What Are Apartment Amenities? 41 Must-Have Amenities

These days, looking for a new apartment means scouring the internet in search of units that meet all your needs. You probably know you need to cover the basics - a full bathroom, a kitchen setup, and room to sleep in - but what about the rest?

The key to taking full advantage of apartment living is to find a place with great amenities. From resort-style pools to 24/7 door service, there are a host of amenities designed to make your renting experience easier and more enjoyable.

Not sure where to start? Here's everything you need to know about apartment amenities and which ones are right for you. We've also included 41 great amenities across two categories (community and in-unit).

Guide to Apartment Amenities

What Are Apartment Amenities?

Apartment amenities are any unique or nonessential feature or service offered to renters. You can consider anything beyond the essentials of a functional apartment unit to be an amenity. For example, while an apartment should have a kitchen setup, a stocked kitchen with high-end stainless steel appliances would be considered an amenity. That’s because low-tier appliances would perform the same function.

Similarly, you can find amenities outside your apartment as well. Things like onsite laundry, pools, clubhouses, and shared gyms are all considered amenities as well.

Landlords and property managers make the final decisions regarding which amenities to include. So, be sure to discuss which amenities the building and unit offer before signing a lease agreement.

Are Apartment Amenities Free?

Typically, apartment amenities are included in your monthly rent. You usually won't see a separate charge for amenities that are advertised on an apartment's website. Apartment upgrades, like wood floors, will usually already been included in the price the apartment is listed for. In fact, apartment complexes with amenities can charge a higher rent price because of the apartment amenities they offer, which is why you'll often see higher prices for apartments that have smaller units but nice features (such as new appliances, wood floors, or gyms).

Landlords generally use amenities to attract tenants and keep long-term renters happy. Apartment buildings often compete to offer more amenities than other buildings nearby.

Be sure to research the market of any neighborhoods you're interested in. That way, you can ensure that the prices are within your budget. If you need help determining how much you can afford, try a rent calculator.

What Are Community Amenities in an Apartment?

Community amenities are shared amenities that landlords offer to all residents of the building or property. They are generally exclusive to residents of the building.

However, some buildings partner with nearby businesses, like gyms, to offer complimentary memberships. Here are some community amenities to keep an eye out for in your apartment search.

1. Recreational Areas

• Swimming Pool
• Barbecue Areas
• Firepits
• Gym/Fitness Centers
• Yoga/Cardio Rooms
• Community Clubhouse
• Playground
• Rooftop Lounge Areas
• Community Garden
• Media Rooms
• Common Areas

2. Pet Amenities

• Pet-friendly Units
• Pet Washing Stations
• Dog Parks

3. Parking and Transportation Amenities

• Secured Garage
• Assigned Parking Spaces, Carport, Covered Parking Spaces
• Access to Public Transportation
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
• Guest Parking
• Bike Storage
• Bike Repair Centers

4. Other Community Amenities

• Laundry Facilities
• Laundry Services
• Package Lockers
• Gated Community
• Security Guards/Doormen
• Community Events/Classes
• Extra Storage Space
• Online Rent Payments
• Online Maintenance Requests

What Are In-Unit Apartment Amenities?

These are amenities located inside your apartment unit. They can only be utilized by yourself or your guests. They’re considered in-unit amenities.

Here are some in-unit amenities that you should familiarize yourself with during your apartment search.

• In-unit Laundry
• Air conditioning
• Storage Space or Large Closets
• Patio or Balcony Space
• Dishwasher
• Energy-efficient Appliances
• High-speed Internet Access
• Large Windows with Natural Light
• Views
• Fireplace
• Hardwood Floors

What Apartment Amenities Should I Be Looking For?

Deciding which apartment amenities to seek out during your apartment search is completely up to you. Finding an apartment with all of these amenities is possible. However, it’ll obviously limit your options and cost more.

While apartment hunting, there are a few amenities you should be on the lookout for. They’ll make your life easier, more enjoyable, and could even save you money.

• In-unit Laundry: The goldmine of amenities. In-unit laundry will save you time and lots of effort. Your washing machine and dryer are only a few steps away. Making the trek through your building and carrying a heavy laundry basket to the community laundry room only to find out all of the machines are in use is never fun.
• Air conditioning: If you live in an area with a very warm summer, like Arizona or Nevada, forced air is a must. Even if you don’t live in these areas, A/C is effective at cooling the entirety of your home. A fan is generally not powerful enough to cool more than one room.
• Fitness Centers: If you work out at a gym, having a fitness center in your complex is a great benefit. A fully-stocked gym with a wide variety of equipment can allow you to cancel your gym membership. Better yet, you'll save time and gas on trips to the gym. You might also find a new gym buddy that’ll make exercising more enjoyable.
• Dishwasher: Yes, you can wash dishes by hand. However, the process is time-consuming and wastes gallons of water. Energy-efficient dishwashers use less water per cycle than you’d use washing for even a few minutes. Save the planet (and some time) with a dishwasher.
• Secure Parking: The importance of this feature will depend on where you live. If you’re moving to a large city or an area with a history of car break-ins, you should ensure that your building offers secure parking to reduce the chances of burglary.
• Windows that Let Light In: Living in a space that doesn't provide much natural light can be detrimental to your health. For starters, sunlight can act as a natural alarm clock, raise your serotonin levels, and improve your mood. Having at least one window in your apartment that lets in a lot of natural light is a major plus.
• Online Rent Payments: We live in a digital age. Payments are becoming increasingly reliant on digital methods such as direct deposit, direct withdrawal, and simple money transfers. Paying your rent online is not only convenient, but it’s also more secure. More importantly, it reduces the chances that you forget to pay on time.
• Pet-friendly: Not everyone has a pet. But, if you do, a pet-friendly apartment is vital. You never want to find yourself in a situation where you must rehome your pet because your apartment doesn't allow them. Be sure to research whether an apartment has breed or size restrictions before signing a lease!

Need Help Finding the Right Apartment?

Though apartment amenities are considered nonessential, there's no denying that they make your life easier and more enjoyable. Whether it's a short elevator ride down to the fitness center or folding your freshly washed laundry from the comfort of your couch, many apartment amenities are worth the extra cost.

That said, it can be a major challenge to sift through all the vacant apartments looking for one that meets all your needs from rent cost to amenities.

That's where Apartment List comes in.

We’ll make it easy for you to find your dream apartment, with all the amenities you need. Get started by answering a few simple questions about what area you're looking in and the amenities you'd like to consider.