Tenants Are Looking for Turnkey and Tech-Enabled Rentals

The rental landscape is changing—and fast. Today’s tenants, especially younger renters, students, and professionals, are seeking turnkey and tech-enabled rental units that offer convenience, comfort, and connectivity from day one. For landlords in Peterborough, Ontario, understanding and adapting to these expectations can be the difference between a vacant unit and a long-term, high-quality tenant.

At the Peterborough Landlords Association, we’re seeing this shift firsthand. Here's what it means and how you can stay ahead of the curve.

What Is a Turnkey Rental?

A turnkey rental is a property that is fully updated, clean, and move-in ready. That means:

Fresh paint and modern flooring
Clean, functioning appliances
No outstanding maintenance issues
Thoughtful touches like window coverings or included utilities

Tenants don’t want to hassle with repairs, outdated fixtures, or messy move-ins. They're looking for a home, not a project.

Why Tech-Enabled Features Matter

Technology isn’t just a bonus anymore—it’s becoming a baseline expectation. Many renters are seeking features like:

High-speed internet included in rent
Smart thermostats and keyless entry systems
Online rent payment and maintenance requests
Efficient lighting and smart home integrations

These additions make your property more appealing, especially to students at Trent University or Fleming College, remote workers, and tech-savvy professionals relocating from larger cities.

Benefits for Landlords

Offering turnkey, tech-enabled rentals doesn't just help tenants—it helps you too:

Higher rental value and faster leasing
Attract more responsible, long-term tenants
Reduce vacancy time with better first impressions
Streamlined management with tech tools like smart locks and digital rent collection

Small Upgrades, Big Impact

You don’t need a full renovation to make your unit more appealing. Start small:

Add a smart thermostat ($100–$250)
Offer Wi-Fi as part of the rent
Provide modern lighting and fixtures
Create a welcoming, fully cleaned space between tenancies

These simple updates can set your rental apart in the competitive Peterborough market.

Stay Competitive in 2025 and Beyond

Tenants have more choices than ever, and expectations are rising. By investing in turnkey and tech-ready units, Peterborough landlords can attract better tenants, reduce turnover, and increase long-term returns.

At the Peterborough Landlords Association, we’re here to support local landlords with tips, tools, and community connections to stay competitive in today’s rental market.

👉 Join us today and learn how other landlords are modernizing their units to meet tenant expectations.