News · Leasing & Operations
Renewals Carry Rent Growth in 2026: 56% Retention and 3.5% Renewal Increases
Short answer: RealPage data shows 56% of market-rate residents renewed in H1 2026 while renewal rents rose about 3.5% and move-in rents were roughly flat. Sources: [1]
How many renters are renewing in 2026?
Greg Willett, writing for LeaseLock with RealPage lease-transaction data, reports 56% of market-rate apartment residents with leases expiring in the first half of 2026 signed renewals. Retention is even stronger in single-family rentals, based on reports from large operators.
How do renewal and move-in rents compare?
Renewal lease price growth has averaged about 3.5% so far in 2026, while move-in rents are essentially flat year over year across RealPage, CoStar, Yardi Matrix, Apartment List and Zillow data. In many properties renewals are priced at least slightly above move-in rates.
What should leasing teams prioritize into late 2026?
Because turnover is seasonal and operators tend to emphasize occupancy over rent as weather cools, Willett says retaining the existing resident base will be paramount. That means renewal outreach, service quality and careful pricing where renewal offers exceed nearby move-in rates.
Frequently asked questions
What share of apartment renters are renewing in 2026?
Greg Willett, writing for LeaseLock with RealPage lease-transaction data, reports 56% of market-rate apartment residents with leases expiring in the first half of 2026 signed renewals. Retention is even stronger in single-family rentals, based on reports from large operators.
Are renewal rents rising faster than new-lease rents?
Renewal lease price growth has averaged about 3.5% so far in 2026, while move-in rents are essentially flat year over year across RealPage, CoStar, Yardi Matrix, Apartment List and Zillow data. In many properties renewals are priced at least slightly above move-in rates.
What should leasing teams focus on for the rest of 2026?
Because turnover is seasonal and operators tend to emphasize occupancy over rent as weather cools, Willett says retaining the existing resident base will be paramount. That means renewal outreach, service quality and careful pricing where renewal offers exceed nearby move-in rates.
Where do these figures come from?
Every figure is attributed in the text and linked in the numbered Sources list (1 source, with publication dates where available). Vendor figures are labeled vendor-reported.