According to research by Talker Research for Lemonade, a digital insurance company, today's renters are staying put longer and developing new habits around their living spaces.
The study, which polled 2,000 Americans, highlights a rise in long-term tenancy.
Nearly a third of renters surveyed have spent years in the same unit, with baby boomers (41 percent) and Gen Xers (28 percent) most likely to stay for the long haul. In fact, 62 percent said they are unlikely or unwilling to move before the end of the year.
Still, some renters wrestle with mixed feelings: 22 percent admit to “commitment issues,” expressing a desire for change while hesitating to move.
Many have turned to online listings as a form of entertainment, with about one in three renters browsing available units at least once a week—often for over 30 minutes, especially in the early afternoon.
The process of making a rental feel like home is also evolving.
Renters say it takes around three months for a place to feel comfortable, and by the six-month mark, most know if they’ll renew the lease.
Personalization is on the rise too: 38 percent have made modifications — such as adding storage — even if it means bending the rules in their rental agreements.
Social media is fueling this home-improvement trend. Gen Z renters flock to TikTok for DIY ideas and decor hacks, while older groups prefer YouTube and sources like Apartment Therapy or Architectural Digest. They spend an average of 35 minutes a week seeking inspiration.
Despite this investment in their living spaces, only 40 percent of renters carry renters insurance, leaving many vulnerable to unexpected disasters.
As more people choose to stay and invest in their rentals, experts suggest that protecting their homes should become a higher priority.
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