How One Community Turned a 32% Renewal Rate Into 74% in 90 Days

In Q1, the regional for a mid-sized property in a major Southeastern market was staring down a serious problem — a 32% renewal rate and a rising wave of turnover. Their property was well-located, decently staffed, and competitively priced. But residents weren’t staying.

They didn’t need more amenities. They needed culture. So they made one decision that changed everything: they brought in PureStay to turn their resident experience into a real retention system.

The Problem: Turnover Was Quietly Killing Profit

On paper, the community had no glaring issues. Leasing was decent. Online reviews were neutral. The staff was working hard. But lease expirations were hitting fast, and residents weren’t renewing — even without major complaints.

The regional recognized the pattern: the community wasn’t creating any emotional reason to stay. There was no momentum. No identity. No moments. Just units.

The Approach: Event Strategy With Structure

Instead of another random giveaway or last-minute food truck, the regional brought in PureStay to execute a 90-day engagement push:

• Month 1: Branded evening lounge event with recap content
• Month 2: Morning coffee bar with local vendor and custom signage
• Month 3: Pet mixer with portraits and welcome gifts

Each event was photographed and turned into social and leasing content. Residents started tagging the community, sharing moments, and — most importantly — asking when the next one was.

The Results: Renewals, Referrals, and a New Culture

By the end of the 90-day sprint:

• Renewal rate jumped from 32% to 74%
• Referral leads increased by 60%
• Staff reported higher morale and better resident interactions

And they didn’t have to discount rent or throw thousands at unqualified lead gen. They just created a space people wanted to stay in.

The Playbook Can Be Yours

This wasn’t a miracle. It was a system — designed, executed, and measured by PureStay. Any property can run this play if they’re willing to shift from survival-mode engagement to culture-first retention.

Want to see what 90 days could look like at your property? Let’s build your custom retention strategy today.