Can You Hear Me Now? Renters Sound Off on Wi-Fi

When it comes to Wi-Fi, what do renters expect, and what can be improved? This month MHN and Kingsley Associates find out how residents really feel about their wireless connectivity in their communities.

“It would have been nice to know certain things, like that the Wi-Fi hook-up is in the bedroom closet and there is no convenient cable capability. This is very inconvenient if we need to hard wire anything.” –Columbia, Md.

“Cell phone reception is spotty at best and I’ve had to get a land line, which I didn’t want. This shouldn’t be an issue in 2018…” –Medford, Mass.

“The timeliness of reimbursement for buying a cellphone signal booster would be nice. For instance, if you submit a purchase receipt from a tenant, it would be nice to see the reimbursement by the second month of renting.” –Sunrise, Fla.

“I wish I would’ve known about the lack of cell phone service. However, the leasing manager addressed my concerns quickly and with a lot of professionalism to help me get a cell booster installed.” –Smyrna, Ga.

“I wish I could have an option to switch internet providers and not be forced to use one company.” –Glendale, Ariz.

“My experience has been great, except for the mandatory expensive technology package with cable. There should be two options: one with internet only and one with internet and cable.” –Salt Lake City

“It would be nice to have Wi-Fi in the community area, such as the gym and pool area. I would love to stream shows while I am working out to pass the time.” –Mt. Laurel, N.J.

“It is impossible to install Wi-Fi lights. This is a feature residents are increasingly preferring to have. I suggest getting rid of the current LED lights and allow resident to have their own bulbs.” –Reno, Nev.

“For short-term leasing, it would have been wonderful to have an option that included the utilities and Wi-Fi. It is a pain to have a company come set up the internet and cable, just to have to leave a few weeks later and do it all over again.” –Stamford, Conn.

“Upon move in, I would have loved a better explanation of how the Wi-Fi, cable and utilities works. I had to ask for the information rather than there being an explanation.” –Concord, N.C.

“I like the idea of including Wi-Fi and internet with the rent. However, I’d like to know if it was a good deal beforehand or have the option of picking my own.” –Arlington, Texas

“We should not have to be locked in by a monopoly for our Wi-Fi. Freedom of choice will result in a better experience and prices for residents.” –Jersey City, N.J.

“The Wi-Fi network is awful. I can hardly ever connect and when we can, it is extremely slow. Even submitting this form, the connection dropped several times, requiring me to retype it.” –Hartford, Conn.

“Pre-install wiring to hang a TV on wall space, electric shutters or blinds, wireless light plugs and wireless or remote ceiling fan light system. I don’t expect to move into a smart apartment, but I would like to have the option to make it one myself.” –Austin, Texas