There’s little doubt that the “extras” offered by a multifamily property can entice renters from one property to another. However, those on-site amenities aren’t stagnant—they change, based on demand. To clarify what’s going on with apartment features—as well as the 2026 outlook—Apartment ApartmentBuildings.com tapped with Jeff Lail, CEO of WithMe, for his insights and forecast.
Q. What was a main amenity standout trend in 2025? A. One trend that surprised many people was the rapid decline in momentum for in-house amenities maintenance. At one point, the do-it-yourself management focus seemed cheaper than hiring a third party, especially in tight labor markets. But, operating margins continued to tighten, and expenses remained stubbornly high. Additionally, owners and operators found that factoring in staff time, ongoing maintenance, supply price fluctuations, and the occasional service disruption meant that DIY setups were pricier and harder to manage consistently. At the same time, new supply and softer rent growth in several regions provided renters with more choices, altering the competitive landscape. Operators found they needed to stand out without adding extra work for already stretched teams. This led to a growing demand for scalable, dependable and financially predictable amenities. Instead of chasing what looked creative or eye-catching on paper, many teams focused on solutions that supported long-term operations and delivered value without increasing day-to-day complexity.
