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2024-03-07

Apartment Amenities That Will Improve Your Quality Of Life

Apartment hunting is one of the experiences in life that requires you to take a close look at what’s truly most important to you. From location and layout to price point and parking, there is a wide array of considerations that will ultimately contribute to your final decision.

While essential features like appliances, plumbing, and climate control should never be overlooked (and always carefully examined during a walk-through), it's not often basics like these that will make your heart soar and get you scrambling to sign a lease as quickly as possible. More often than not, it's actually the extras—the perks, conveniences, and elevated touches—that seal the deal and convince you to commit.

The amenities that attract you to certain buildings or complexes will depend on your lifestyle habits. For example, do you work from home? Have young children? Have pets? Do you require accessible features in your unit? Security and convenience are of the utmost importance to most renters, but won't necessarily look the same in every instance.

As you begin the process of finding a new apartment, it's critical to consider the amenities that are non-negotiable in your mind as well as those that would be bonuses. There may also be certain amenities that you feel indifferent about or that you actually prefer not to have included in your rent (for instance, a playground if you don't have children or a co-working space if retired).

Below, we've compiled an overview of some of the top amenities that tenants are currently seeking in the Winnipeg apartment rental market. Some are small, others large. Some are luxurious, others simply practical.

No matter the amenities you're hoping to find in your next rental, Globe Property Management's extensive inventory of Winnipeg apartments is the perfect place to look. Use the amenity list below to help you consider your must-haves and preferences and then find the perfect match with our easy-to-use search function.

Unit Amenities Vs. Community Amenities

The amenities inside your apartment are known as unit amenities. These refer to features that go above and beyond the basics and could include some or all of the following:

  • In-unit laundry
  • Fireplace
  • Dishwasher
  • Smart technology
  • Pet-friendly
  • Private patio or balcony
  • Stone countertops
  • Walk-in closets

Community amenities, on the other hand, are amenities that are intended to be enjoyed by all the tenants of a building or complex. They might be indoors or outdoors and could include some or all of the following:

  • Outdoor kitchen and/or barbecue space
  • Playground
  • Pool and/or hot tub
  • Gym
  • Co-working space
  • Concierge services
  • Sports courts
  • Community garden
  • Library
  • Clubhouse
  • On-site laundry (shared)

Top Amenities To Consider When Looking for a New Apartment

The ten amenities listed below are currently in high demand in the Winnipeg apartment rental market. Which ones are most significant for you?

Outdoor Space

One thing that many urban apartment dwellers crave is access to outdoor spaces. While proximity to parks and green areas is something to keep in mind during your search for the perfect rental unit, nothing beats being able to walk right out the door of your building and onto beautifully maintained grounds.

From walking, jogging, and biking paths to an outdoor kitchen or playground, many renters are more drawn than ever to open-air settings—particularly post-pandemic. People working from home often appreciate the opportunity for a change of scenery throughout the day as do children, retirees, nature lovers, and people with pets to walk.

An outdoor space doesn't necessarily have to be large and stately to help you get your nature fix. Ask the following questions:

  • Is it attractive and well-maintained?
  • Are there multi-use opportunities available (benches, paths, play or sports equipment, a barbecue or picnic area, perhaps room to plant a community garden)?
  • How is the outdoor space maintained and/or used during the winter months?

Fitness Centre

Whether you're just getting motivated to improve your fitness or are a self-declared gym lover, having an on-site gym available as part of your apartment amenities is a very desirable prospect. No more driving to the gym or trying to fit bulky workout equipment into a small space. Instead, you can access this amenity at your convenience and stay on top of your fitness goals any hour of the day or night.

Ask the following questions:

  • What hours is the gym open?
  • Who's responsible for cleaning and maintaining the equipment?
  • Does the fitness centre meet your personal workout needs?
  • Are there any extra fees associated with the use of the gym?

In-Unit Laundry

On-site laundry is convenient, but for many tenants, in-unit laundry is a complete game-changer. No more lugging heavy laundry baskets up and down stairs or elevators or dealing with unavailable machines at peak times. Instead, maximize your efficiency and conveniences with a washer and dryer right in your apartment. Nothing compares to the ease of being able to manage your laundry needs from the comfort of your own home.

Consider the following:

  • The location, accessibility, and quality of laundry appliances
  • Any additional water usage or electricity costs associated with in-unit laundry

Pet-Friendly Spaces

Is your cat or dog a staunchly entrenched member of your family? If you answered yes, then finding a pet-friendly apartment complex is crucial. Allowing pets is one thing, but some buildings go far above and beyond that to offer special pet amenities like washing stations, doggie daycares, or pet spas.

If you hire a special dog walker, trainer, or groomer that comes to your home during the day, it may also be worth seeking out amenities more often associated with luxury apartments, such as a concierge service and/or smart locks. Amenities like these could allow trusted service providers safe and easy access to your pets as required, even when you're not at home.

Ask the following questions:

  • Are there extra deposits or cleaning fees associated with pets?
  • Are there any restrictions on the type, size, or number of pets allowed?

Smart Technology

In today's digital reality, smart technology is a defining feature that can quickly distinguish one apartment building from another. From high-speed Wi-Fi to smart locks, lighting, thermostats, and appliances, many tenants are seeking a connected living experience that can be managed on-the-go. Smart technology may not be visible at a first glance, so be sure to ask the following questions:

  • Are there any smart features in the unit/building?
  • Is there a tenant experience app?

Online Rent Payments and Maintenance Requests

Speaking of tenant experience apps (comprehensive digital platforms where tenants can manage everything from rental payments to maintenance requests, amenity reservations, and more), online conveniences are definitely trending in Winnipeg's rental market.

Ask the following:

  • How are rent payments made?
  • How are maintenance requests made?
  • If there's not an app, is the system in place streamlined and convenient enough for your needs?

Package Delivery System

Amazon (and other online shopping deliveries) have become a way of life. Chances are that, if you live in an apartment, you want to rest assured that your packages will be professionally received at any hour and made available to you at your convenience. A package delivery system might involve the coordinated distribution of packages, a package locker, or a package room—a secure, dedicated space where residents can access their packages at any hour.

Ask the following questions:

  • Who receives packages and where are they stored?
  • What security systems are in place to ensure that packages remain safe and are only accessed by their rightful owners?

Bike Storage

Biking is a major recreational activity in Winnipeg every season of the year but finding room to store a bike in an apartment can feel daunting. If you enjoy cycling, consider looking for apartment complexes that offer secure bike storage options.

Ask the following questions:

  • Is bike storage easily accessible?
  • How is it secured?
  • How many bikes are you allowed to store there and for how long?

Dishwasher

If you're hoping to rent an apartment where you yourself are not the dishwasher, you're certainly not alone. A dishwasher is one of the top amenities prospective tenants request when seeking their ideal apartment and, fortunately, many Winnipeg apartments offer this convenience.

Ask the following questions:

  • Is there any special maintenance required for the dishwasher?
  • Are there extra charges for water or electricity associated with the dishwasher?

Co-Working Space

At a moment in time when so many Winnipeggers have transitioned to fully or partially remote jobs, apartment buildings with co-working spaces (shared spaces where tenants can focus in a dedicated work environment outside their unit) are in high demand. Co-working spaces often include desks and other furniture as well as basic office supplies like a printer and/or pens and paper.

Ask the following questions:

  • Is the workspace first-come first-served or by reservation?
  • Is there free Wi-Fi in the workspace?
  • Are there fees associated with using the workspace?

View Globe's Portfolio of Apartments To Find the Amenities You Desire

Can amenities improve your quality of life? Absolutely! As you compile your list of top apartment amenities, search Globe Property Management's Winnipeg apartments for rent to find the perfect fit for your needs and wishes. Check out the list of best property management companies in Winnipeg by Clever Canadian! We look forward to working with you!

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