What Amenities Do Renters Look for in Calgary Apartment Buildings?
- Westbow Systems
- Jul 29
- 3 min read
Western Canada’s Rental Market: More Units, More Competition
Across cities like Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and Victoria, the purpose-built rental market is expanding rapidly. Thanks to population growth, CMHC-backed financing, and urban densification, developers are building more, but so is everyone else.
While demand is high, vacancy is ticking up in some regions. New buildings in Vancouver and Calgary are seeing longer lease-up times as renters weigh their options. Edmonton and Saskatoon still post steady demand but are also seeing increased competition.
So how do you make your property stand out? The answer lies in blending location, sustainability, and modern amenities, especially practical ones like secure tenant storage lockers.
What Western Canadian Renters Are Really Looking For
Today’s renters are searching for a lifestyle that works for them. According to regional surveys and CMHC data, Western Canadian renters consistently rank the following features as must-haves:
Generous in-unit or on-site storage space
Smart-home features like keyless entry and smart thermostats
Energy-efficient appliances and ventilation
Fitness centers, dog wash stations, and EV charging
Shared workspaces and flexible leasing options
While rooftop terraces and community lounges are appreciated, it’s the day-to-day usability that drives lease decisions and retention. That’s where secure tenant storage becomes a high-impact, low-lift solution.
Why Tenant Storage Lockers Give You a Competitive Edge
Adding dedicated tenant storage lockers, either on each floor, in the parkade, or in a secured storage area, does more than tidy up a building. It directly improves livability, tenant satisfaction, and long-term retention.
Here’s what well-designed storage can do for your property:
Increase Rentability: Renters will pay a premium for practical convenience. Integrated, secure storage lockers reduce their need for off-site storage units, saving them money and time.
Reduce Clutter in Units and Common Areas: Clean hallways and better in-unit space management mean happier tenants and easier maintenance.
Improve Lease Retention: When renters can comfortably stay organized, they’re more likely to renew, especially seasonal renters or outdoor enthusiasts.
Attract the Right Tenants: Storage lockers appeal to families, young professionals, and downsizers alike, all growing demographics in Calgary.
Design a Thoughtful Storage Strategy
At Westbow Systems, we work closely with developers, architects, and property managers to customize tenant storage locker solutions that fit your building, and your tenants’ lifestyles.
We start by asking:
What are your tenants storing?
How often do they need access?
Is this short-term or long-term storage?
How much space does each unit require based on size or demographics?
Then we design locker systems that make the most of your space, using wire mesh, high-security partitions, or full-height enclosures depending on your needs.
Looking to add tenant lockers to a current or upcoming build? Talk to our team today.
Go Beyond Lockers: Integrate Bike Storage and Gear Rooms
Bike-friendly features are no longer a niche perk, they’re essential. Calgary’s growing cycling infrastructure, combined with tenants’ desire for active, car-free living, makes secure, accessible bike storage a must-have.
We recommend:
Secure bicycle storage rooms with vertical or double-stacked racks
Repair stations and maintenance-friendly flooring
Gear rooms for skis, snowboards, and winter equipment
All of these add to your building’s usability and appeal, especially in Calgary’s climate.
Storage That Works With Your Sustainability Goals
If you’re pursuing LEED certification or working to align with Calgary’s green building priorities, tenant storage lockers can be part of the solution. Using recycled materials, maximizing vertical space, and reducing reliance on off-site car-dependent storage facilities are all small but meaningful sustainability wins.
Bonus: locker systems are incredibly space-efficient. When designed right, they optimize underused areas like basement corridors or parkade edges, turning dead space into added value.
Amenities Matter, but Utility Wins
In a market flooded with rooftop terraces and yoga studios, the buildings that actually work for tenants are the ones that lease first, and lease fast.
Storage lockers might not be flashy. But they are deeply appreciated. And when paired with smart layouts, walkable locations, and flexible leasing, they become a key part of the reason tenants choose your building over the next.
If you’re looking to create a residential building that attract tenants and keeps them, start with their stuff.
Contact Westbow Systems today for a free consult on how tenant storage lockers can elevate your Calgary project.
Get Started Now
Looking to differentiate your Calgary property with practical amenities that renters care about? Westbow Systems designs and installs high-quality tenant storage lockers that fit your space and your vision.
Because in today’s competitive rental market, storage is a necessity. Westbow proudly serves Calgary and communities across Western Canada with tailored storage solutions built to perform.
