In a fiercely competitive rental landscape, property owners must adapt to rapidly shifting tenant expectations. Recent surveys of thousands of renters reveal precisely what features and services distinguish successful offerings from outdated ones. Three distinct trends - verified homes and listings, safe neighbourhoods, and streamlined digital processes - are emerging as essential for attracting and retaining renters in 2025.

Verified Homes and Transparent Listings

In today’s renter market, clarity and trust start before move‑in day. Nearly four in five renters (79%) now insist on digital features in property listings, including comprehensive lease terms and the option for private tours. The quality of an online listing sets the tone for the entire homeowner–tenant relationship.

The current rental landscape in Dhaka is largely dominated by independent or standalone agents who often lack formal, institutional training in the real estate industry. Despite operating in a market with a lower-bound monthly transaction volume of at least BDT 3 crores in the tri-state area alone, many of these agents contribute to a lack of professionalism and transparency. As a result, renters have frequently encountered issues such as misleading listings, unfulfilled promises, and, in some cases, financial exploitation.

This has led renters to become increasingly cautious when dealing with agents and property listings. Now more than ever, they seek some form of property verification before making any financial commitments or entering into agreements.

Safe, Connected Neighbourhoods and Quality In‑Unit Amenities

Safety and comfort continue to top tenant priorities. The Apartments.com survey of 20,000 Americans found that rent, location, and security ranked highest among considerations. Buildium’s data reinforces this: across property types - from single‑family homes to large apartment buildings - safe neighbourhood is consistently the number‑one amenity sought in 2025.

Although there is currently no formal research-backed data to support this trend, it is increasingly evident through everyday observation across Bangladeshi neighbourhoods. In response to ongoing political unrest and concerns over public safety, many residential areas have significantly strengthened their security infrastructure. For instance, Defence Officers Housing Societies (DOHS) in Dhaka—such as Baridhara DOHS and Mirpur DOHS—have long maintained high security standards, including controlled entry points, round-the-clock guards, and surveillance systems. Inspired by such models, other neighbourhoods like Bashundhara Residential Area, Gulshan, and parts of Dhanmondi have also begun implementing more rigorous measures. These include gated community access, increased deployment of private security personnel, CCTV installations at key entry points, and resident registration protocols for visitors. Such developments reflect a growing emphasis on safety, which has become a key factor influencing rental preferences among tenants in Dhaka’s urban landscape.

In‑unit essentials like air conditioning, washer/dryer, dishwasher, and reliable high‑speed internet also feature prominently in renters’ choices, often trumping communal amenities such as gyms or pools. Especially for renters working remotely - 62% of respondents in recent surveys - stable internet access ranks among the most essential features.

The Visual Disconnect: Poor Image Quality Undermining Listings

One of the most persistent yet overlooked challenges in Bangladesh’s rental market is the poor quality of property images used in listings. Despite the increasing digitization of property search, most Bangladeshi platforms and PropTech services fail to provide even basic, high-resolution photographs of rental units. In many cases, images are poorly lit, cropped awkwardly, or do not showcase key features such as the living space, kitchen, or washroom elements critical to a prospective tenant’s decision-making process.

This disconnect between visual representation and on-ground reality has led to a significant expectation-versus-reality gap. Tenants often find that the properties look markedly different, sometimes much better than what was portrayed in the listing. However, the initial impression created by substandard visuals discourages interest, reducing the chances of a successful rental transaction even for otherwise appealing properties.

Without proper visual storytelling, renters are left guessing about the actual condition, layout, and ambiance of a home. This lack of transparency not only breeds distrust but also directly impacts a landlord’s ability to attract quality tenants. In an era where tenants expect a certain degree of digital professionalism, the absence of even minimum visual standards remains a glaring shortfall in Bangladesh’s PropTech evolution.

Digital Leasing, Smart Tech, and Tenant Control

Perhaps the most significant shift in tenant expectations is the elevation of smart technology and digital homeowner–tenant interactions from luxuries to essentials. The 2025 Rently Trends Report shows that 58% of renters would sacrifice amenities like a gym or pool to secure smart home features such as smart locks, or security cameras and 54% now expect these as standard in listings. In fact, 65% say smart‑enabled properties are more appealing than comparable ones without tech offerings(Rently).

Security is a major motivator: 69% of renters consider networked cameras important, while 58% prioritise key‑less access and smart locks mainly for peace of mind, more than cost savings or convenience(investors.smartrent.com).

Digital leasing tools are also in high demand. AppFolio’s report notes that more than 70% of renters consider features like online portals, rent payment apps, and move‑in dashboards essential when evaluating a property. Among users of digital move‑in tools, a remarkable 81% rated them as “helpful” during their transition.

What These Trends Mean for Owners and Managers

Collectively, these trends paint a clear portrait of renters in 2025: digitally savvy, safety-conscious, convenience-driven, and deeply selective. Owners who invest in verified listings, secure neighbourhoods, and seamless smart‑home tech position themselves to attract a more mobile but discerning tenant pool.

To align with expectations:

Ensure listing accuracy and transparency- include verified lease terms, virtual tours, and clear fee disclosures.
Prioritize neighbourhood security and in‑unit quality- highlight safety ratings, AC, laundry, fast internet, and pet-friendly policies.
Adopt digital tools throughout the rental cycle- online application, digital lease signing, portals for maintenance, rent payments, and smart‑home integration.

Those who move early to meet these demands will not only reduce vacancy rates but also boost tenant satisfaction and encourage longer tenures.

Final Word

In 2025, renters expect more than a roof over their heads they demand a living experience defined by safety, transparency, convenience, and digital flexibility. Homeowners and who respond with verified listings, smart-home infrastructure, and responsive technology will rise above commoditized offerings. In the modern rental market, these attributes aren't just attractive- they’re non‑negotiable.