What Renters Actually Want in a Resident Benefits Package

Building a DIY resident benefits package isn’t just about adding extras—it’s about creating real value for your residents while keeping control in your hands. A handful of third-party companies offer pre-packaged solutions, but doing it yourself allows you to tailor the benefits to your residents' needs, maintain transparency, and keep more revenue in your business.

So, where do you start? By offering perks that renters actually care about. The key is to focus on high-value, practical benefits that enhance their living experience. Let’s break it down.

Must-Have vs. Nice-to-Have Benefits

When designing your resident benefits package, it’s important to differentiate between must-have essentials and nice-to-have perks. The best packages include a mix of both—providing real, tangible value while offering optional extras that make life easier and more enjoyable for residents.

• Must-have benefits are those that directly impact a renter’s quality of life and day-to-day convenience. These include air filter delivery, maintenance coordination, pest control, and renter’s insurance—things that protect both the resident and the property.
  
  
• Nice-to-have perks add an extra layer of comfort and convenience, like discounted gym memberships, pet perks, or identity protection services. While they’re not essential, they can make your property stand out in a competitive rental market.

By crafting a DIY resident benefits package, you get to choose the perfect balance of essentials and extras—without being locked into a one-size-fits-all program that may not align with your residents’ needs.

Top Benefits Renters Appreciate

When selecting benefits, think about what actually makes an impact on daily life. Here are the top categories of perks renters value most.

1. Convenience-Driven Perks

Modern renters expect convenience, and adding services that make life easier is a game-changer. A DIY approach allows you to choose cost-effective, high-impact perks that fit seamlessly into your property’s operations.

• Air Filter Delivery – A simple but powerful perk, air filter delivery ensures renters never have to think about HVAC maintenance. Clean air filters improve indoor air quality, lower energy bills, and help avoid costly HVAC repairs. Plus, since regular filter changes are typically required in leases, this benefit eliminates any hassle while keeping your property in great shape.
  
  
• Smart Home Integrations – Features like smart locks, thermostats, and security systems provide added convenience and safety. If you manage a portfolio of properties, you can control how and when these features are integrated.
  
  
• Package Lockers or Concierge Services – With online shopping at an all-time high, having a secure and easy way to receive deliveries is a major plus for residents.

2. Cost-Saving Perks

Renters appreciate benefits that help them save money without sacrificing quality. By selecting cost-saving perks that align with your residents’ priorities, you can provide meaningful value while generating ancillary revenue for your business.

• Renter’s Insurance – A must-have for most properties, renter’s insurance protects residents from unexpected losses while protecting the property owner from liability. Offering an in-house insurance option keeps things simple for residents and ensures compliance.
  
  
• Utility Concierge Services – Helping new renters set up electricity, internet, and water services before move-in saves them time and stress. Plus, many utility concierge providers offer referral incentives for property managers.
  
  
• Air Filter Delivery (Again!) – Yes, we’re emphasizing this one because it’s both a convenience-driven and cost-saving perk. Regular air filter changes lead to lower energy bills and fewer HVAC issues—something every renter (and property owner) can appreciate.

3. Lifestyle Perks

While practical benefits are key, adding lifestyle perks can make your property feel more like a home. Offering these services through your DIY benefits package allows you to control pricing and partnerships while ensuring renters get real value.

• Discounted Gym Memberships – Fitness perks are highly valued by residents, especially in urban areas where gym memberships can be expensive.
  
  
• Pet Benefits – Many renters have pets, and offering perks like pet rent discounts, on-site pet washing stations, or waived pet fees for responsible owners can set your property apart.
  
  
• Credit-Building Services – Renters love benefits that help them financially. Reporting on-time rent payments to credit bureaus can help residents build their credit, making it easier for them to qualify for future homeownership or other financial goals.

Why DIY? The Power of Control

Some property managers assume that resident benefits packages need to be outsourced to third-party providers—but the reality is, doing it yourself puts you in control. With a DIY approach, you:

✅ Customize benefits to fit your specific residents’ needs
✅ Avoid unnecessary markups and keep more revenue in-house
✅ Maintain transparency and ensure all perks provide real value
✅ Offer services that genuinely improve the resident experience

Building your own resident benefits package isn’t just a smart financial move—it’s a way to create a better, more seamless living experience for your residents while maintaining full control over how benefits are structured and priced.

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.