Top 10 Features of Rental Platforms the Modern Renter Is Looking For

In today’s fast-paced world, modern renters are seeking more than just a roof over their heads. With busy lives, tight schedules, and a desire for convenience, the expectations from rental marketplaces have evolved. They are no longer just platforms for finding properties; they are tools for simplifying and streamlining the entire rental journey.

In this blog post, we will explore the top 10 features that savvy renters are looking for in rental platforms to make their house-hunting journey smooth and efficient.

Simplified User Registration

Let’s face it: No one enjoys the hassle of filling out lengthy registration forms on multiple rental marketplaces. Modern renters are craving simplicity and clarity: Several easy-to-complete steps for registration are enough. The time it takes to register also matters a lot. Nobody is going to spend an hour or more simply trying to sign up on the platform and confirm their email and phone number.

This time would be better spent searching for properties and trying to find a perfect fit. A well-organized and streamlined registration process not only saves time but also ensures your personal information remains secure. Moreover, you dedicate more time to the things that matter most.

AI Language Search for Properties

Artificial intelligence is being actively integrated in all spheres of our lives, and rental platforms are no exception. Natural Language Recognition Search on a rental website allows users to simply describe their preferences and desires in everyday language and find the most relevant properties.

So, you can ask for “a two-bedroom apartment in a quiet neighborhood with a pet-friendly policy,” and the website’s AI would understand, analyze the request, and present matching property listings. Moreover, it would show the most relevant options first, allowing the user to find the most suitable properties faster and more conveniently.

Chatbots and 24/7 Customer Support

Renting an apartment often involves numerous questions and concerns, and not all the information is available in the property description. Thankfully, immediate assistance can now be achieved through AI built into rental platforms, and represented by chatbots and 24/7 customer support.  

However, we are not talking about run-of-the-mill FAQ chatbots here. Advanced AI chatbots powered by natural language processing (NLP) mechanisms can do much more than send pre-recorded answers. From understanding your tone to providing detailed, up-to-date information about the property, they make the lives of both parties much easier. The AI chatbots on rental platforms ensure you receive accurate property information and feel supported and well-informed at any time of day. 

Responsive Design

In an era where smartphones are an extension of our hands, a responsive design is non-negotiable. Currently, around half of the population worldwide uses mobile phones for surfing the web. Therefore, you would expect your rental platform not only to offer robust property search functionality with advanced features and a convenient filtering system but also a seamless mobile experience.  

No glitches, no frustrations, just a user-friendly interface that allows you to navigate effortlessly from your home, street, public transportation, or university. Moreover, the mobile interface lets the platform make best use of NLP algorithms, so that you can expect fast, accurate, and up-to-date property search results at your fingertips. 

2D & 3D Property Virtual Tours

A picture is worth a thousand words, especially when we talk about choosing your future home. You would definitely like to get a comprehensive understanding of the property’s layout, condition, and facilities, before signing the deal.  

Fortunately, cutting-edge technology allows sellers, brokers, and landlords to create and upload 2D and 3D virtual tours and floor plans to the platform, to introduce future tenants to the property. This way, you can explore every nook and cranny from the comfort of your current residence. 

Property Calculations

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to finances. Since rental expenses are among the most significant ones, it is always worth testing the waters in advance, before you arrange the viewing of a new home.  

Modern rental platforms enable you to estimate the property price, according to your needs for location, state, and size. For renters, such calculators can quickly and conveniently determine whether a particular property matches their budget and expectations. 

Property Comparisons

Choices, choices, choices. The modern renter has a multitude of options, and property comparison tools are a must-have feature in any rental platform. Side-by-side comparisons allow you to assess various properties based on their pricing, location, amenities, other features, and, therefore, fully evaluate their suitability. This feature empowers you to make smarter decisions by visualizing the pros and cons of each variant and enables you to see which concessions must be made, as well as prioritize available options. 

Calendar Integration

Life gets busy, and you do not want to miss that long-awaited property tour. Modern rental platforms eliminate such risk (or mitigate it as much as possible). The calendar — integrated into the platform — enables users to synchronize their tour bookings and inquiry dates with their personal planning or calendar applications of choice (like Google or Apple calendar). This way, you can stay organized and ensure you never miss an important appointment. 

User Dashboards

Imagine having all your rental-related information in one place. Saved property searches, chats with agents, inquiries about history archives, bookings and viewings information, all in one place! The user dashboards provide exactly that.  

Access your entire booking and rental process history with ease and enjoy seamless synchronization with email notifications. No more hunting through your inbox for details about a property tour you have scheduled, or hectic search in your emails for the contacts of your real estate agent.

Property Tours Booking

Booking property tours must be a breeze, and not a burden. If you have ever tried to rent with outdated real estate agencies, this would look like endless email communication about the suitable time and place for both of you. Not anymore! Modern rental platforms leverage virtual assistants or enable users to connect directly with landlords and brokers to schedule tours based on their preferences and availability. Together with calendar integration, it all gives you the freedom to explore more potential homes on your own terms and at your convenience. 

The expectations of modern renters are now set quite high, and the rental marketplaces and platforms have no choice but to fulfill them and stay on top of the latest technological trends. This way, they can offer a seamless, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for the renter.