Parks Associates Releases “Top Six Most Valuable Multifamily App Experiences” for MDU Residents 

Parks Associates recently released research, “Connected Communities: Wi-Fi, IoT, and Resident Experience,” that finds 62% of multifamily residents rated receiving package notifications as valuable, emphasizing the important role of access control and personalized delivery service experiences. The findings will be featured and analyzed at the fourth annual Smart Spaces, September 15-16 in Plano, Texas, where industry leaders will explore the technologies transforming multifamily operations and resident engagement. 

Multifamily/apartment/MDU residents place the highest value on mobile app features that facilitate communication with staff and simplify everyday tasks and challenges common when living in a multidwelling building. 

Top Six Most Valuable App Experiences for Multifamily Residents 

1. Requesting maintenance  
2. Contacting property staff 
3. Paying rent 
4. Receiving package notifications 
5. Accessing a panic or SOS feature 
6. Viewing energy usage or utility bills 

“Today’s residents expect a single digital platform that helps them manage their daily interactions with their property, from maintenance requests and package notifications to building access and smart home controls,” said Jennifer Kent, SVP and Principal Analyst, Parks Associates. “For owners and operators, these apps are becoming an important tool for improving the resident experience while increasing operational efficiency.” 

The research also highlights opportunities for community engagement. While social networking features rank low overall, the ability to connect with other residents is significantly more valuable among residents of retirement (55+) and gated communities, where more than half of respondents indicated interest in these capabilities.