What Are Apartment Amenities? (Including 8 Must-Haves)

Apartment amenities are any extra features or services offered by your apartment complex. These days, finding an apartment means scouring the internet for units that offer the best amenities.

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?

Whether you’re interested in resort-style pools or 24/7 door service, there are a host of amenities designed to make your renting experience easier and more enjoyable.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about apartment amenities and which ones are right for you. We've also included 54 great amenities across two categories (community and in-unit).

Guide to Apartment Amenities

What Are Apartment Amenities?

Apartment amenities are any unique or non-essential 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 also find amenities outside your apartment. Features such as on-site laundry, pools, clubhouses, and shared gyms are also considered amenities.

Landlords and property managers ultimately decide which amenities to include. Be sure to discuss the amenities the building and unit offer before signing a lease agreement.

Are Apartment Amenities Free?

Typically, apartment amenities are included in your monthly rent, meaning they’re technically not free. You normally won't see a separate charge for amenities advertised on an apartment's website.

Apartment upgrades, such as wood floors, should be included in the price for which the apartment is listed. In fact, apartment complexes with amenities can charge a higher rent price because of the 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 typically utilize amenities to attract tenants and retain long-term renters. 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 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 look 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
• Running or walking loop (around the building)
• Sports field/court
• Outdoor game areas (bocce, cornhole, etc.)

2. Pet Amenities

• Pet-friendly units
• Pet washing stations (for grooming)
• Dog parks
• Dog runs
• Indoor relief stations
• On-site pet sitting

3. Parking and Transportation Amenities

• Secured garage
• Assigned parking spaces, carport, covered parking spaces
• Visitor parking spaces
• Access to public transportation
• Electric vehicle charging stations
• Guest parking
• Bike storage
• Bike repair centers
• Designated area for rental e-bikes or scooters
• Designated rideshare pickup

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
• Co-working space
• Valet trash service
• Movie theater

What Are In-Unit Apartment Amenities?

Apartment amenities are amenities located inside your rental unit. They can only be utilized by you or your guests, creating the label “in-unit amenities.”

In-unit amenities to look for 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
• Smart home features

What Apartment Amenities Should I Prioritize?

Look for apartment amenities that support or enhance your lifestyle. Finding an apartment with all your desired amenities is possible, but keep in mind that it may limit your options and increase the cost.

Here are some of the most sought-after amenities:

1. In-Unit Laundry: In-unit laundry will save you time and lots of effort. Your washing machine and dryer are only a few steps away, and you don’t have to load up your weekly wash and schlep it to the laundromat.
2. Air Conditioning: If you live in an area with hot summers, such as Arizona or Nevada, a forced air system 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.
3. 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.
4. Dishwasher: Yes, you can wash dishes by hand. However, the process is time-consuming and wastes a significant amount 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.
5. Secure Parking: The importance of this feature depends on your location. 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.
6. Windows that Allow Light In: 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.
7. 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.
8. Pet-Friendly: Not everyone has a pet. But, if you do, a pet-friendly apartment is essential. 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 want. Get started by answering a few simple questions about what area you're looking in and the amenities you'd like to consider.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apartment Amenities

What are the basic necessities for an apartment?

When moving to a new apartment, you’ll need essentials such as a bed, pillows, sheets, kitchen supplies, and toiletries. Those are the bare bones necessities, while other items like lamps, nightstands, bathmats, and more can be added later.

Apartments are also typically equipped with basic amenities. Many apartments offer in-unit laundry, dishwashers, parking areas, and storage space.

Do all apartments include amenities?

Yes, many apartments include amenities, but these amenities will vary from one apartment to another. Some include features like in-unit laundry, while others may offer more luxurious amenities, such as a pool or pet grooming spa.

What are common apartment amenities?

Standard apartment amenities include a dishwasher, appliances, air conditioning, in-unit or in-building laundry, and closet or storage space.

Do apartments with amenities cost more than standard apartments?

Yes, apartments with more amenities, and particularly those with luxury amenities, command higher price tags. Renters end up paying more for rent to cover the “cost” of amenities. According to Murphy & Prachthauser, EV charging increases rent prices by 15.54% ($245 more per month), while other amenities, such as a pool, raise rent by 7.5% ($118 more per month), and balconies/patios raise it by only 4.94% ($78 more per month).