What Renters Actually Want (and What They Won’t Tolerate)

Renter behavior hasn’t changed much: budget is king, and tolerance for friction is shrinking.

Zillow’s Consumer Housing Trends Report 2024 found that 94% of renters believe listings should clearly show all fees, and 77% say rental fees should be included in the total rent rather than charged separately. Zillow When listings offer clarity on costs, pet policies, and the application process, objections post-tour drop markedly.

Meanwhile, self-guided tours are no longer niche. In NMHC surveys, self-guided or hybrid tour modes are increasingly mainstream—especially among relocators or time-constrained renters. (You may consider linking to an NMHC survey here if you have one.)

The takeaway: offering multiple tour modes isn’t optional—it’s necessary in a market crowded with options.

Why Owners Care About Your Access Workflow

Owners aren’t just watching lease yield—they’re weighing risk.

Insurance rates and deductibles have risen significantly in recent years, leading many property owners to scrutinize operational risk. RealPage’s 2Q 2025 operational expenses webcast noted that surging insurance and construction costs are creating pressure across the industry. RealPage

A showing system must be auditable, secure, and professional. Time‑bound codes, visitor identity verification, and access logs aren’t nice extras—they support asset protection and owner confidence.

InstaShow+ in Action

Instant, Flexible Touring
A public link displays real-time availability for both agent-led and self-guided tours, letting prospects book at peak interest—even after hours.

Professional, Auditable Access
Time-limited access codes, visitor ID checks, and automatic logging give owners the paper trail they expect—without slowing leads down.

Simple, Focused Notifications
InstaShow+ sends renters only what they need:

• Tour date & time
  
• Time remaining until tour
  
• Any critical tour instructions
  

With clarity from the start, objections post-tour are minimized.

Put Transparency Where Renters Find You

Consider your listing copy a promise to renters:

“Here’s everything you’d ask the leasing agent—without the back-and-forth.”

Here are three content blocks to embed across your website, email campaigns, and ILS listings:

• All‑In Pricing Box — Display base rent plus mandatory recurring fees and utility estimates
  
• Tour Prep Box — Explain tour duration, what to bring, and any restrictions
  
• Apply Now Box — Show criteria, required documents, and expected decision windows

Zillow’s research supports this approach: renters are significantly more likely to engage with listings that show total monthly cost and next steps. Zillow

InstaShow+ ties those transparency blocks directly into the showing process, giving prospects clarity and a direct path to schedule.

Prove It with Simple, Repeatable Metrics

You don’t need a dedicated analytics team. Track these core KPIs:

• Time to first tour after inquiry (target: < 24 hours)
  
• Conversion rates by tour type (self-guided vs agent-led)
  
• Days vacant and tour-to-lease ratio
  

Then summarize for owners in a clean report:

• Tours scheduled
  
• Tours completed
  
• Applications received
  
• Proposed lease starts
  

That narrative flips the conversation: instead of “Why are we discounting so much?” owners see: “Your process is driving velocity—even in an oversupplied market.”

Bottom Line

Heading into 2026, supply remains elevated and renters are more selective than ever. RealPage and Yardi data confirm completions are still historically high even amid modest pullbacks. RealPage

In this environment, agents don’t win by discounting—they win by delivering instant tours, radical transparency, and a secure access layer that supports trust. With InstaShow+, you’ll shrink the path from interest to lease—and do it in a way owners can see, trust, and celebrate.