Every apartment building offers a different set of amenities to its residents. Amenities can be small – think microwave – or large, like an oversized swimming pool. Some apartment buildings offer all the bells and whistles, while others stick to the necessities.
Which apartment amenities are most important to you?
What are apartment amenities?
Apartment amenities are non-essential resources available to the residents in an apartment building. They’re available either inside rooms or somewhere on the property, for all apartment residents to share.
Amenities can also be outside the apartment building. These can include things like easy access to public transportation.
Apartment amenities are features, but not all features are amenities. Amenities aren’t needed to live in the apartment, but essential features usually are. Features like sinks, toilets, and lights aren’t amenities unless they go above and beyond their normal function. If the lights include smart technology or the toilets have bidets built in, they could be considered amenities.
Every apartment complex offers different amenities that can also change over time with renter demand.
Are apartment amenities included in the rent?
If you see an apartment building with a state-of-the-art fitness center or handy pet spa, you might wonder if you have to pay extra to use them.
The good news is that apartment amenities are almost always included in your rent. Your rent might be a little higher than the apartment next door, but you can probably use that gym, pet spa, or yoga room as much as you want without paying anything extra.
To be safe, read your lease agreement thoroughly before you sign it and ask the property manager if there are any extra fees. That way, there won’t be any surprises later on.
Ranking your top amenities
Take a look at some of the most common amenities, and make a “must-have” list of all your top amenities and how they stack up against each other. While you’re looking at apartments for rent, tell each leasing agent about your list and ask which features the units and overall complex offer.
Once you find the right complex, carefully read the lease from start to finish. It should spell out exactly which amenities they offer, whether they’ll cost anything, and how you can access each one.
If you’re renting with a pet or might get one in the future, check any pet policies in the lease. If they’re allowed, see which pet amenities the apartment offers and decide how much you value those perks.
Which basic features should all apartments include?
Every unit should include things like reliable electricity, water, and sewage. Features that can be hard to go without, but aren’t always required, include:
- Closet or other storage space
- Dishwasher
- Sink garbage disposal
- Microwave
- Oven
- Stove
- Washer and dryer
- Heating and air conditioning
These apartment amenities are offered in many complexes, and even required by law in some states.
Pay close attention to things like heating and air conditioning, especially if you live somewhere that can face extreme temperatures (hot or cold). Tenants living in apartments in Houston, TX will be much more comfortable in the summer if their room comes with AC. The same applies to residents of apartments in Minneapolis, MN who require heating during the winter.
Look for these amenities when you tour an apartment and ask the leasing agent if you’re not sure about something.
List of apartment amenities
Some apartment buildings go above and beyond the basics with their amenities. Skim the list of common features below and take note of your favorites. That way, you’ll know exactly which ones to look for on your next apartment tour.
In-room amenities
- Air conditioning
- Deck or patio
- Dishwasher
- Fireplace
- Hardwood floors
- High-end appliances or fixtures
- Energy-efficient appliances
- In-unit laundry machines
- Large windows
- Private balcony
- Windows with views
- Walk-in closets
Recreational amenities
- Barbecue or outdoor kitchen
- Clubhouse
- Community events
- Community garden
- Community kitchen
- Gym or fitness center
- Jogging or walking paths
- Media room
- Playground
- Sport courts
- Swimming pool
- Rooftop lounge
- Yoga room
Building amenities
- Concierge
- On-site laundry facilities
- Public transportation access or shuttles
- Restaurants or grocery stores
- Storage space
Pet amenities
- Dog park
- Dog run
- Pet concierge
- Pet daycare
- Pet-friendly units
- Pet spa
Parking amenities
- Covered parking
- Designated parking space
- Electric vehicle charging stations
- Garage
- Bike parking or storage
- Bike repair shops
Accessibility amenities
- Elevators
- Low-resistance flooring (like hardwood or low-pile carpet)
- Wide doorways and hallways
Security amenities
- Controlled entry
- Gated entrance
- Indoor entry
- On-site property manager
- On-site security staff or doorperson
- Secure parking
- Security cameras
- Virtual doorperson
Tech amenities
- Automated package room or package delivery
- Online maintenance requests
- Online rent payment
- Smart building entry
- Smart lighting
- Smart locks
- Smart thermostats
- Sound systems in community spaces
Other amenities
- Office or co-working space: Higher-end apartment buildings often have an office space or two which is available to residents. You may have to reserve it, or it may be first-come, first-serve.
- Wi-Fi: Many buildings offer free Wi-Fi in community spaces, which can come in handy if you’re having a party on the rooftop patio or checking out the co-working space.
Which apartment amenities should I look for?
Every renter has different preferences, but some features tend to be considered more important than others. Here are some of the most common apartment amenities you might want to add to your list of must-haves:
Heating and cooling
Many, but not all, apartment buildings offer heating or cooling in each apartment unit. In some cases, they’re required by law. But they might not be needed in climates that are mild and predictable year-round.
Some complexes have air conditioning hook-ups in their units, but tenants need to purchase the unit. Either way, heating and air conditioning are usually right at the top of most tenants’ apartment amenity lists.
In-unit washer and dryer
In-room washers and dryers can save tenants a lot of time and effort. No matter how often you do laundry, it’s always easier when you don’t have to haul your clothes to the building’s laundry room or the local laundromat.
Online bill pay and maintenance requests
There’s nothing more annoying (and slightly terrifying) than dropping off a rent check and finding out it got lost a week later. This is one reason online bill pay gets more popular by the year.
And with online maintenance requests, you can submit a work order any time of day or night, not just when the leasing office is open.
Outdoor space
Private or shared outdoor space can be a major selling point in an apartment building. A balcony or patio attached to your room, a shared green space, or a community rooftop deck can all be big pluses.
Pet-friendly units
More apartment buildings allow cats and dogs these days, but they may have breed and size restrictions.
Buildings tend to not allow reptiles, small mammals, or other exotic pets, even when other domestic pets are allowed. If you’re renting with a pet or considering it, read the pet policies in your lease so you and your pet don’t end up in a sticky situation.
Note that emotional support and service animals with proper documentation can usually live with you in any building, regardless of their pet policy. Because these animals are not legally considered “pets,” pet policies and fees typically don’t apply to them. But the tenant will still be liable for any damage the animal causes to the apartment.
When in doubt, check with the apartment property manager.
Public transportation access
Being close to public transportation can be very valuable. If you commute by public transit, keep an eye out for nearby bus stops or train stations. Some buildings also offer a community shuttle to local public transit stops.
Restaurants or grocery stores
Apartments built on top of coffee shops, grocery stores, and restaurants are becoming a common sight. In fact, these apartments often charge their residents a little more for rent since access to food (or caffeine) is so convenient.
Security features
Many tenants value apartment security amenities like controlled entry, secured parking, a secure package room, and on-site leasing staff. These can give residents peace of mind knowing that they and their belongings have an extra layer of protection.
Smart home features
Smart features like smart locks or thermostats can be handy apartment amenities. With smart locks, you can send your friends a secure access code to enter your room or building, or let the pet sitter in while you’re on vacation. Forget to turn off the AC before you left? No problem, you can turn it off from your phone.
The future of apartment amenities
Apartments offer more amenities now than ever before. Here are some of the hottest trends in apartment amenities today.
Phone and internet connectivity
The pandemic turned countless apartments into work-from-home offices, making internet connectivity an even more important apartment amenity. Nearly 90% of renters say they wouldn’t consider moving to an apartment that doesn’t have reliable cell service or good Wi-Fi connectivity.
When you tour an apartment, see if your phone has good service and ask the leasing agent about Wi-Fi options in the building.
Going green
Many apartments now offer energy-efficient appliances that help the environment and your utility bill. The same goes for smart thermostats and other innovative smart home features, like sensors that can detect leaky faucets.
You may be able to recycle and compost in your apartment building too. Make sure to read the instructions for recycling and composting so that everything you throw away can break down during processing.
Wellness
As people spend more time at home, apartment complexes can provide more to support tenants’ personal wellness. Amenities like community events, communal spaces (like rooftop decks and co-working areas), and fitness centers are popular ways to facilitate connections between residents.
Apartments also offer wellness resources like smoke-free facilities and sound-proof features to reduce noise pollution. Pet-friendly rooms and green outdoor spaces are also gaining popularity.
Work-from-home capability
The pandemic had a major impact on how some people work, and more renters are now working from their apartments. Work-from-home tenants may want to check for work-friendly features like high-speed internet capability, space for an in-unit office, and co-working space in the apartment building.
Final thoughts
Apartment amenities can be make-or-break features during any apartment search. Whether you’re a first-time apartment renter or seasoned apartment hunter, it never hurts to come prepared. Take note of your must-have amenities and ask plenty of questions ahead of time. Your future self will thank you.
This post first appeared on Redfin.com. To see the original, click here.