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**The Outlook for Apartment Amenities: Q&A with Jeff Lail of WithMe**
There’s little doubt that the “extras” offered by a multifamily property can influence a renter’s decision. However, on-site amenities are dynamic—they evolve based on tenant expectations and operational realities.
To shed light on current trends and the outlook for 2026, ApartmentBuildings.com spoke with Jeff Lail, CEO of WithMe, about what’s shaping the amenities landscape.
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*Jeff Lail*
**Q: What was a standout trend in apartment amenities in 2025?**
**A:** One notable trend was the decline in enthusiasm for in-house amenities maintenance. Initially, many operators believed managing amenities internally would be more cost-effective, especially amid labor shortages. However, as operating margins tightened and costs remained high, the actual burden of DIY setups became evident. When factoring in staff time, maintenance, supply fluctuations, and service disruptions, many found outsourced solutions to be more scalable and dependable.
Increased supply and slower rent growth also gave renters more choices, making it essential for property managers to differentiate their communities without overextending operational resources. As a result, demand grew for predictable, long-term solutions that aligned with team capacity and resident expectations.
**Q: Which amenities demonstrated the highest resident engagement?**
**A:** In 2025 and continuing into 2026, amenities that support daily routines have been the most highly utilized. Spaces for remote and hybrid work, quality fitness centers, and premium self-serve coffee stations are all examples of features that residents consistently use—not just try out once and forget.
By contrast, showy features like golf simulators and theaters often generate initial excitement but lack ongoing usage. Amenities that are used 15–20 times a month become part of a resident’s lifestyle. That level of engagement improves resident satisfaction and creates stronger renewal potential, making them more valuable than those that are merely eye-catching during tours.
**Q: Are wellness amenities like yoga or spin studios becoming obsolete?**
**A:** Not necessarily obsolete—but they’re being reimagined. Wellness is shifting away from box-checking and toward thoughtful design that integrates physical and mental well-being throughout a resident’s daily life. Today’s approach combines physical health with elements that support focus and decompression, especially as remote work remains common.
This includes coworking lounges filled with natural light, comfortable furniture, sound-optimized areas for calls, and small but impactful amenities like nearby coffee bars. These holistic wellness features help residents work and relax in ways that feel natural and seamless.
**Q: How does AI integration impact amenities today and in the future?**
**A:** The most meaningful use of AI isn’t flashy—it’s foundational. In 2025, advancements in AI helped property teams behind the scenes with tasks like inventory monitoring, demand forecasting, and usage tracking. These tools drove greater consistency, reduced service downtime, and eased pressure on staff.
For residents, the benefit is reliability—not novelty. In 2026, AI will quietly ensure that amenities are functional, efficient, and available when needed. When technology disappears into the background and reduces friction, it delivers real value.
**Q: How should amenities be managed across buildings with multigenerational renters?**
**A:** Designing separate amenities based on age is costly and inefficient. Instead, smart design involves multi-use common spaces that appeal across demographics—Gen Z remote workers, busy families, and retirees alike.
A flexible lounge, for instance, can support productivity in the morning, socializing in the afternoon, and quiet time in the evening. Spaces that adapt to varying needs foster more consistent use and community engagement.
**Q: What does the 2026 outlook for multifamily amenities look like?**
**A:** The industry is shifting away from trendy amenities and toward those that provide essential, consistent value. Operators are becoming more selective, avoiding bloated amenity lists filled with underused features. Instead, they’re investing in practical, data-driven, and flexible solutions that enhance daily life.
The recommendation to property owners is to evaluate new amenities with honesty: Will they be used frequently? How much operational effort do they require? Can their impact be measured? Flashy doesn’t always equate to functional. Long-term value lies in reliability, usability, and operational efficiency.
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This article previously appeared on ApartmentBuildings.com.
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