A new survey of renters shows speed and ease matter the most in the renting experience at the same time long-term renting is becoming a deliberate housing strategy for millions of Americans.
The Rently 2026 Renting by Generation Report explores the renting vs home ownership tipping point: the moment when renting stops being a temporary phase and starts being seen as a realistic long-term option, whether driven by flexibility, convenience, or financial tradeoffs.
High home prices, elevated mortgage rates, and persistent housing affordability challenges have made it harder for many households to justify or afford the leap from renting to owning. At the same time, expectations for the renting experience are rising. Speed, predictability, flexibility, and digital convenience now define what renters consider a worthwhile long-term option. The market is experiencing a broader shift in how Americans think about housing, stability, and what a successful adulthood looks like.
The survey was done by Pollfish in January 2026 of 800 U.S. adults aged 18+ who currently rent an apartment, condo, or house.
Key insights from the renting experience and housing strategy survey
- 63% of Gen Z rate speed and ease as very or extremely important in the renting experience.
- 46% of renters describe renting as somewhat or very positive, compared with 20% who describe it as somewhat or very negative.
- 54% of renters say predictable monthly costs with no surprise charges make renting feel worthwhile long-term, and 53% say the same about having repairs and maintenance handled for them.
- 39% of Millennials and 34% of Gen Z view renting as a temporary step before owning, compared with 20% of Gen X and 16% of Boomers+.
- 49% of renters say long-term renting is more acceptable today than it was 10 years ago.
- 49% of Boomers+ feel no pressure at all to eventually own a home, while 33% of Gen Z say owning is very likely.
“Renting is no longer just a stepping stone to homeownership. For a growing share of Americans, it is a deliberate choice,” said Merrick Lackner, CEO at Rently. “In a market where buying can feel out of reach and flexibility matters more than ever, renters want speed, predictability, and real support. The rental experience should feel simple and responsive because for many households, renting truly feels like home.”
