When renting an apartment, you’ll often hear about “amenities.” In simple terms, amenities are the extra features and services that come with a rental – the perks that make living there more comfortable or convenient beyond the basic four walls. They can be things inside your unit (like air conditioning or a dishwasher) or shared facilities in the building (like a gym or rooftop deck). In the world of rentals, these amenities are the little (and not-so-little) bonuses that can really change how you experience home (baymgmtgroup.com). In fact, amenities are often a key focus for renters shopping around, sometimes becoming the reason you choose one apartment over another (avail.co). This post will break down what “apartment amenities” means, discuss whether they’re included in your rent, highlight common amenities you can expect, and go over some of the best (most sought-after) apartment amenities in today’s U.S. rental market.

Related: Are Utilities Included in Rent?

Are Amenities Included in Rent?

One big question first-time renters have is whether they have to pay extra to use amenities. The good news is that in most cases, amenities are included in your rent. If an apartment building advertises a state-of-the-art fitness center or a pet spa, you can typically use those facilities as much as you want without an additional charge – it’s all part of the package (redfin.com). Your monthly rent might be a bit higher in a building with more amenities (the cost is often baked in), but you generally won’t be dropping quarters into a machine to use the gym or paying a fee every time you lounge by the pool.

That said, always clarify what’s included. While landlords usually avoid nickel-and-diming tenants with separate fees for each amenity (since that can scare people off) (avail.co), some properties do charge amenity fees or have certain premium services at an extra cost. For example, a complex might have an “amenity fee” of say $30–$50 per month that covers access to all the facilities (apartmentlist.com). Or specific perks like a reserved parking spot, private garage, or extra storage unit might come with a monthly charge (e.g. $50+ for a garage space) (apartmentlist.com). Pet-friendly apartments often require a pet deposit or “pet rent” each month as well. The key is to read your lease and ask the property manager which amenities are included in the rent and which (if any) cost extra (redfin.com). This way you won’t have any surprise charges later on. As long as you do your homework upfront, you can budget accurately and enjoy your apartment’s amenities worry-free.

Common Apartment Amenities

Swimming pools are a classic perk in many apartment complexes, offering residents a fun way to relax and beat the heat without leaving home. Many U.S. apartment communities provide recreational amenities like pools or fitness rooms on-site for tenants, typically at no extra charge beyond the rent (redfin.com). Along with these, there’s a wide range of common amenities you’re likely to encounter when apartment hunting. These usually include both in-unit features and shared building facilities that have become standard in many rental properties:

• Basic In-Unit Features: Most apartments come equipped with essential appliances and comforts. Expect a kitchen with a refrigerator, stove/oven, and often a dishwasher and microwave already installed. Many units also have some form of heating and air conditioning (in some regions, this is even required by law) for climate control (redfin.com). Don’t overlook storage space – a decent closet or pantry is a common amenity that can be vital for keeping your home organized (redfin.com). These might seem basic, but not all rentals (especially older or cheaper ones) include them all, so it’s worth checking during tours.
  
• On-Site Laundry: If an apartment doesn’t have a washer and dryer inside the unit, it will usually provide a shared laundry room or facility in the building for residents. Having on-site laundry means you won’t have to haul your clothes to an outside laundromat – a big convenience. For instance, many renters find in-unit or on-premises laundry a huge time-saver compared to carrying loads of laundry off-site (redfin.com). Check if the machines are coin-operated or if usage is free; policies vary by building (some newer places might use a digital card or app system instead of coins).
  
• Parking Facilities: Many American apartments offer some form of parking for residents. In suburban or smaller cities, it’s common to have a free parking lot or an assigned parking spot. Urban apartments might offer covered parking or garages for an extra fee, or at least help with street parking permits. For example, a reserved covered parking space might cost an extra $25–$75 per month in some communities (apartmentlist.com). If you have a car, parking is a crucial amenity to inquire about – is it guaranteed, does it cost extra, and is it secure? Some modern complexes even have electric vehicle charging stations as an added perk, though those are still an emerging amenity.
  
• Community Spaces: Apartment complexes often feature shared spaces where residents can relax or socialize. This could be a resident lounge or clubhouse, a lobby with seating, a BBQ/picnic area, or even a rooftop terrace or garden. For example, some buildings host community events or have outdoor kitchens and fire pits for tenant use (redfin.com). While not every building will have a fancy rooftop or clubhouse, a small courtyard or playground in family-oriented complexes is fairly common. These communal amenities create a sense of community and give you extra living space beyond your own unit.
  
• Basic Security & Maintenance: Safety and upkeep are also part of an apartment’s amenities. Most buildings have secure entry of some kind (an intercom system, key fob access, or at least lockable exterior doors) to ensure only residents and their guests enter the premises. Larger complexes might have on-site management or maintenance staff, meaning if something breaks, help is nearby. Good lighting in hallways and parking areas, and sometimes security cameras, are common features that provide peace of mind (redfin.com). Trash removal is usually handled for you (either via a trash chute, dumpster, or even valet trash service in upscale places), which is another nice amenity that simplifies life.
  

Keep in mind that the “standard” amenities can vary by the apartment’s age, price point, and location. A no-frills older building might just offer the basics (heat, a stove, and a shared laundry room), while a newer luxury complex might check nearly every box on the list. The amenities above are widely offered and generally expected by renters in the U.S. today – they make up the baseline of a comfortable apartment living experience. Next, let’s look at some of the best apartment amenities that renters especially prioritize when hunting for a new place.

Best Apartment Amenities

Many first-time renters wonder which amenities will make the biggest difference in day-to-day living. While “best” can be subjective, some amenities consistently top the wish lists of modern renters. These tend to be the features that add significant convenience, save money/time, or elevate your lifestyle at home. Below are some of the top apartment amenities that U.S. renters are prioritizing right now:

On-site dog parks and pet-friendly policies are a big draw for renters with furry family members. With over 70% of American households owning a pet, catering to pets has become increasingly important for apartment communities (deepsentinel.com). Many complexes now offer pet amenities that create a welcoming environment – think dog run areas, pet washing stations, and pet-friendly events where neighbors (and their dogs) can socialize. If you’re a pet owner, a pet-friendly apartment (allowing cats or dogs, often with a pet deposit or “pet rent”) might be non-negotiable – in one recent survey, 41% of renters said a pet-friendly policy was “essential” (deepsentinel.com).

• In-Unit Laundry: Topping almost every renter’s list is a washer and dryer in their own unit. Not having to share machines or trek to a laundry room is a huge quality-of-life boost. In fact, in-unit laundry has been found to be the #1 most coveted amenity – about 75% of renters say it’s “essential” if they can get it (deepsentinel.com). This amenity is especially handy for busy professionals or families, and many are willing to pay a bit more in rent for the convenience of doing laundry at home. (If in-unit laundry isn’t available, at least having on-site facilities, as mentioned, is the next best thing.)
  
• High-Speed Internet: In the age of Zoom meetings, Netflix, and smart devices, high-speed internet access has practically become a necessity rather than a luxury. Roughly 92% of renters consider high-speed internet important or very important when choosing a place (deepsentinel.com). Some modern apartments come with internet service or Wi-Fi pre-installed as an amenity, which can save you the hassle of setting up your own. Even if it’s not included, the best apartments will be internet-ready (with good wiring or fiber connections available). A strong internet amenity is crucial for anyone who works from home, streams TV, or just wants reliable connectivity for daily life.
  
• On-Site Fitness Center: A gym in your building is a classic “best amenity” that many people look for. Having an on-site fitness center means you can work out without leaving home or paying for an external gym membership. About 82% of renters say they desire a fitness center in their building (deepsentinel.com). Whether it’s a full-size gym with lots of equipment or just a small workout room, it’s a convenience that can help you stay healthy. (Of course, not everyone actually uses it – a tongue-in-cheek finding is that 42% of those with a gym amenity rarely or never work out there (deepsentinel.com) – but it’s nice to have the option!). For health-conscious renters or those with fitness goals, a free building gym is definitely a top-tier perk.
  
• Outdoor and Green Spaces: Especially after the pandemic, private or shared outdoor space has become highly sought-after. This could be anything from a balcony or patio attached to your unit to a communal courtyard, rooftop garden, or grilling patio. Searches for apartments with outdoor space have skyrocketed in recent years (for example, online searches for “roof deck” were up 91% and “balcony” up 87% compared to a few years ago) (deepsentinel.com). And nearly 45% of renters say having some private outdoor space is a non-negotiable must-have (deepsentinel.com). Even a small balcony to get fresh air or a shared garden to walk around in can greatly improve your living experience. The best apartment complexes recognize this and provide attractive outdoor amenities – sometimes even rooftop lounges or community parks – giving residents a place to unwind outside of their four walls.
  
• Co-Working and Work-From-Home Spaces: With remote and hybrid work becoming common, many renters now appreciate apartments that accommodate work-from-home needs. Co-working spaces, business centers, or conference rooms within an apartment community are increasingly popular. For instance, in some regions like the Midwest, the availability of indoor co-working spaces with private, reservable offices has become a difference-maker for renters (multihousingnews.com). These amenities might include free Wi-Fi, desks or booths, and a quiet environment for residents who need to study or do remote work. If you work remotely or often study at home, a dedicated co-working lounge in your building can be one of the best amenities to look for – it’s like having an office just an elevator ride away.
  
• Smart Home Tech & Enhanced Security: Modern apartments are also upping the game with high-tech amenities. Smart home features such as smart locks, thermostats, or app-based intercom systems add convenience (imagine unlocking the front door with your phone or adjusting the heat remotely). Renters in urban markets have made controlled access and keyless smart locks a top priority in recent years (multihousingnews.com). Likewise, security amenities like controlled entry gates, security cameras, secure package delivery lockers, and even on-site concierge or doorpersons can set a building apart. Many tenants value these features for the peace of mind they provide (redfin.com). The best apartments often integrate technology for safety and convenience – for example, automated package lockers to safely receive your Amazon deliveries (a feature that about 67% of renters specifically look for, due to the rise in package thefts) – or EV charging stations for electric car owners as a forward-looking amenity (multihousingnews.com). High-tech and security amenities might not be flashy like a pool, but they enhance comfort and safety, which is ultimately what most of us want in a home.
  

Final Thoughts

Apartment amenities range from the basics to the extravagant, but which amenities matter most will depend on your personal needs and lifestyle. As a first-time renter, it’s easy to be wooed by a long list of fancy amenities, but focus on the ones you’ll actually use and value day-to-day. Remember, amenities can affect the rent price, so there’s no sense paying extra for a rooftop cinema or golf simulator if you’re never going to touch it. On the flip side, don’t underestimate the value of a well-placed convenience – if you know a dishwasher or a safe package room will make your life much easier, those are “must-haves” for you.

In summary, amenities are what make an apartment more than just a place to sleep. They can enhance your comfort, entertainment, convenience, and even health. Standard amenities like appliances and parking set the foundation for a comfortable living, while the best amenities – from in-unit laundry and pet parks to co-working spaces and smart security – can truly elevate your living experience. When apartment hunting, check which amenities are offered (and whether they’re included in the rent), then decide which ones matter the most to you. With that knowledge in hand, you’ll be well on your way to finding an apartment that not only has four walls and a roof, but also all the extras that turn it into a home you love (baymgmtgroup.com).

Sources: The data and trends mentioned above are based on recent surveys and reports on U.S. renter preferences (including a 90,000-renter survey by Greystar in 2024 and other industry research) to ensure you’re getting the most up-to-date picture of apartment amenities (multihousingnews.com). All in all, knowing what amenities are out there – and which ones are included – will help you navigate your rental search with confidence and find the place that best suits your needs. Happy apartment hunting!

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