I Won't Rent at a Place That Doesn't Have...

Lisa, Good Evening
As a developer of Rehab Properties, for both our own company at Urbane Apartments, and my tenure of Rehabbing at Village Green, We don't install or retrofit Washers and Dryers in most apartment units.

Why, The Cost verses the additional Income doesn't work. We only have a small handful of units with W/D in our portfolio, and no plans to change direction unless the prospect decides to pay more for that amenity.

Actually, After looking more closely at the list, We have never used double bowl sinks (at Urbane or Village Green), and never will, nor have we ever installed microwaves, other than as Value Adds, Cost verses Reward,

You know, living in the place I am now, I'd have to add two items: central heating/air, and insulation. For some reason folks in California think that both are optional, which means that summers are hotter and winters are colder indoors than out! Very weird.

If I move anytime soon, the new place had better also have dedicated parking spaces. I hate having to fight for spots

"Security Gates" - that's what they call them at least!

Here is my list:

1) Washer/Dryer in unit (I don't want just a hookup)
2) Pets allowed (breed limits okay, but size limits not)
3) Garage available
4) LAP pool (I do not want just an irregular shaped hole in the ground, must be a normal square/rectangle shape at least 25 yards in length)
5) The choice between cable TV and satellite via a common connection.
6) Patio/balcony area large enough to support a propane grill.
7) Online rent payment without incurring an additional charge ( I do not want to have to PAY a fee to spend my OWN money); prefer a discount on rent for doing so.
The ability to paint walls a color other than white, even if I have to provide my own paint before I move in. If unit is not currently ready, but will be when I need to move in; the unit will need to be repainted anyway, how hard is it to tell the paint crew to use a different paint than normal?

How about DEEP sinks in the kitchen? 8 inch deep sinks are a turn off for a LOT of people.

I also have to have a full sized washer and dryer. None of this three pants constitutes a load stackables from the 1980s stuff.

Pet friendly for big dogs is a no brainer. I won't part with Fox for any apartment, no matter how amazing.

I need parking and enough potential parking so that when I throw a Halloween or Holiday party, people don't have to park six blocks away.

And I've got to have natural light. There's so little sun in Seattle in the first place, that it seems asinine not to capitalize on what you've got. Gimme those big windows Baby!

For me: All the items on your list are on my list too, so to prevent duplication, I won't re-list them here. These are in addition to your list, in no particular order:
1.) Good natural lightening. 2.) LOTS of closet space including WIC in master 3.) LOCATION 4.) I don't want to be able to hear my neighbors. 5.) Friendly staff 6.) A sense of Secure

Great ideas!!! I would include in my list outstanding maintenance service. Not just good - great!!

I'll throw in here too: Re: windows... I won't want them to be just big and bright, I don't want drafts. Seal them people! Or get new ones! I can deal with no microwave. I can deal with no assigned parking. I just can't deal with the fact that I have to buy ample blankets for guests who sit in my Living Room by a window...
What I hear from residenst is closet space closet space closet space. The fact that we have ample parking, good location, outdoor patio and storage space as well as good natural light - all gravy.

Let's address the closet space issue:

If I had at my closet space lined with a shelving and/or drawer system (i.e.: 'Closet World'); that would please me, because it means that the space is used in an intelligent way. Anybody can offer closet space, but if an intelligent twist is offered; you will stand out in my search. It may even be worth a small ($10-$15) bump in the rent.

I'll definitely be examining this post and these comments. Also, my communities will be studying this info intensely from residents and especially prospects.

Great list Lisa especially since you put WiFi at the top. A study from a couple years ago showed that WiFi was #2 behind in-unit laundry. Am curious to hear if there are any recent studies regarding amenities. Hope that WiFi is a big push in 2010!

I agree with "washer/dryer" and "microwave oven"...must haves.
Also, having at least an "optional" intrusion alarm system would be great. I prefer, a "Limited Access Community"...just
a NOTE on this issue...caution should be used to Managers and
Owners to NEVER use the word "SECURITY" when referring to your
property.....like "secure Property", "security gates", "security perimeter fence". I know of a case in Dallas
at a multi-family community, where the Management advertised
their property as having a "security fence". A young woman was
attacked on the property one night...and her attorney filed a
law suit against the property owners, stating "no, the property was obviously NOT secure"...just the use of that one
word "security", cost that Owner a TON of $$$ and they lost that law suit. I'm not an expert on leases, but, I would think
it would be a good idea to be "careful" about what you promise
tenants in the lease. Yes, I believe Management is required to
provide a "reasonably safe" property...but never promise a
"secure" property.