How to Find a High Rise Apartment

Looking for an apartment in the middle of the city? Perhaps you prefer a room with a view? Have you always dreamed of having breakfast sitting out on your apartment baloney?

You'll find all of this and more when renting a high-rise apartment unit. However, as these units are typically in-demand, you'll need speed, expertise, and luck to land the perfect one.

Fortunately, we’ve got your back during your high-rise apartment hunt. Here's everything you need to know about high-rise apartments, including how to find them and stay safe in a high-rise apartment.

Let's dive in.

What Is a High-Rise Apartment?

A high-rise apartment is an apartment unit within a building with between 8 and 40 floors or exceeds 75 feet between the ground and top floors.

If your apartment search includes units within buildings that exceed 40 floors, you've officially entered skyscraper territory.

High-Rise Apartment Features

High-rise apartments typically boast a collection of highly-coveted features and amenities, including:

• Excellent views
• Balcony access
• Prime location
• On-site fitness center
• On-site or in-unit laundry
• Off-street parking

High-Rise Apartment Safety

Safety is one of the biggest concerns that renters face when considering high-rise apartments.

No one wants to be in an apartment over 75 feet in the air during an emergency.

Fortunately, living in a high-rise apartment can be entirely safe.

However, you'll need to be well-versed in high-rise apartment safety standards and protocols.

Below, you’ll find a breakdown of essential high-rise apartment safety tips and features.

Fire Alarms and Exits

If you plan on renting a high-rise apartment, you should be well-versed in fire safety for high-rise apartments.

Fortunately, the local fire department oversees your building's adherence to fire safety codes. As a result, you’ll find fire safety features such as well-marked and accessible fire exits, fire sprinkler systems, and more sprinkled throughout high-rise buildings.

If you notice anything that could pose a fire safety hazard within your building or unit, don't hesitate to document it and bring the information to your landlord or property manager.

The issue will need to be fixed under the implied warranty of habitability. For more information about which fire safety hazards may breach the implied warranty of habitability, check out the NYS courts Warranty of Habitability Fact Sheet.

Here are some essential fire safety tips for renters living in a high-rise apartment building:

• Always know where the exits are and (as silly as it sounds) practice a few fire drills.
• Be sure to test your fire alarms at regular intervals to ensure they are in working order.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen.
• Keep a flag or brightly-colored cloth to wave out the window if you need emergency rescue services.

Balconies

While some high-rise apartments will feature balconies, these may be limited to only a portion of units in the building and will likely cost more.

If you rent an apartment with a balcony, a safety fence will surround the balcony's perimeter.

This guard fence should help prevent children, pets, and oblivious adults from falling off the balcony.

Window Guards

Windows in high-rise apartment units typically don't open more than a few inches.

Or, the windows may be tiny and hard to reach. But, again, this setup is in adherence with fire codes and helps prevent accidental falls.

In an emergency rescue situation, windows can be broken to improve access to the individual in need of aid.

Elevators

For disabled individuals, pregnant individuals, moving large items, and more, elevators provide safe, accessible transportation.

In an emergency, the stairs should be your primary method of exiting the building.

How to Find the Best High Rise Apartment

Whether you're a seasoned renter or a rental novice with a dream, the following tips will help you land your next high-rise apartment!

Determine Your Budget

High-rise apartments are usually on the higher end of the rent spectrum.

As these units are typically within the downtown neighborhoods of most large cities, the location drives up the price.

Beyond that, many high-rise apartment buildings include luxury apartment amenities that will also increase the cost.

To set your apartment budget, you'll need to evaluate your earnings, current expenses, and the average rent for high-rises in your preferred neighborhood.

Ideally, your rent should not exceed 30% of your pre-tax income, per the 30% budgeting rule.

However, if you're not into doing a ton of math, you can use our rent calculator tool to determine how much rent you can afford.

Understand the True Cost of Renting

Unfortunately, rent won't be the only significant expense you encounter during the rental process.

That's why it's essential to consider the true cost of renting.

When renting a high-rise apartment, you'll need to consider things like moving costs, your security deposit, coming up with first and last month's rent, and much more.

These costs often run well into the thousands and require renters to have a significant lump sum of cash upfront.

You should time your apartment search, so you have ample time to save up enough to make your move comfortably.

Set Your Apartment Priorities

Understanding what you want in an apartment is essential to finding a new home that best suits you.

Start by creating a list of essential features for your apartment. These are features that you need rather than want.

You should strongly consider your current and expected lifestyle when considering these essential apartment features.

The goal is to figure out which features you need to live comfortably.

Amenities

What do you want out of your apartment?

Figuring out your apartment priorities will mean considering your preferred apartment amenities.

When considering wants, you can be as selective as you'd like.

Finding a high-rise apartment with in-unit laundry, doorman service, and an on-site fitness center may not be possible.

So, if you have an extensive list of apartment wants, it may be best to give yourself as much time as possible to find an apartment that ticks every item on your list!

Location/Neighborhood

Neighborhoods are unique. Even neighborhoods within the same city will have distinct features that help them stand out.

Again, consider your lifestyle and hobbies when considering which neighborhood is best for you.

For example, if you're a fan of long walks or have children that run amok without daily park trips, a neighborhood with a large park might be your best bet.

Commute Time

If you've yet to join the remote work revolution, you'll need to consider your commute time when choosing an apartment that best suits you.

Moreover, if you own a personal vehicle, it's good to consider apartment buildings with off-street parking options.

Public Transportation

Fortunately, as high-rise apartments are commonly found incite centers, you shouldn't have too much trouble getting around via public transportation.

However, it's also essential to consider which transportation options are nearest and how accessible grocery stores, banks, and other essentials are by foot.

Prepare for High Rise Apartment Tours

When renting an apartment, there are tons of questions to ask, so take your pick!

Just be sure to ask about anything you're concerned about during the tour before applying for the unit.

In doing so, you'll avoid applying for a unit that you're incompatible with.

Here are a few questions to help get you started on your list:

• What is the apartment parking policy?
• Is this unit pet-friendly? What about breed restrictions?
• How much is the security deposit?

Applying for Your High Rise Apartment

In general, you should expect the application process for a high-rise apartment to mirror applying for a traditional apartment.

Here's a brief breakdown of what you can expect during the apartment application process:

• Filling Out Your Application Form: The apartment application form is straightforward. You’ll need to provide identify verification documents and information. Additionally, you’ll be asked to provide rental history information, job and earnings details, and permission for a credit or background check. You may also be asked to pay an application fee.
• Submitting Your Apartment Application: This is another straightforward step. Submit your application, which will likely be online. Just be sure that you review your application for accuracy. In hot rental markets, minor application mistakes can cost you your dream unit.
• Wait For a Response/Approval: While there’s always a chance your application could be rejected, let's say you’ve been approved! From here, you’ll move on to signing your lease agreement (please read before signing), paying for your apartment, and making arrangements to move in!

Protect Yourself from Rental Scams

Rental scams target seasoned renters and novices alike. Unfortunately, these ploys are convincing and dangerous enough to have elicited $5.2 million from US renters in 2018.

With evictions on the rise and more apartment vacancies, rental fraud is likely to increase. However, you can steer clear of rental fraud with a few simple tips:

• Never send digital money transfers through sites like Venmo, Paypal, or Cash App. You’ll have a hard time proving fraud, and there’s a good chance you may not get your money back.
• Rent from established property management companies.
• Always verify the legitimacy of the listing before moving forward in the rental process. Confirm that the property at the given address matches the listed property pictures, confirm landlord ownership, and check for duplicate listings on other listing sites with different information.

These are just the basics. However, if you want more information, we’ve got a guide to avoiding rental scams for renters who like to keep their money.

Using Apartment List to Find Your New High-Rise Apartment

High-rise apartments have a lot to offer for renters looking for gorgeous views, luxury amenities, and prime downtown locations. If you’re in the market for your dream high-rise apartment, Apartment List is here to help.

Our rental concierge takes the work out of apartment hunting by letting you set the course. Simply tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll provide you with a list of apartments that match your preferences. It’s that easy.