What amenities should I look for?

Whether you are looking to lease a studio or a three-bedroom, finding the right amenities may make the difference between loving or hating your new pad.

Rental amenities come in various forms, ranging from an in-unit washer and dryer to an on-site fitness center. If you’re lucky, you may find a rental with all of the above within your budget! More likely, however, you’ll have to prioritize depending on what’s important to you.

So what amenities should you put on the top of your list? Here are a few that will make a big difference and are worth having before you sign your next lease:

• Dishwasher
  Once you’ve had a dishwasher, it’s hard to go back to washing dishes by hand. But you already knew that, right?

• Alarm system
  Having an alarm system can give you greater peace of mind. Look for a rental that comes with an alarm system already built in. And don’t forget to ask who pays for the monthly monitoring.

• Safety
  Check the dwelling for deadbolts and window locks, Check for safety devices such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Whatever is lacking, request they be installed!

• Pest control
  Between wasp nests on your balcony and roaches invading your kitchen, pest control can be time-consuming, and unpleasant. Save yourself the hassle, and look for rentals offering regular professional pest control.

• Air conditioning—or ceiling fans.
  If you live in an area where summer temperatures become unbearable, having air conditioning is a no-brainer. Many newer rentals come with central AC, but if not, ask if window units can be installed.

• Washer and dryer
  No matter how great a rental is, lugging your laundry to the laundromat and back each week gets old awfully fast. Ideally, an in-unit washer and dryer combo are the best. If you can’t find a rental with the appliances in the unit, at least try to find a place that has washers and dryers in the building.

• An outdoor courtyard area
  Sometimes you need some fresh air! Look for a complex that offers a courtyard area or, better yet, a swimming pool, so you can spend time outside without having to leave your rental complex.

• On-site maintenance
  A busted pipe, an overflowing toilet, or a leaking water heater can cause serious damage to your rental (and your stuff). Having an on-site emergency maintenance crew can lessen the damage and get your life back to normal quickly.