From Stopgap To Stay: More US Renters Staying Put Long-Term

A growing number of American renters are putting down deeper roots, with new data showing that tenants have lived in their current homes for an average of four years — and many plan to stay put.

In a national survey of 2,000 renters conducted by Talker Research on behalf of digital insurance company Lemonade, 28% reported staying in the same rental for seven years or more. Baby boomers (41%) and Gen X (28%) have stayed in one place the longest, compared to other generations, suggesting that long-term renting isn’t just a millennial trend.

While renting has often been seen as a transitional phase, the study found that 62% of respondents said it was either unlikely or completely out of the question for them to move before the end of the year. At the same time, many renters admitted to having mixed feelings about their living situation: 22% confessed to “commitment issues,” feeling torn between the desire for a new place and an unwillingness to leave their current one.

This indecision has fueled a new kind of habit: browsing rental listings even with no intention of moving. About one in three (32%) renters said they look at listings at least once a week, and 41% described it as the new doomscrolling. Those who browse listings daily said they spend over 30 minutes on average per session, with the most popular time of day being 2:06 p.m.

“Todays renters are navigating a tricky mix of uncertainty and aspiration,” said Sean Burgess, chief claims officer at Lemonade. “Its no wonder so many feel caught between wanting something new and not being ready to let go. Behind every listing is a hope for something better — but the process can be overwhelming.”

Renters reported that it typically takes three months for a new place to truly feel like home. Within six months of moving in, most said they know whether theyll renew their lease. In the meantime, theyre making themselves at home — sometimes against the rules. Thirty-eight percent said theyre likely to install fixtures or make other unit modifications, even if not permitted by their rental agreements.

The survey also found that renters across all age groups are turning to social media for DIY inspiration. Gen Z is most likely to search TikTok for renter-friendly decorating ideas (51%), while millennials (38%), Gen X (35%), and baby boomers (22%) tend to favor YouTube. Apartment Therapy (14%), DIY Creators/Glen Scott (10%), Chip and Joanna Gaines (10%), House Beautiful (9%), and Architectural Digest (8%) topped the list of go-to influencers and publications. On average, renters spend 35 minutes per week seeking out these decorating hacks.

Despite efforts to personalize their spaces, fewer than half of renters (40%) currently carry renters insurance. Among those surveyed, 33% had experienced damage to their belongings while living in a rental. One respondent lost $5,000 in a lightning strike; another estimated $15,000 worth of jewelry was stolen in a burglary. Several others reported property losses due to flooding, fires, or hurricanes — and many were left unprotected. More than one-third (36%) of those who experienced damage said they didnt have renters insurance at the time.

Among those who were insured, 68% said their provider was able to cover all or some of the losses. Only 31% said their claims were not covered.

“Moving out, moving on and making a place your own is a big part of growing up,” said Burgess. “But it comes with curveballs — from leaks to break-ins — things happen when you least expect them. Having a safety net in place can make all the difference.”