Renting the Right Way: 8 Amenities Every Apartment Should Have

Whether you’re on the hunt for your first apartment or itching for a more functional rental, chances are you have a few things on your mind. You’ve probably been thinking about how many bedrooms you need and how to select the right neighborhood. You may have even considered the type of decor or finishes you want your new place to have. But what about amenities?

The amenities that an apartment provides has the power to enhance your lifestyle—or put a damper on it. While some amenities are luxuries, these 8 should be considered essential if you want to find the perfect home.

1.    Outdoor Areas

We are spending more time in our homes, so outdoor areas where we can get sunshine and fresh are increasingly important for our well-being.

Outdoor amenities generally come in two forms: private and communal areas. Private areas are balconies or terraces that are an extension of your apartment and only for your use. On the other hand, outdoor communal areas are shared with other residents and come with extra perks like cultivating a sense of community and giving you additional gathering space. Bush Temple is an excellent example of this with its outdoor rooftop lounge equipped with a kitchenette, pool, and seating that all tenants can enjoy.

2.    Heat Control

Nothing is worse than being too hot or cold when it is very little you can do about it.

Listings don’t commonly mention this, so make sure to ask the landlord if you will have control over the heat when inquiring about an apartment or when doing your walkthrough. This is also the ideal time to check if there are any additional fees if you are considering using your own air conditioning unit.

3.    Pet Friendly

If you have a furry friend, then please find a pet-friendly apartment.

We have all heard stories of those that have “snuck” pets into apartments. But the reality is that hiding a pet is not only stressful for you, but it is stressful for your pet as well as cats and dogs tend to emulate emotions.

The fact that pets are allowed in your apartment should be outlined in your written rental agreement, along with any extra fees that come along with having a pet. The good news is that renting with pets is in high demand and many landlords are becoming more open to the idea. Thus, finding a pet-friendly apartment is becoming increasingly easier in many areas.

4.    Newer Appliances

Newer appliances aren’t just more aesthetically pleasing—they are less likely to break down and more efficient.

If you really want to save on your hydro bill, look for an apartment that offers Energy Star appliances or the like. You may also want to consider a dishwasher. While some feel this is a luxury, dishwashers tend to use less water than handwashing. Therefore, you will save time and decrease your water bill.

5.    Carpet Free

Carpet is harder to sanitize and is prone to staining and retaining odors.

It is best to opt for an apartment with hardwood, tile, laminate, or some combination of those options. The only time carpet is an asset is for renters that have dogs with joint pain as the cushioned flooring makes less impact.

Love the plush look of the carpet or the coziness it provides? Using area rugs in apartments is always an option. Area rugs come in almost every size, color, and pattern imaginable. Plus, they are easy to swap out if they get stained, and you can take them with you if you move.

6.    Parking & Public Transportation

No one wants to come home after work to circle the parking lot or street to find a spot to park.

Knowing exactly where your car is going with a designated parking spot can save you this headache. Living somewhere with snow? A parking garage is a nice perk that can save you time since you won’t have to clear off your car as often.

For those who take public transportation, map out the routes you take the most often before committing to a rental. You should opt for a short commute and have stops easily accessible from where you live.

7.    On-Site Laundry

Laundry in your apartment building is a convenience that you don’t want to pass up.

A shared laundry room in your building means you can relax in your apartment as your load washes and dries. Anyone that has ever had to sit around a laundromat waiting for clean clothes knows this is a huge convenience.

To kick up the convenience of on-site laundry, look for an apartment with a washer and dryer right in your unit (or at least the hookups for them). With this amenity, you will no longer need to carry around change for the machines or wait in line for a dryer in use.

8.    Front Desk Service

Shopping online is more popular than ever, so chances are you will need a place for your packages to be delivered.

The first choice is a front desk. This means that fewer people will have access to your mail and there will also be someone available if a signature is needed. As a bonus, the front desk also acts as a layer of security, keeping an eye on people who enter the building.

Note that you may have to pick up packages at the post office or an Amazon locker for complexes that don’t offer front desk service or parcel lockers.

Beyond these 8 amenities, you may also want to look for ones that are tailored toward your lifestyle. For example, if you love to keep healthy, a gym in the building can be a major convenience. A bit of a social butterfly? Look for an apartment with a community that gets together for activities every now and then.

Apartments have many benefits. And finding a home with the right amenities will help you enjoy apartment living to the fullest.

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