Keyrenter Property Management, a leading residential real estate franchisor, is experiencing a significant growth spurt this summer, having surpassed the 100-location milestone with the awarding of 14 new franchise territories. Since the start of 2026, the company has signed agreements for new locations in Colorado, California, Texas, Florida, Virginia, Illinois, North Carolina, Michigan, and New Mexico, with five more candidates preparing for Discovery Day sessions as early as next week.
This expansion highlights the company's strategic momentum and the increasing appeal of property management franchises amid favorable market conditions. The residential real estate industry continues to thrive, with an estimated 25 million single-family rental (SFR) units in the U.S., of which only 4% are institutionally owned. Factors such as high mortgage rates, a tight lending environment, and a growing renter population are driving demand for professional property management services, making franchises like Keyrenter an attractive investment.
To support this rapid growth, Keyrenter has appointed Eric Steward, CFE, as Vice-President of Onboarding. Steward brings over a decade of experience in franchise recruiting, having previously served as Senior Director of Franchise Recruiting at Pillar to Post. In his new role, he will oversee all activities from signed franchise agreements through the onboarding process, ensuring new franchisees are well-prepared to launch their businesses.
Nate Tew, co-founder and CEO of Keyrenter Property Management, expressed enthusiasm about the milestone and the new hire. "On behalf of the brand and all of our valued stakeholders, we’re pleased to announce the awarding of these 14 new territories. Not only does this greatly expand our brand’s footprint, but we’ve also surpassed a significant milestone of establishing more than 100 franchise locations coast-to-coast. We’re also honored to have Eric Steward join us here at Keyrenter Property Management, who will be overseeing all activities from signed franchise agreements through the rest of the onboarding process for our growing network of franchisee partners."
Steward echoed this excitement, stating, "Joining the team of an industry leading brand like Keyrenter is a dream come true opportunity. The fact that they also operate in the residential real estate space where I have direct category experience is a plus and I hope to make several meaningful contributions in my new role as the head of onboarding activities. With the recent awarding of over a dozen new locations, I have my work cut out for me, but I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get started."
Founded in 2007 in Midvale, Utah, Keyrenter began franchising in 2014 and has grown to a network of 94 franchisee partners representing 101 locations across the U.S. Franchisees provide essential services such as rent collection, maintenance, and tenant placement, capitalizing on the recurring revenue model that makes property management a resilient business venture. As the industry continues to expand, Keyrenter's strategic growth and leadership additions position it to capitalize on the ongoing demand for residential rental management.
