Top Amenities to Look for in a Rental Property

16 June 2025

So, you’re on the hunt for a rental property? Exciting! But let’s be real—finding the perfect place can feel like navigating a minefield of weird landlords, questionable carpet choices, and kitchens that look like they’ve been stuck in the ‘70s.

Don’t worry, though. I’ve got you covered! Instead of getting distracted by that fancy backsplash or those “vintage” (read: terrifyingly outdated) appliances, let’s focus on what truly matters—amenities! These little perks can make or break your renting experience.

Ready to dive in? Let’s talk about the top amenities you should be looking for in your next rental.

1. In-Unit Laundry (Because No One Likes Laundry Day Marathons)

Let’s be honest—if you’ve ever had to haul a 20-pound bag of dirty clothes across town to a laundromat, you know the struggle is real. In-unit laundry is an absolute game-changer.

Why? Because nothing says "I'm an adult" like washing your favorite hoodie whenever you want without hoarding quarters like a casino addict. Trust me, skipping the shared laundry room (or worse, coin-op machines) is a luxury you’ll never regret.

2. Air Conditioning (Because Summer is No Joke)

Ever lived through a heatwave with just a tiny fan and some desperate prayers? If so, you know that air conditioning isn’t just an amenity—it’s a lifeline.

Sure, you could try to convince yourself that sweating through your sheets is “just part of the experience.” But why suffer when you don’t have to? Whether it’s central air or a solid wall-mounted unit, A/C is a non-negotiable comfort feature.

3. Reliable Wi-Fi and High-Speed Internet (You Know... for “Work”)

Picture this: You just landed a remote job, you’re about to hop on an important Zoom meeting, and BAM—your internet decides it’s time for a nap. Suddenly, your pixelated face is frozen mid-sentence, and your boss is left wondering if you’ve been abducted by aliens.

Yeah, no thanks. Reliable, high-speed internet is crucial, whether you’re working from home, gaming, or streaming your latest Netflix obsession. If your future rental includes high-speed internet or has solid service providers in the area, that’s a major win.

4. Parking (Because Parallel Parking is a Nightmare)

Unless you enjoy playing a daily game of “find a parking spot before my neighbors do,” then you absolutely need parking. Even better if it’s covered or in a garage—because nothing ruins your morning like scraping ice off your windshield in subzero weather.

If parking isn’t included, check the street parking situation. No one wants to circle the block 15 times just to end up parking half a mile from home.

5. Pet-Friendly Policies (Because Fluffy Deserves Luxury, Too)

Got a furry friend? Then a pet-friendly rental is a must. Some landlords act like your 10-pound chihuahua is going to single-handedly destroy the entire building, so finding a truly pet-friendly place can be tricky.

Look for properties that not only allow pets but actually welcome them—with pet parks, washing stations, and reasonable pet fees. Your four-legged roommate will thank you, and you won’t have to sneak them in like a fugitive.

6. Storage Space (Because You Own More Stuff Than You Think)

Minimalism is great and all, but let’s be real—you’ve got stuff. And that stuff needs a home. Whether it’s an extra closet, a basement storage unit, or built-in shelving, having ample storage will make your life infinitely easier.

If you’ve ever tried to stuff a winter coat, a vacuum, and a year’s worth of holiday decorations under your bed, you know exactly why this matters.

7. A Dishwasher (Because Hand-Washing Dishes is the Worst)

There are two types of people in this world: those who refuse to rent a place without a dishwasher and those who think they can survive without one—until they realize they’re drowning in dirty plates.

A dishwasher isn’t just a time-saver; it’s a sanity-saver. Because let’s be honest—no one wants to come home after a long day and engage in an epic battle with greasy pans.

8. Outdoor Space (Because Fresh Air is Good for the Soul)

Whether it’s a tiny balcony, a shared courtyard, or a full-blown backyard, some kind of outdoor space is a definite plus.

Think about it: morning coffee on the balcony, weekend BBQs on the patio, or just a quiet escape when your roommate won’t stop blasting TikTok videos. A little fresh air goes a long way!

9. Security Features (Because Peace of Mind is Priceless)

You could live in the nicest apartment in the world, but if you don’t feel safe, it’s not worth it. Security matters.

Look for features like:
- Secure entry (key fobs, gated access, etc.)
- Well-lit parking areas and hallways
- Security cameras
- On-site management or security personnel

This isn’t about being paranoid—it’s about making sure you can sleep at night without jumping at every creaky floorboard.

10. Gym or Fitness Center (So You Can Pretend You’ll Work Out)

Look, we all have the best intentions when it comes to working out. But let’s be real—if the gym isn’t convenient, it’s not happening.

A rental with an on-site gym means you might actually follow through on that New Year’s resolution. And if not? Well, at least you’ll feel good about the possibility.

11. Modern Appliances (Because No One Wants a Stove from the ‘80s)

There’s something a little unsettling about an oven that looks like it belongs in a time capsule. Newer appliances = fewer headaches.

A modern fridge, stove, and microwave aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re about functionality. Because nothing ruins a meal faster than an oven that plays favorites with which side of your lasagna actually cooks.

12. Responsive Landlord or Property Management (AKA Someone Who Actually Fixes Stuff)

Ever had a landlord who treated maintenance requests like ancient scrolls that needed to be deciphered before action could be taken? Yeah, not fun.

A good landlord or property management team can make or break your renting experience. Look for reviews, ask current tenants if possible, and pay attention to response times when inquiring about the place. A leaky faucet shouldn’t turn into a three-month ordeal.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect rental isn’t just about picking a place that won’t break the bank—it’s about choosing a home that makes your life easier (and let’s be honest, more enjoyable).

From in-unit laundry to solid Wi-Fi and a pet-friendly policy, the right amenities can take your renting experience from “meh” to amazing. So before you sign that lease, make sure your future place checks off as many of these must-haves as possible!

Happy house hunting!