills.
✔ Use clear and engaging messaging – Avoid legalese or overly complex descriptions. Make it easy for residents to see the benefits.
✔ Promote it at every touchpoint – Include information in lease agreements, renewal notices, move-in packets, and emails.

A well-structured DIY resident benefits package isn’t just an added perk—it’s a competitive advantage that enhances the resident experience while generating steady revenue for your business.

By curating high-value services yourself, you maintain quality, flexibility, and control, ensuring that both your residents and your business benefit in the long run.

Want to learn more about building a DIY resident benefits package? Download our Free eBook to discover how to build a DIY resident benefits package that boosts revenue, improves retention, and delivers real value to residents—without junk fees.