Top Amenities for Renters
California’s housing landscape has transformed over the years to be renter forward, with nearly 6 million households renting homes, apartments, and condos throughout the state. Looking for a new home should be an exciting new adventure, but with thousands of options to consider, it can quickly become a daunting process. Location and price range aside, a modern apartment should feature the best amenities to meet you and your household’s unique preferences and earn the title of home.
Available amenities vary widely from community to community. Most complexes do not have the capacity to offer every desired feature on a renter’s wishlist, so it is important to prioritize the best amenities available when searching for a new home. Our team has compiled a list of the top amenities that apartments can offer their residents for a holistic and comfortable living experience.
Unit Features
The very heart of quality residence is the ability to live the lifestyle of our choosing. Units within a property should be thoughtfully constructed to maximize a renter’s quality of life. Resident satisfaction begins with offering practical, top of the line features within the comfort of their own home. The more quality amenities and utilities included in a unit, the more likely tenants are to reside long term. Amenities such as private outdoor spaces, HVAC systems, or state of the art kitchen appliances can instantly elevate an apartment experience to luxury status.
Oven/Stove Range and Dishwasher
When it comes to the kitchen, ranges and dishwashers are indisputable staples for efficient cooking and cleaning. The versatility of an oven and stove combination, such as the ones offered at Emerald Ridge, allows home chefs the freedom to prepare a full range of meals. Cooking meals is not only a major component of our daily habits, but it is central to our gatherings with friends and family. Once cooking is complete, clean up can either be a drawn out process, or a swift and easy task. Pre-installed, full-sized dishwashers allow residents to enjoy the flexibility of freed up time that would otherwise be consumed by handwashing load after load of dishes. Apartments with these included features offer their residents a more comfortable and convenient dwelling.
HVAC Systems
It’s no secret that recent temperatures in SoCal have become unexpected and unpredictable. More than ever before, residents value functional A/C and heating to accommodate the seasons. In some areas, A/C has become a health and safety necessity during extreme heat waves. Mounted and central systems alike filter temperature regulated air into the home, creating a comfortable environment year round. Home should be a safe and enjoyable place; thus, it is vital that apartments provide for their residents’ needs so they can spend as much time at home as they would like, no matter the weather.
Private Patios and Balconies
Even the most spacious and comfortable homes can benefit from having a private, outdoor space for taking in the fresh air with a cup of coffee or a book. Patios and balconies open up the home and provide luxury access to the outdoors. With just a few furniture items these spaces transform into a spot of paradise literally in our own backyard. It’s no wonder that renters place private outdoor spaces so high on their list of sought after amenities. Our North Pointe Villas property, for example, offers both private patios and balconies to enjoy the seasons!
Walk-In Closets
Getting ready for the day each morning can be a hassle, especially when our wardrobe outgrows our closet space. Nothing improves the getting ready process like a spacious closet! A walk in closet, like those offered at Emerald Ridge, is designed in such a way that all items are visible and easy to grab, making outfit coordination easy and decluttering not just manageable but enjoyable. The additional storage space is invaluable for seasonal decor, winter bedding, and sentimental items that may not be meant for display. A living space should be relaxing instead of stressful, and organized storage is just the key for de-stressing your home!
Community amenities
Beyond the unit, the best apartment communities provide amenities that enrich the lives of the residents and give them flexibility to accomplish their goals and engage with friends and neighbors right outside their front door.
Clubhouse or Community Room
While house parties are cozy and comfortable gatherings, sometimes events call for a large space or just a change of scenery. Community Clubhouses are perfect venues for family get togethers, resident events, and game nights. When you’re in need of a large hosting space or a fresh atmosphere during your work day, having an on-site space within walking distance of your home is a game-changing option. Community rooms, such as Orangevale Apartments’ spacious poolside clubhouse, allow neighbors to mingle, engage with the on-site staff, and get access to additional resources. If you live in a community with a clubhouse, speak with your manager about renting the room for private events.
Swimming Pool and Spa
It comes as no surprise that swimming pools are some of the most sought after amenities for residential communities of all kinds. In the height of summer when temperatures are soaring, having all day access to a refreshing, crystal blue pool is a sure way to beat the heat. During summer holidays, they make the perfect hangout venue, easy access workout spot, or a relaxing getaway after a busy work week. Better still, community pools are cleaned and maintained by the on-site maintenance team, leaving tenants with the convenience of a great amenity without any need to do upkeep. Our Mango Tree property located in Orange County, CA is the perfect place to take a relaxing swim!
Barbecue Area
Out of concern for the safety of their residents, most properties prohibit or restrict the use of personal barbecues, as they can pose a serious fire hazard. As an alternative, community BBQ areas, offered at properties like Sycamore Court Apartments, allow residents to enjoy their backyard barbecue favorites without the threat of fire accidents. Communities may offer either charcoal grills or propane powered barbecues so that residents can grill up burgers for game day or delicious steaks for at home date night.
Pet Friendly
Pet owners face an additional hurdle when apartment hunting: finding a pet friendly community for their furry family members. Many complexes side-step the potential property damage by not allowing pets at all. Others may allow pets but place high restrictions and fees on their residents to limit the number of pets residing there. Pet friendly apartments, however, not only welcome pets but take steps to accommodate them with unique amenities! Pet clean up stations, dog parks, and doggy spas are each signals of a truly pet friendly property. All of QRM Corp’s market-rate properties are proud to be pet friendly communities, with select apartments offering additional amenities such as Strada Apartments’ outdoor doggy spa!
Fitness Center
Gym membership prices continue to rise and locations are often inconvenient for our work commutes. For residents looking to maintain a fitness routine, having an on-site fitness center allows them access to the equipment they need right outside their front door. Keeping up with health goals is difficult, and having to take the time to drive to the closest gym can impede motivation. However, if the gym is just a walk down stairs or across the courtyard, it immediately eliminates the inconvenience and extra time. Fitness centers, such as the one located at Woodpark Apartments, give residents the flexibility to maintain their lifestyle and save time for other activities. Community fitness centers also tend to be less crowded, meaning less waiting for the right equipment to open up. If you get off of work late but you don’t feel comfortable driving to a public gym at night, apartment fitness centers are a great way to get in your work out without leaving the safety of your community.
Laundry Facilities
Commercial laundromats can be convenient places for residents without an in-unit washer and dryer to get their laundry done. However, hauling a large load to another location can also be a hassle and may require waiting at the store for all of the clothes to be entirely clean and dry before moving on with the day. On-site laundry facilities, like the ones at our Olive Tree location, are extremely helpful amenities that allow apartment dwellers to clean their laundry without lugging away their pile of clothes and being stuck in one spot for hours. Most apartment facilities allow you to drop off your laundry without having to sit and wait, meaning you can head back to your apartment between loads to work on other chores, rest, or continue the work day!
Parking Facilities
A common concern for apartment renters is parking. Parking can cause a headache for tenants whether it be from limited availability or safety concerns. Apartments that offer assigned covered parking and parking garages allow their tenants to have the assurance of a guaranteed parking spot along with security for their vehicles. QRM’s properties offer a variety of parking options, such as Grandon Village’s covered parking facilities.
On-Site Management and Maintenance
For many apartment complexes, tenants have to go through the process of reaching out to property management, which operates entirely off-site. This inaccessibility often leads to safety concerns and extended waiting times for urgent situations. QRM Corp. manages properties offering on-site management, on-site maintenance, and 24-hour emergency maintenance. Our on-site leasing offices are available throughout the week for one on one personal response to resident queries and concerns. Our maintenance teams can be reached at all hours via our office line, even during off hours, in the case of emergencies.
Community Events
A huge component of making an apartment feel like home is being able to connect with your neighbors and engage with the entire community. Resident events are a great way for managers to provide fun and thoughtful activities to their renters and to show them how valued they are. Whether it’s a sweet treat bar, a neighbor book swap, or a free to the community food truck as held at Westlake Village Apartments, management companies can liven their residents' experience through a huge variety of activities and events. QRM coordinates seasonal events at all properties to provide our residents with a high quality living experience and let them know that their happiness and satisfaction matters greatly to us!
Location
An apartment community’s location can make or break the experience for residents. While most of our time can be spent at home, enjoying on-site amenities and community, it is also important to have nearby resources and entertainment to enjoy exciting new opportunities regularly!
Our highest density of properties is located in central Orange County, boasting proximity to world famous locations such as South Coast Plaza and the Golden Coast of Newport and Huntington Beach. Grandon Village - a senior living community in San Marcos- is located just a few miles from the sensational Carlsbad Flower Fields and state beach. Travel less than 15 minutes from Strada Apartments and find yourself on the Disneyland tram, headed for a magical adventure. Experience the historic beauty of Riverside’s Mission Inn just a short drive up the 91 Freeway near Casa Sierra. Each property offers its residents a unique and unforgettable SoCal experience.
When it comes to finding the perfect home, there are many factors to consider. Each of our 21 properties offers unique services and amenities to fit the needs and lifestyles of our diverse residents. Begin your search today and find an apartment near you, providing only the highest Quality Driven Management!