In 2025, the rental landscape is more than just square footage and location, it’s an experience. Technology is no longer a supporting actor in real estate; it’s the director of how properties are found, evaluated, leased, and lived in. For Gen Z and millennial renters, the largest groups shaping today’s rental demand, digital-first experiences are expected.
At Bloomnights, we’ve seen firsthand how the digital tenant journey has become a key differentiator in tenant acquisition, satisfaction, and retention. This article explores why the tenant journey has changed, what renters now expect, and how real estate brands can and must adapt.
Why Has the Tenant Journey Changed So Drastically?
1. Generational Shift: The Digital Native Effect
Gen Z (born ~1997–2012) and millennials (~1981–1996) are digital natives. They’ve grown up with seamless digital experiences—from same-day delivery to AI-driven entertainment recommendations. These expectations now extend to real estate.
– Stat: A 2024 Zillow Consumer Trends Report found that 71% of Gen Z renters expect to complete the entire rental process online, including contract signing.
– These cohorts are also more likely to relocate for remote work opportunities, making digital property exploration and management essential.
Key Insight: Renters now approach leasing like online shopping, they want clarity, speed, and control, not friction.
2. Pandemic Legacy: The Rise of Remote and Contactless Processes
The COVID-19 pandemic cemented the role of digital real estate processes. What began as a health safety measure became a long-term convenience. Virtual tours, digital lease signing, online rent payments, and contactless check-ins have now become non-negotiables.
When Does the Digital Tenant Journey Begin (And End)?
The journey is no longer linear it’s dynamic and ongoing. Here’s how we break it down at Bloomnights:
1. Discovery (Search & First Impressions)
This stage is highly visual and mobile-driven. Renters expect:
– Advanced filters that go beyond “2 bed / 1 bath” to include noise levels, pet policies, or remote work readiness
– Real-time availability and pricing updates
– Short-form video walk-throughs, drone footage, and 3D virtual tours
Insight: Properties with interactive media get 60–75% more engagement than static listings.
2. Evaluation (Virtual Tours & Community Insights)
Renters assess the space and its surroundings.
– Augmented Reality (AR) tools now let them place their own furniture digitally
– Reviews, local amenities, crime maps, and commuting data are expected as part of the listing
– Video testimonials from past tenants provide trust and relatability
Bloomnights Strategy: We integrate real-time area analytics into every listing, along with digital neighborhood guides.
3. Application & Leasing
This stage must be fast and frictionless:
– Digital ID verification, e-signatures, and AI-backed tenant screening
– Transparent lease terms and upfront digital security deposit options
– Some platforms even offer cryptocurrency payments for tech-savvy tenants
4. Living Experience (Ongoing Support & Maintenance)
This is where most traditional landlords fall short—but where digital-native systems shine.
– In-app maintenance requests with video/photo uploads
– Predictive maintenance alerts using IoT (e.g., sensors detecting a potential leak)
– Mobile dashboards to track rent payments, documents, guest access, and utility bills
5. Feedback & Retention
Tech doesn’t just help secure tenants—it helps keep them.
– Digital surveys, loyalty perks, referral programs, and auto-renewal notifications
– Review management tools and social proof loops
Retention strategy: Properties managed with smart tech see 20% higher renewal rates.
What Do Gen Z and Millennial Tenants Expect in 2025?
Here’s a breakdown of the top priorities, backed by data:
Priority |
What It Means |
% of Renters Who Value It (2025) |
| Self-Service Digital Processes | Online leasing, rent payments, and maintenance requests | 87% |
| Virtual and Augmented Tours | 3d walkthroughs and room planning with AR | 75% |
| Flexibility and Transparency | Clear fees, flexible leases, easy exits | 68% |
| Smart Technology Integration | Smart locks, climate control, security | 59% |
| Sustainable Features | Energy-efficient appliances, recycling, and carbon tracking | 54% |
| Community and Wellness Amenities | Gyms, workspaces, pet parks, meditation rooms | 61% |
| Digital Reputation and Reviews | Trust is built through social proof, ratings, and transparency | 66% |
How Bloomnights Is Creating Seamless Digital Journeys
As a tech-first real estate platform, Bloomnights is building infrastructure around the new tenant lifecycle—merging software, design, and service.
Here’s how we stand out:
1. End-to-End Digital Ecosystem
From discovery to departure, our platform covers:
– AI-matched property suggestions
– One-click application processes
– Digital dashboards for both tenants and landlords.
2. Mobile-First, Data-Rich Experience
– Real-time property insights powered by location intelligence
3. Tenant Behaviour Analytics
– Provide data-powered recommendations, price forecasts, and neighborhood insights to help renters find suitable homes quickly and within their budget.
Conclusion
The modern renter isn’t just looking for shelter, they’re looking for service, security, speed, and personalization. In a market where digital-first competitors are growing rapidly, landlords and property managers who neglect the digital tenant journey risk falling behind.
Bloomnights isn’t just responding to these expectations, we’re engineering them. In 2025 and beyond, the future of real estate will belong to brands that blend technology with empathy, data with design, and automation with human insight.
