Finding Your Perfect Place
It’s important to prioritize what features and amenities you desire in an apartment. Make sure you know what you want and what you are willing to pay for. One renter might be willing to pay extra for an apartment with a washer and dryer, while another is fine taking the lower rent cost and using the laundry room.
Below is a list of basic apartment information and amenities to be aware of. Determine what features you like best and use them as search criteria when you’re on the lookout for your next great unit.
Type of Housing: High-rises are generally more expensive than low- and mid-rises because they often have amenities like a doorman, elevators and a variety of centralized facilities. Of the low-rises, walk-ups and gardens are usually the least expensive.
Size: A large, one-bedroom may cost you more than double the rent of a studio apartment in the same neighborhood.
Location: City units are usually more expensive than suburban and rural apartments but low-cost urban rentals are available, too. The apartment is likely to cost more if it is near retail and entertainment areas.
Number of Bedrooms: Plan on spending around one-third more for each bedroom.
Number of Bathrooms: Your selection will be very limited if you are looking for a bathroom for every bedroom. This floor plan is usually found only in high-end apartments.
Balcony, Deck, Patio or Porch: This is considered a luxury amenity and will be on the higher end of the rent scale. You may pay $200 to $300 more a month just for this feature.
Yard: You’ll find these in low-rise apartments and may share the space with others in the building. Yard availability is very limited, especially in urban areas.
Kitchen Amenities: New (or newer) appliances, marble countertops, dishwashers and the size of the kitchen will all make the unit more expensive.
Floor Type: Hardwood floors throughout the unit are usually the most expensive. Certain kinds of tile will also increase the price of the apartment.
Laundry Facility: While some units do have an in-unit washer and dryer, most have central facilities for the whole building. Having access to the machines might add a small amount to the rent, even if the machines are coin-operated.
Fireplace: This feature usually accompanies an upscale unit so expect to pay premium rent if this is one of your top choices.
Workout Center: This is usually part of an upscale high-rise and also a premium rent feature. You may have to pay an extra fee to use the facility.
Parking: Parking is rarely included in the rent in urban apartments but often is in suburban ones. You can pay anywhere from $50 to $500 for a monthly parking space, depending on the type (lot or covered) and the location.
Technology: This includes high-speed Internet and cable connections, or at least the hook-ups that make the technology less expensive to install. If your building offers these services, you will probably have to pay extra. Modern units are most likely to have this amenity.
Doorman: Having someone to open your door and greet your guests is obviously going to cost you. A doorman would be present in a high-rise building.
Elevator: This is included in the cost of a high-rise building apartment.
Special Offer/Willing to Negotiate: A special offer could be a discount for signing the lease early or a company promotion (just like a sale on sweaters).
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