How to Attract and Retain Baby Boomer Renters in Arlington

The aging of the generation born following World War II has created dramatic attention not only because of their number but more so because of their effect on the American culture. These “Baby Boomers” compose a massive chunk of the population which is why they lead a tremendous impact on the American society. As the Baby Boomer generation approaches retirement age and beyond, they have also become one of the fastest-growing groups of renters. In the Arlington home market and beyond, baby boomers are a dominant group.

Attracting these Baby Boomer renters requires a decent knowledge of their needs and preferences, as well as the qualities that depict this generation. For example, Baby Boomers are one of the most affluent generations to date, indulging in post-war abundance and an affinity for leisure activities. For property owners, these individualities offer a foretaste of the most effective tactics for promoting a property, appealing to retiree renters, and encouraging social activity.

Advertising to the Baby Boomer generation requires a combination approach. Many Baby Boomers enjoy using online resources to search for rental homes, pay rent, and utilize smart home features. They will also regularly use the internet and sites like Zillow to discover rental properties. At the same time, however, Baby Boomers are more likely than other generational groups to use offline methods for finding a rental home. “’ For Rent” signs, local bulletin boards, and recommendations from friends are all common means of gathering information for this demographic. That’s why attracting Baby Boomer renters must be done by way of both online and offline methods.

One of the reasons industry experts think Baby Boomers are renting at progressing rates is because they don’t necessarily desire paying for a mortgage or want to deal with the responsibility of home maintenance once they retire. For Arlington property owners, this means that a good strategy to attract and retain Baby Boomer renters is to offer more services, such as yard maintenance or house cleaning. Many renters in this demographic are agreeable to paying a higher rent if it involves some of the more labor-intensive home maintenance chores.

When renting homes long-term to an aging demographic, it is also necessary to assume that there will be requests for reasonable adaptations. Property owners can be proactive in some ways by creating accessible doorways, ramps, and grab bars. While some modifications will be tenant-specific, many aging renters will benefit from a higher degree of accessibility in a rental home and appreciate an owner’s attempt to anticipate their current or future needs.

Property owners can also attract and retain Baby Boomer renters by creating gathering spaces on or near their rental home. Social activity is essential to renters of any age, but retirees often prioritize the ability to gather with family and friends. A beautiful kitchen, updated patio, or other gathering space can go a long way toward keeping a long-term tenant satisfied.

When Baby Boomers rent a home, they are usually looking for a place where they can see themselves growing old. Arlington property owners can enhance their rental homes by presenting amenities and facilities that appeal to this demographic and making their continuing satisfaction a priority. At Real Property Management Commonwealth, we understand how vital tenant retention is, and how to appeal to the owner’s desired demographic effectively. We can help property owners keep their vacancies low and their tenants pleased with the level of service and care they receive. To learn how we can help, or if you have additional questions, contact us online or by phone at 617-299-2342 today.