Rently Surveys Sentiments, Plans Around Renting

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Rently, Los Angeles, released its 2026 Renting by Generation Report, finding that while long-term renting is becoming more socially acceptable, there’s still plenty of pressure around buying homes.

Forty-six percent of respondents have a somewhat or very positive view of renting, compared with 20% of respondents who have a negative or somewhat negative view.

Benefits from renting include the freedom to move or change plans, at 38%, and relief from ownership responsibilities at 37%. That’s particularly profound for Gen Z. One-fifth say they are not interested in buying because they are not planning to stay in one place long-term, compared with only 5% of Baby Boomers.

“Renting is no longer just a stepping stone to homeownership. For a growing share of Americans, it is a deliberate choice,” said Merrick Lackner, CEO at Rently. “In a market where buying can feel out of reach and flexibility matters more than ever, renters want speed, predictability and real support. The rental experience should feel simple and responsive because for many households, renting truly feels like home.”

Half of respondents see long-term renting as more acceptable today than it was 10 years ago.

Affordability is a significant barrier to buying, with 56% of all respondents saying they can’t afford a down payment or mortgage. And, 41% of Gen Z respondents said economic conditions have caused them to consider moving to a different area, compared with 31% of Millennials, 26% of Gen X and 24% of Baby Boomers.

That being said, younger renters still feel significant pressure to purchase homes. Only 17% of Gen Z said they don’t feel such pressure, compared with 49% of Baby Boomers reporting they don’t feel such forces.

Thirty-three percent of Gen Z believe owning at some point is very likely, with Millennials at 31%, Gen X at 20% and Baby Boomers at 11%. For older renters, renting can feel like a more stable choice, Rently noted.