apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

light, location, space, character, closets

location, privacy, yard for pets, parking, windows/light

privacy, parking, closets/storage, outdoor space (esp. with barbecue), gym, proximity to transit

location, light, closets, size, thick walls.

(San Francisco)

When I was recently looking, the Top Five things that I considered were location, counter space, number and location of outlets, on-site laundry, and how hideous the permanent decor was (e.g. what colour the bathroom or kitchen tiles were, since these are things I'm going to have to live with).

(1) privacy, (2) safety, (3) good and responsive management, (4) nice kitchens and baths, (5) adequate storage space

storage, proximity to things you need to live properly like grocery stores, restaurants, transportation, laundry....hopefully in the building. safety on site.

location, allows cats, dw, wd, parking

I've been looking for an apartment for about 2 months preparing for a move so here are the things I looked for. (Of course I realized on my budget I wouldn't get everything):

-A well laid-out kitchen
-hardwood floors
-storage space/good closets
-at least something interesting about the space, whether it's funky light fixtures or great concrete countertops
-(and this is debatable) a true master bath or at the very least, a roomy shower. I'm not so keen on showering in a tub but that's probably a personal quirk.

I ended up with hardwood and a loft-look but they convinced me to rent the space over crappier but cheaper places. It's really depressing finding apartment after apartment with the same oak cabinets you had in your college rental.

Parking, hardwood floors, storage, dog-friendly, and a gas stove (no electric, ever!)...

SOUNDPROOFING
Soundproof everything in an apartment building. Then use it as a selling point.

My top 3 things I look for in an apartment and area are:
1. Safe
2. Quiet
3. Green*
As well as laundry onsite, assigned parking, and ample storage.

*As in lots of trees and plants on the property and in the area.

I also look for cats allowed, but now I'm up to 7 things!

Storage
Large Kitchen with newer appliances
Hardwood floors
Animal friendly
Interesting details

Location, well laid out floorplan, privacy, cat friendly, character

Non-negotiable: 1)location 2)light 3)parking 4)laundry 5)hardwood floors 6)bathtub

Also looking for: 7)outdoor space 8)character 9)quiet 10)clean

PS. The "khaki pants with pleats" reference had me giggling. I know those guys...

If I had to limit it to five? (I'm leaving price out because that's a given.)

- Location (proximity to services and to work, character of the neighborhood, general noise levels, etc.)
- Storage
- Pet policy
- Parking- quality and quantity
- Presence (or lack thereof) of on-site laundry facilities

I could think of so many more but I'll leave it at that.

Location, parking, character (detail) that you normally only find in older places, cat-friendly, a nice-sized kitchen, hardwood floors, small number of units in building (I always steer clear of huge, mammoth apartment complexes) - all really important to me when looking for an apartment.

oh man... i was just doing this for myself last month as i was looking for a new place

- laundry on site (even better if it's in the apartment)
- fairly updated kitchen (dw, garbage disposal)
- well taken care of
- windows
- closet space

i'm also big on being a reasonable distance from the grocery store (no car) and nice common areas (pool, roof deck)

water pressure.

This is easy because I just rented a new apartment.

1. location (safe, quiet, pretty neighborhood less than an hour away from my school), 2. allows cats, 3. on site laundry, 4. hardwood floors (would never live in a place with carpet, it grosses me out), 5. storage

honorable mention: clean building (people in my building now throw garbage on the ground and have no problem spitting on the floor or smoking in the elevator), close proximity to the subway, dishwasher, on site super and a place bigger than a studio for a studio price (I ended up in a jr 1bdrm... the kitchen is in the living room, but at least the bdrm is separate), shared outdoor space (huge with grill)

Obviously keeping it to 5 was really hard.. I'm so glad I found this place! : )

1) Quiet
2) Architectural interest (including hardwood flooring)
3) No laminate anything
4) Interesting paint colors (I can't live with white walls anymore)
5) A/C

1. dishwasher & washer/dryer in apt.
2. reasonably attractive/good condition of fixtures that fits with my decorating style
3. attractive landscaping outside
4. great windows/natural lighting
5. storage

RUNNER UP: on-call security (for noise complaints, safety)

location, light, character, cohesive design*, kitchen

*by cohesive design, i mean that the place doesn't have "updates" that clash with the space or with each other (e.g. mismatched cabinetry, shag carpet in a victorian, granite countertops in a color that clashes with the wood of the cabinetry, etc)

Light, soundproofing, 1 garage per unit at least, private outdoor space, NON-SMOKING!, storage, on-site laundry, proximity to shopping and services, SCREEN TENANTS AND EVICT CRIMINALS.

Pets, character, dishwasher, space/layout/flow, safe neighborhood

In no particular order

1, no carpets (wood or ceramic)
2, pet friendly but landlord power to evict ppl who abuse pets/fill apt with urine
3, Separate outdoor entrance for each unit, each with a usable outdoor space
4, thick soundproof walls
5, Windows that open, with screens, and are well insulated

I dream that laundry is mandatory

1. hardwood floors
2. balcony or terrace
3. recessed lighting
4. energy efficient appliances
5. pets allowed!

1. Quality! I will never rent a place with hollow core doors again!
2. Outdoor feature (deck, porch, patio)
3. Allows cats
4. Character
5. Hardwood

No carpet, on-site laundry, relative cleanliness, dining room, and location.

Well, since location and price are a given, I'll go with:
1.lots of light
2.decent sized space
3.no carpet
4.Outdoor space if possible (balcony, deck, yard).
5.Cats allowed
And for the bonus round:
6.Some character, or at least a liberal policy on painting.

1) laundry (preferably a w/d in the unit)

2) pet policy (dogs OK)

3) energy efficient

This actually encompasses not only efficient appliances (lower power use = lower bills, which I consider as part of the total cost of renting) but also things like insulation (for temperature as well as sound) and trees to shade the building so a/c units don't have to work as hard. It also relates to location -- I'd want it on a bus line so I could take mass transit to/from work and close enough to walk to the grocery store.

4) storage (closets and/or lots of built-ins)

I don't have a lot of stuff, but I like to be able to store what I do have properly.

5) covered parking

I'd like to be able to give up my car, but the reality is that my city doesn't have a very good bus system and there's a lot of sprawl. Plus, I'm in Texas, which has crazy weather so protection from both excessive sun and possible hail is important.

1. Security
2. W/D in unit
3. Storage
4. Parking
5. Character (brick walls, hardwood flooring, something other than the stucco everything here in SoCal.)

1. Location/neighborhood
2. Security/Well-lit
3. Noise control
4. Closets/Storage
5. Responsive management/Upkeep

If I could add a couple more…
6. Permanent décor conditions (and the flexibility of the management on this)
7. Hardwood floors (I miss my old apartment solely for this reason)

For us, price and neighborhood are givens, and we're just finding the right place. The perfect place has:

1. parking
2. dishwasher
3. washer/dryer in unit
4. hardwood floors
5. outdoor space (tiny is fine, just something)

We generally don't consider a place that doesn't have two of the first three items. Convenience is a high priority for us, and not having any of those three means we spend more time on chores. Oh, and I loathe doing dishes irrationally.

1. Location
2. Parking
3. Storage
4. Hardwood floors
5. Laundry

Most of the above....

Sensible but not generic use of space (good layout)

Reasonably impervious to sounds from neighbors and street

Let me install a portable dishwasher and/or washer/dryer, even if you don't provide them

Let me have a pet. I'm willing to pay a small pet deposit, or even a nominal 'pet rent'.

If I can't nail things to the wall, paint, or otherwise personalize my home, then you suck.

location, safety, pet policy, shower head height (I need a high shower head!), and general cleanliness of the property-- the current place I'm living has people who dropped a jar of pickles down the stairs at least 2 weeks ago and it still hasn't been cleaned up, gross.

1) pet friendly, including large dogs! they are often the most mellow. the small dog = a good apartment dog is a myth;
2) washer & dryer in the apartment;
3) an actual area devoted to dining. you know, the kind that lets you have more than one other person over for a dinner party;
4) enough closets to allow at least one to be devoted to utilitarian items like toolboxes, vacuum cleaners, and cleaning supplies, and
5) good soundproofing!

Space, light, storage, outdoor space, not falling apart OR shoddy

I spotted someone else saying proximity to transit. I guess thats pretty damn important too!!

hardwood
washer/dryer [hookups at least]
ceiling fans
location
painting the walls OK

1) Location
2) Energy efficient (appliances, well insulated, maybe even designed to take advantage of cross-breezes)
3) Not generic looking.
4) Lack of carpet (hardwood, an interesting tile, even stained concrete is nice)
5) Floor plans that actually reflect my lifestyle: I live in an neighborhood in downtown Houston that's been developed entirely in the last 5 years with townhouses/loft conversions. Every single house that I've seen is set up as if a family with 1.5 children were going to live in it (a very large master bedroom with glamor bath and two significantly smaller bedrooms, often sharing a bath) while the majority of the houses are actually lived in by groups of 2 or 3 single professionals.

location, pet friendly, fully equiped (prefferably with EE appliances), maintenance included in rent, plumbing in excellent condition

Quiet and closets...I can work around most everything else. Of course the quiet is one of the hardest things to determine until you've actually lived there.

oh, and a 6th, NO STUDENTS!!! (at least the younger kin of...)

1. Location
2. Allows bunnies has hardwood floors the bunnies cant chew like carpet (obviously, we are not the norm)
3. Clean, newish bathtub
4. Separate dining and living rooms
5. Decently (small) sized kitchen

I agree with everyone's comments. I have rented for over thirty years and I cannot get over how poor the quality is of rental units. When will I ever feel middle-class? I will list some of my dreams:
1 -- good systems (electricity, water, heat) and light and ventilation. NYC apartments are so stuffy. Energy efficient appliances, easy to clean. I miss my 1920s sink that was one piece and so easy to clean. These stainless steel sinks always collect dirt around the edge. I want a washer/dryer. I want insulation since I pay the utilities.

2 -- Ease of cleaning! Cheap apartments mean paint that comes off with a sponge, ancient windows that cannot be cleaned without the putty falling out.

3 -- responsive management. In 30 years of renting, no landlord every checked the heating system before winter, windows for reputtying, roof for leaks. But they were came around for the rent check every month.

4 -- pleasing proportions to the rooms, windows that enhance the room's proportions.

5-- courtyard or balcony. Something for me to look upon while I drink tea and read. I sit outside when the temperature is in the 40s and I sit outside to 1 in the morning in the summer.

6 -- Real dream -- lights and furniture built-in. Like a Frank Lloyd Wright cottage. If modern life means moving from job to job, why do I have to haul around chairs, lamps, and mattress. I want everything to fold in the walls and floors so that once I leave for work, I just let the little vacuum robot clean the clear floor.

Green space, please!

Lots of light, hardwood floors, clean and updated kitchen and bath, and a little bit of outdoor space (patio, balcony, yard).

But aren't those no-brainers?

Pretty much what everyone said.

I'm glad so many people said "no carpets". They are disgusting and impossible to clean.

I guess some additional things are an entryway, the ability to open the windows and get a cross breeze instead of having to rely on the air conditioner; good water pressure, a bedroom large enough to stand on at least 3 sides of the bed to make it, and a corner where I can do my art stuff

I think responsive management is exactly who is really asking this question, but they may not really realize that particular quality has to be there for "service after to the sale" so-to-speak.

When I used to rent, I found that having an on-site super was not always a given, but was very important, because when all we had was a beeper #, it was the pits.

Thick walls are VERY important, because I'm sorry, but when neighbors (especially married couples) fight, it can be VERY much not pretty, and you hate to have to call the cops or the landlord on them if they're really having some kind of crisis.

I own my place and I STILL don't have a dishwasher, but that seems important to a lot of people. I rarely REALLY cook, though.

It probably depends on what's happening in the neighborhood whether people really need/want a washer/dryer in their apartment; they really SHOULD have one in the basement, at least. We have one in my co-op and I still bring everything to the cleaners, because they even have a wash-and-fold service, and for me, life is too short to do my own laundry, since they can do it more efficiently, and considering how many quarters the machines want anyway, the human cost is just too high to do it myself.

And I think it's good to have some kind of mix of old-timers and young people.

- Fireplace
- Crystal chandeliers
- Tudor beams
- Conversation pit
- Gobelin tapestry on every wall

What??

;)

WHAT ABOUT NO ROACHES - A MUST IN NYC!!!!

Location
Laundry
Dog friendly
An overall sense that the landlord cares about the place (doesn't cheap out on every fixture... )
Good layout / no narrow hallways or inconvenient kitchen

Light, parking, laundry/dishwasher, storage, outdoor space, (cleanliness is a must but should be obvious so it isn't included in my 5)

I add solid surface flooring (no carpets), well insulated walls, proximity to transit and shopping, no families with multiple kids, no parties after 10, to my list- it should be a top ten.

Number one thing for me is light, or would be if I didn't have to worry about Das Felines, so numero uno is Allows pets with light at a very close second.
3) Proximity to public transportation
4) Overall feel of the neighborhood, ie safe, friendly, neighborhood-y and not "Massive suburban hell" feeling.
5) Laundry on site if not in unit.

1) Responsible management: screen tenants, evict bad neighbors.

2) Allergy-sensitive management: no cats, no carpets, no smokers, ever.

3) Large soaking tub and adequate hot water to fill it.

4) Everything designed to be easily cleaned - sealed surfaces for stove, plumbing fixtures, no glass doors in shower.

5) Huge locked mailboxes with package delivery lockers.

6) Bike lockers. I don't want to haul my bike upstairs.

7) Outdoor access, not interior carpeted hallways that smell like a hotel.

8) Real discounts for term leases. I've lived in my place for 15 years. 5-year leases work for me. I don't mind renting for life, if the price is reasonable. Terms must be flexible on occupancy for roomates.

1. wood/pergo floors (at LEAST in the living/dining rooms.)
2. parking for each person in the apartment. (even tandem would be nice.)
3. leniant pet policy.
4. central heat/AC (especially AC in los angeles)
5. POTENTIAL!

Natural Light/View
Pet-Friendly
On-site Laundry
Windows that Open/Screened
Accessible Safe Parking
Bathtub with Shower
Built-In Storage
Wood/Tile Floors
No-Smoking Policy

In a small apartment - I really don't want a large kitchen. IF it is an apartment without a dining room and where generally only one person will live there - I do not need to be able to cook for 12.

I am currently in a 3 year old studio apartment - approx 350 sq. ft. There is no reason that my kitchen should be 80 sq feet. I do not need a breakfast bar that faces a wall, and the built in plate and wine racks - I would so much prefer cabinets that I can fill with non-kitchen stuff.

Also, hard wood floors, A/C (I live in the South), neutral kitchen and bath - I prefer a white bath. Also, if you are working on old apartments - make sure the new closets you add are deep enough for a coat hanger to hang straight - I had a closet where everything had to be hung at an angle.

Here is my list:
wood floors - no matter how clean or new the rental carpet is, it's still nasty. Wood makes everything look better
Closet space
parking (private or on street, as long as its available)
laundry in the building at least
FLOOR PLAN! The square footage doesn't matter if it isn't laid out well

~location
~safety
~light
~laundry
~air-conditioning

Though certain things can make me sacrifice these 5 essentials, my last place was small poorly insulated no air conditioning and in a shady neighborhood but had a gorgeous view and awesome landlady.

Yes there were times we had to remain indoors...all windows and doors locked because the helicopters tell you to....or you have to skip out on fetching a sandwich due to a swat team shutting down your street because of an armed suspect is hiding in your neighbor's garage...but it's all a part of living in LA.....isn't it?

-location/safety
-pet-friendly
-hardwood floors
-smaller complex (yes to neighbors, but not too many)
-reasonable rent!!! (seriously... how much of a profit do you need to make off of me?)

Also - cleanliness and safety are a given. I should not have to pay extra for that kind of thing.

Please be flexible with painting.. its only paint! I promise you'll like it.. you may even want to keep it that way when I move out!

Spend a few extra minutes talking with potential residents before deciding who to lease to. I like to know that the landlord cares who is living in their property. When you care, you get people who care about the place too and won't trash it. It's good for everyone.

Oh... I'd like to add a 6 (though... there could be so many more):
-apartment-sized appliances.

I just moved into a small studio (420 sq. ft.) and I have HUGE freakin' appliances! I'm a bitty girl and I don't need an oversized refridgerator and stove/oven! I'd COMPLETELY appreciate the smaller/more compact/more energy efficient appliances they make for studios. Seriously... my little patio table and chairs that I'm using in my kitchen would totally appreciate the extra space.

Plenty of counter space in the kitchen.

Range hood/exhaust over the stove.

Space for a microwave (or a microwave/range hood combo is FANTASTIC)

Fixtures that DO NOT require expensive bulbs (like those round vanity mirror bulbs, and "flame-shaped" bulbs for ceiling fans.

Ceiling fans are a plus, but not if they're hung too low (and the bulb issue).

And I hate having to walk through a bathroom to get to a clothes closet. This is gross. The moisture gets in the closet and can cause mold and such.

Likwise, having to walk through a closet to get to a bathroom. I really don't want guests walking through my closet.

PLEASE allow some painting. Even if it's just one wall in each room.

Ok, that's eight, LOL

I'll be moving at the end of August and this is what I'm going to focus on most when apartment hunting.

1.) Neighborhood. All neighborhoods can look GREAT during the day, when you actually visit the apartment. But when I visit that neighborhood after work, park my car and walk around, that's when I'll decide how I feel about it.

2.) Designated Parking. I live in LA, there's no such thing as "ample street parking."

3.) Quality Kitchen. It doesn't have to be huge, but it better not be shitty.

4.) Closet Space. I'll be moving into a studio or 1 bedroom and it will most likely be under 500sq. I'm fine with that, but I NEED closets. And I LOVE walk-ins. I'd rather have a 300sq with a huge walk-in than a 700sq. ft. with two tiny closets.

5.) Owners/Managers with an understanding that it's better to have a good tenant (good character and caring of their apartment, regardless of pets, painting walls, imperfect credit score, etc.) rather than a tenant who looks good on paper/in the books.


And this last one isn't really something that I look for... it's pretty much a deal breaker. The apartment has to have potential. A $700/mo studio that's basically a 700sq. ft. box isn't going to win out over a $900/mo 400sq. ft. 1920s studio with a bunch of old, but gorgeous built-ins.

Location (though I think the residential development guy said he understands that this is a given)
Pet Friendly
Lots of natural light
Hardwood floors
On site laundry (WD in the unit is a bonus)
Small complexes (i've never lived in a place with more than 10 units)
Patio/deck area for the poopsies
Well designed space (windows that are located to provide cross-breezes like someone else mentioned, ceiling fans to help circulate air, energy efficient appliances, well constructed spaces for energy efficiency and privacy, timely upkeep - if I scrub my countertops, the caulking peels away like gum)
Competent property management (mine basically collects the rent and lets the building go to pot, no common area clean up, long response time for maintenance)
Architecturally interesting

1. Good insulation, around the windows in in the walls. Winter wind coming through the window panes is unforgivable, as is enduring your neighbor's techno party.

2. The ability to control your own utilities. Whether or not the tentant is paying for heat, each tenant should be in control of his/her apartment's temperature and etc.

3. A dishwasher. No need to explain.

4. Non-carpet floors. If any area or room is carpeted, it should be replaced regularly. If I can see stains from the previous tenant, I know that the landlord saw them as well. It just seems that non-carpet floors are easier for everyone involved.

5. Sticking to building policies. If it is a non-smoking building, I should NEVER have the cigarette smoke of other tenants wafting into my windows. Ever. If I found this acceptable, I would not sign a lease to live in a specified non-smoking building.

I can make most everything else work for me. Although, if I get to make some dream requests, a proper kitchen should have proper counter space. And every landlord should be a responsive landlord.

1. No white laminate or cheap fake wood cabinets anywhere. Cabinets last a long time. Most tenants would be more than willing to pay the $50-100 in rent to amortise the additional cost of better quality built-ins.
2. Decent fixtures. Buying the cheapest most generic things you can find at Home Depot will decrease rather than increase the value of property. Duh.
3. Quality appliances. Again, in durable goods, cheap is not attractive.
4. Storage space commensurate with overall square footage. 1000sf apartments with two tiny closets make no sense.
5. Competent building management.

Wow, great topic. I hear a theme loud and clear, and it differs starkly from a lot of the crap on the market these days. My top priorities:

1. Hardwood floors (NOT negotiable)
2. Windows that slide up and down (no vinyl frames!)
3. Heavy, solid doors with heavy, preferably original doorknobs
4. Some sort of built-in shelves, a place to display books, photos, mementos
5. Solid porcelain bathroom "appliances" - no cheap plastic junk!

A developer that offers these simple, long-lasting amenities will find that they bring rewards, like top-notch tenants and stable rents regardless of the economy.

Seriously.. I don't care if your add says "NEW CARPET!" I don't want it. Please... stop putting carpet in rentals. It's so ugly, gross and hard to clean.

Hardwood floors last much much longer, are easier to clean and don't absorb dust, dirt and smells!

Security (on site patrol, prompt police response, adequate police presence, low/no crime, management that is as concerned about the safety of the residents as they are about renting).

Parking (off street, best/ideal is to have a locking garage per car.

Universal design (elevators, no stairs, no steep inclines).

No bogus charges (actual water usage must be metered, none of the percentage billing of an entire building, which is illegal in many places anyway).

Washer/dryer in unit, so that I and only I am using my appliances. They don't have to be BIG ones, and I'm including the smaller, Energy Star washers, dryers, fridge, stove, etc.

There are so many other things that are important, that are mentioned here. But much really comes down to common sense, and an old saying that was supposed to be for women...But it works for anyone and most anything...

"If you treat a woman like a thoroughbred, she'll never be a nag."

There have been many landlords/management companies that I have experienced or read about. When the tenants are treated like crap, like criminals, like an inconvenience, they end up acting that way.

And when tenants are treated well, they act that way. Same place, different management has had an effect on how much people are satisfied. Even to how friendly they are in the halls.

To "get back" at management, people begin to litter or there is graffiti. But it harms us all. And makes us all miserable.

I still think we should have an "ugly" contest for things our landlords or property owners have put us through. Things like paint combinations. I'm pretty sure I could win that contest with what is going on here. It's awful.

I've been in my first apartment about a year now, and I've come up with a list for my next place. My only non-negotiable is washer/dryer IN UNIT. At my current place, laundry facilities are in the same building, but it's getting to the point that I actually fantasize about being able to do laundry in my apartment.

Other pluses:
quietness
light
nice details (eg. moulding, fixtures, cabinetry, flooring, etc. can all make or break the character of an apartment)
keycard parking, not punchcode

1. Allow smoking
2. Allow pets
3. Laundry in building
4. Hardwood floors
5. Parking space
6. Nice neighbors
7. Bathtub
8. Space
9. No owner-occupied buildings. Ever.

Laundry, light, hardwood, space, balcony.

What makes me choose one apartment over another, if those essentials are met?

Storage and lots of it, built in open bookshelves, cupboard space, character, bigger outdoor space (I dream of a rooftop patio), bathroom that will hold lots of crap in it, nice landlord.

1. dog friendly (yard space desirable)
2. charm (hardwood, character, no carpet, no vinyl)
3. bathtub (must have, preferably old clawfoot)
4. laundry in building
5. deck/ patio/ outdoor area
* bonus-- eco friendly-- building, renovation practices, water usage, appliances, paints, etc,

light, whether I can paint, whether I can have a cat, if permanent fixtures (kitchen counters, bathroom sink, carpet, etc.) are something I can live with, storage space (closets, pantry, etc.), washer/dryer hook-up.

Just so you know where I am coming from: I've lived in 5 different rentals in the past 6 years (husband is military. None were ever directly on post). So far the one we are in is the best by far! Here is what we look for and/or wish we could get!
1. Garage (is an absolute MUST for us)
2. I wish they had more sound-proofing.
3. I wish I could paint and leave it without being charged. Management is going to paint when I leave anyway, ya know.
4. Playyards/Jungle Gyms (this wasn't important to me until I had a kid and now that we have several playgrounds in our complex it is something we will never live without!)
5. I wish there was no pet deposit!!! Get references and if they are good don't ask for one. If there ends up being damage... then ask for it. The deposits are always so high and it keeps me from getting a pet... but I absolutely ADORE them and wish I could have one! And if the tenant does have a pet, asking for a deposit is like asking the people to pay a deposit to have their human child live there!
6. Laminate or Tile flooring... mostly so you don't have to ask for that pet deposit up front. One of the places I lived in had a great commercial tile floor throughout the whole thing. Easy to clean and would have never been damaged by pets (even though they still didn't allow pets. Arrgghh!)

I think everyone covered the basic other things like energy efficient, good lighting and stuff like that so I will end my post! Thanks for posting this thread!

hardwood floors
light
counter space
closets
pet-friendly

Aside from location and cost of rent/utilities....

-Sound. I don't like hearing my neighbors, and I don't like knowing they can hear me.

-Outdoors. I need a patio, balcony, or yard—something decent for growing plants and enjoying natural sunlight.

-Pets. Allowing pets is an absolute must, and the smaller the pet deposit, the more likely I am to rent.

-Landlords. Bad management may not prevent me from renting in the first place, but it will definitely keep me from leaving!

-Laundry. It must available within the unit.

-Lighting. The fewer lamps I have to light in the daytime, the better.

-Outlets. Many, many outlets well spread throughout the unit mean I can arrange my furniture in more ways, and that means I will be less apt to get bored and move out.

-Unusual or historical features (even if artificial). I love architecture with character, and I happily sacrifice quite a few luxuries (e.g., large closets and many outlets) for it. Secret storage compartments are a huge plus.

-Easy to clean. Carpet, etc., are not my friends.

I just read an earlier post that mentioned no families with mutiple kids....
I agree though. When it was just my husband and myself, I would've liked to have lived in a place where it was just single adults or married w/o kids. I always try to keep my son and step-son (who visits on a regular basis) as quiet as possible but its not always possible! I worry all the time that my MWOK neighbors are going to get sick of it and place a complaint with management. But of course that would be a little discriminating... atleast seperate them out. Our apt/twnh/duplexs has 2 tenants to a building. If you can, just make sure that a MWK isn't living next to a MWOK neighbor. And make sure ammenities, like our fenced backyard, aren't given to someone that doesn't really need it, like my neighbors who don't have kids or pets but have a fence, when there are people who don't have one and have pets or kids. If you can't do it for every apt. make sure the people that actually need that ammenity get it if at all possible.

1. Allows dogs, (not just small ones)
2. Must have a balcony, porch or private outdoor area.
3. Thick walls, like concrete or such, to keep from hearing everything going on with the neighbors.
4. Hardwood floors (I detest carpet)
5. Must have washer/dryer or hookups inside the apartment. (This is a deal breaker if not)

It is extremely hard to find something that meets this criteria in the area I am looking in.
Not to mention I also want something that is in walking distance to stores, restaurants, etc.

I am currently living on the 4th floor in an apt complex and there is no elevator. I will NEVER do that again!
The problem with apts is if you get a ground floor to keep from having to walk up and down stairs all the time, you have someone stomping over you in the apt above. It is a no win situation.

- no carpeting
- green (as someone else mentioned, as in plants/grass)
- if there are original elements to the building, don't rip them out and go home-depot chic. leave the charm, even if it doesn't look new.

1. Pets allowed. With reasonable deposits. I've actually seen some communities where some buildings were open for pets and others weren't. That seemed to be a great solution- make allergy sufferers AND pet owners happy.

2. Closet space.

3. Outdoor area- balcony/deck/something.

4. W/D in apartment

5. Reasonable rent. No one wants to pay $1500 a month without utilities for a 300 sq foot apartment with a "sleeping nook", even if they can afford it. Nor should they be asked to. Make it possible for people to have alternate jobs then the typical high power/high stress/90K a year.

1. Lights! Either natural sunlights (big windows!) or ceiling lights.
2. Good floorplan.
3. Nice management/owner. Had to deal with a horrible and very rude management. Even though they had the "almost perfect" apartment, I still didn't rent from them. Yes, they were horrible before I even signed the lease from them...
4. Nice hardwood floor.
5. Nice heighborhood.

1. Location - proximity to work, public transit, grocer, etc.

2. Condition - hardwood floors, good light, well kept, i.e. not a former frat house.

3. Parking - Either driveway, or on-street with no permit required, and no winter ban (i'm outside Boston!)

4. Amenities - Updated kitchen and bathroom, laundry or at least hookups on site. Good storage - bet it closets or basement. And GAS heat is a MUST! (again, New England winters. Oil = Too damn expensive)

5. Great landlord - Nothing is worse than being shown a GREAT place by a total sketchball. My current landlords live in the other half of our duplex, but aren't omnipresent, hovering forces. Nor are they completely absent.

1. Location
2. Open Kitchen
3. Windows
4. Hard Wood Floors
5. Appliances

1. dog friendly with reasonable to no deposits
2. hardwood floors
3. washer/dryer in the unit
4. parking
5. safe, clean grounds

Assuming a new apartment passes my initial evaluation criteria: Location, neighborhood, and unit square footage.

These are my five most important issues:

1. Well maintained building, apartments, grounds, and common areas.
2. Heat and hot water included in rent. (Landlords with inefficient heating systems, drafty buildings, etc. often exclude heat and hot water services.
3. Adequate off-street parking
4. In-unit washer and dryer hookups or usage permission.
5. Recent vintage appliances

1. Price (people may have been treating this like it goes without saying, but...)
2. Location (neighborhood vibe, proximity to useful subway lines)
3. Light
4. Hardwood floors (carpet is a deal-breaker)
5. Storage space (closets, cabinets, etc.)

-Closet space!!!
-Laundry on-site (in unit even better!)
-Hardwood floors (no carpet!)
-Lots of outlets
-Parking

We rent houses. We haven't been apt renters for a while but my list may still work.

Stability - can the LL afford to rent this place out or will I end up a foreclosed renter story?

Safety - Good neighborhood? Does the unit have an alarm system? the areas around where I live now are experiencing a crime wave. We've already had as many murders this year as we did all last year. Property crime is up by 230%. Where can I live that will give me some measure of safety?

Price - can I afford the place and still save 25 to 35% of my gross for emergencies and retirement?

Location - must be close enough to bike or walk to work. Gas is too expensive as an individual and the planet.

Gargage - car burgleries and thefts skyrocketing here. We still keep a single vehicle for 4 people if we need to go into town or move large items.

Condition - Is the place so old and uncared for that my energy bills will go through the roof? Is this one of those places where the LL does nothing but blames the renter for everything? Will I have to absorb the costs of all the basic and delayed maintenance?

Size - Will I still have to rent a storage unit? Is the price overpriced for it's size?

The rest is all fluff. I'm older then most of the regular posters here. Been a renter in places like LA, SF, and Boston for almost 15 yrs and have seen it all. I have a very gloomy picture of what the economy will be like the next few years and safety and stability have trumped style for me for a while.

I think hardwood floors are probably the most important. They may cost a little more initially but carpet is almost guaranteed to be ruined by every tenant who lives there, and it looks awful anyway. Personally I think a dump with wood floors looks better than a nice place with carpet.

There are other requirements but they're personal to me (pets allowed, no absurdly oversized kitchen, etc) and would probably not be helpful for a developer. There are a lot of things that I'll bet tenants think they want (gourmet appliances, media room, big bathrooms) that in the end they don't actually take advantage of.

location/view/security

hardwood floors (esp. the entry way!)...however, there needs to be adequate soundproofing so I don't hear my upstairs neighbor's every footstep.

neutral and easy to clean bathroom/kitchen with durable fixtures

energy efficiency...newish windows etc.

storage space...both hanging, closed shelves (linens), and floor space (vacuum, luggage, etc.)

parking...and if dumpsters are in the lot, empty them several times a week (but not at 5am!) and keep them concealed!

in-unit laundry...or at least in building laundry in a CLEAN room

1) Location (safety, convenience)
2)Kitchen (good appliances, attractive cabinets, lots of space)
3) Closet space
4) light
5) In-unit laundry

in no particular order....

location - proximity to the things i like and need

clean/cleanability - grout makes me think of mold so any black edging and i'm out of there. same lines with no carpet! who knows whats been lurking in it for years.

light/windows/outdoor space - so important to get fresh air when you can

layout - you can't knock down walls as necessary as a renter, also kitchen size is IMPT! another thing that's really difficult to expand on your own

security - no basements for me ever.

I am a mostly urban city dweller preferring deep downtown areas (I lived on 9th and Mass in Indianapolis and in the Marina City in Chicago) so with that qualification:

1. Location. I want to be a part of a vibrant neighborhood and not too far away from the services only an urban environment affords

2. Layout. A good flowing layout can make a 700 sq. ft apartment feel like a mansion and a bad layout can make a 1600 footer unlivable.

3. Price. At some point, it gets silly to rent rather than buy. PS. I HATE condo's. If I live in a condo, it is because it is considerably less than buying a house and dollar for dollar similar to renting. And yes, that includes fees and taxes.

4. Terms. I rented a place in one of the hottest areas in Indianapolis that was half the square footage I was looking for because the landlord said I could do anything to it except remove any load bearing walls (I did have one moved, though). I ended up leaving him with a completely remodeled bachelor pad with 12 foot ceilings, new fixtures, bathroom, insulation, noise proofing, AC, and hardwood floors. I was in the process of gutting the kitchen when I got engaged and she vetoed the place.

5. The landlord. The only time I want to see or hear from a landlord is when something is broken. Otherwise, don't bug me. I had an incredible place in San Fran that the damn landlord kept popping in to show people. Turned out she was trying to sell the building. She lost half her tenants due to this annoyance.

Privacy, pet friendly, washer/dryer in unit, Can fit a queen size bed without problems, overall landscaping of complex

Condition. Storage. Laundry. Hardwood floors. Bathtub. Quiet.

I've always wondered why developments (complexes or high rises) don't offer bigger variation on the floorplans to correspond to the different "personas" that might be intererested in the development based on location, price, etc.

For example, while a complex may appeal to 25-35 year old singles making 40-50k, some may love to cook and want big kitchens. Others might have nothing in their fridge other than beer and mustard. Some may like to entertain and want an open floorplan, while others may telecommute and would like an office alcove or more compartmentalized space.

But any development I've seen tends to be fairly uniforms in things like kitchen size or openness of space even if there are some variation in floorplans of a particular number of BR/BA.

Location, allows pets, condition of the property (indicators of maintenance and the people living there), price, and what the apartment itself is like--in that order. That being said, the first two are of equal importance.

good location with parking
central air/heat
blank canvas (no overwhelming era or theme)
good size with big windows/balcony
well maintained/no shady landlords or agencies

The "khakis with pleats" comment had me chortling.

1) (tie) Location & price
2) Pets
3) Parking
4) Storage
5) (tie) Privacy and laundry

Added extra for LA living -- is Refridgerator included; AC; how far away is the closest neighboring building.

Here's my list of things I don't have but wish I did:

1. Garage or even just off-street parking
2. Washer/Dryer in-unit
3. Wood floors instead of carpet
4. Better layouts for studios
5. Central air/heat

1. Big kitchen
2. Natural light
3. Ample parking
4. No carpets
5. Good internet - Maybe this is a local problem, but we have had a devil of a time finding an apartment with good-quality high-speed internet options at a reasonable price. I suspect that the younger the tenants, the more important this will be.

~Q

1) light
2) high ceilings
3) good shower
4) gas stove
5) access to the outdoors (balcony, yard, etc.)

Once the basics are established, then the difference between a good apartment and an apartment that I LOVE is in the architectural details and layout. But this has to be done thoughtfully. Often in new developments there may be some element, like an arched doorway, that looks like it was just plunked into the apartment so that they could check off the "charm" box. For these elements to work, they have to make sense with the rest of the apartment.

Location (safe, not too commercial), secure parking, kitchen (major appliances included, decent cupboard space), good light, closets.

The top 5 probably vary from person to person, but for me they were:

1) Pet friendly
2) Location
3) Natural light/Windows
4) Overal Layout (will my furniture work here?)
5) Parking and on-site laundry

Things that will really make me fall in love with a place: good kitchen, architectural details, laundry in the apartment, balcony... storage can be very important too, but often times if the overall layout is good enough you can do some creative things to increase storage space.

1. Dog friendly (with yard). Dog Park a plus!
2. Decently sized kitchen with dishwasher
3. Assigned Parking
4. Lots of windows
5. Garage/storage is a plus.

I'm thrilled to see so many pet lovers in the comments. I cannot understand why there aren't more pet friendly rentals. I'd be willing to spend 200-400 extra per month so I can have my babies with me.

Gonna throw my .02 cents worth to this.

When I moved into my 1960 era building 4.5 years ago, I was looking for location, view (preferably), a balcony (preferably), 1 bedroom and affordable - and I got all that, along with off street parking for an extra $40 on top of the rent.

The place is clean, reasonably well kept, not overally original anymore but that's OK since it all works just fine, is very convenient to walking to wherever I need (except to work), has on site laundry, a disposal, but no DW though and has wall to wall carpeting to cover up parquete(?) flooring.

Most buildings I've seen around here in Seattle tend to have at least on site laundry, many older buildings had them retrofitted later, most buildings I think since WWII have had them designed in from the beginning.

What I'd love to have is all of the above, but with DW and W/D in the units and hardwoods. A dinning area is fine, no need for a seperate dinning room, a space even if it means keeping the table up against the wall until needed.

Outside of that, on site management, kept up and clean

Flow of space/floorplan, soundproofing, outdoor space, light, location, safety, style (not bland cookie-cutter development "style"). Cost (of course). Not in that order.

And the feng shui of the space. seriously. :P

I should have added to my comment that the complex have a play area for children. I lived in one apartment with a children's playground. The complex was designed Spanish style--the units were built around a courtyard/playground. It was wonderful for my daughter to go outside and play with children and I could read from the balcony.

I like living around children and want any apartment complex to better provide for children than pets.

1) w/d IN apartment
2) closet and storage space
3) assigned parking
4) building character/charm
5) some outdoor space (patio, stoop where i can plant flowers and herbs)

Location, but everyone says that/knows that.

Pet friendly: please take cats.

Light: good windows that I can use: make them as big as possible, put one in every room, please. Skylights are fabulous, especially in attics. I once had a basement one-bedroom with a juryrigged skylight in the living room and it made all the difference.

Layout: a good flow. I need a place to eat (table) a place to sit (living room, sofa) a place to work (desk) and a place to sleep. 400 SF can hold that if you think about the space. Don't put the bathroom on the only outside wall, for example; don't give the whole space over to the kitchen. Tuck things away and use space wisely: tiny bedrooms, good closets, tiny bath = usable main space.

Outside space is a huge bonus: decks or balconies wherever possible.

And good management: a super who lives in the building, can do basic repairs and keeps the place well. Spend money on the classic elderly couple, who are worth their weight in gold.

Oh, and kitchens -- small is fine, but think it through and make sure there's storage all the way to the ceiling and space for pots. The stove shouldn't sit by itself on one wall: a counter beside it makes it easy to cook. Use little appliances for little kitchens: an undercabinet fridge is better than a monster in the living room.

laundry, proximity to public transport, proximity to grocery stores, light, good feelings.

1) location: this means safe area (really important as a female living alone), convenient for with public transport (meaning at most 30 mins away from work/school from the time you step out the door to the time you get back in), not too noisy, neighborhood has most things i need (eg. market, bakery, cafe, decent nightlife...)

2) Natural Light

3) Good Bones and decent furniture if provided; basically a place that is well made and well kept

4) A civil landlord

5) and finally, never overlook the neighbors: crazy neighbors can make your life hell (especially if you have common walls).

First of all, the MOST IMPORTANT BASICS: No-Bullshit-But-Nice Management, Cable/Dishwasher hookups, and fresh everything (new carpet, paint, bathroom (at least painted)... And after the basics are met (without which even the most amazing apartment would feel like hell), this is my criteria.

1. Pool
2. Light
3. Size
4. Water Pressure
5. Ability to Paint

If possible (but this might be stretching it a bit)

6. No neighbors (they're the best kind)
7. Patio
8. Covered Parking
9. Feng-shui Appropriate
10. As far from any school as possible. (Trafic otherwise would be hell)

1) laundry in unit
2) dishwasher
3) outdoor space
4) many large closets!
5) soundproofing

1) proximity to key places/people in my life
2) privacy
3) high speed internet access easily available
4) soundproofing (or civil co-tenants)
5) painting privledges

1) natural light whenever possible
- gives a space character
- saves on electricity
- please, please don't board up or cover windows :(
2) good maintenance, regular maintenance & seasonal prepwork
- maintenance beyond just getting by
- a once-over checklist when moving in, to make sure everything is there - storm windows, screens, etc - this puts the renter and landlord on the same page with regard to condition of the rental
- good insulation
- regular cleaning of heating and air filters
3) water
- this means hot water
- a large enough hot water tank to facilitate for showers, dishes, laundry, etc
- this also means water pressure
4) clean storage space (any of the below)
- closet
- basement (must be clean/dry)
- respectable attic
- accessible & safe space for bicycle storage is nice
5) character (or the ability to add your own). With regard to painting, I would almost suggest that the renter pays a fee, the pair agrees upon a color (i.e. nothing too bright or hard to cover up), and then the landlord can have it contracted - that way, it shouldn't be a drippy mess. :)
Although I must say - neutral paints seem to work really well. If a place has character in many other ways (tile countertop, interesting & matching fixtures, decorative molding, etc, a unit can hold its own without a coat of paint. Basically - renters want to paint, but most frequently I find that I really just want a place with personality - and paint is a good way to spice up a very plain place.

I moved into a converted victorian house once, and the outside looked terrible! The landlord told me they would be painting it, and upgrading a number of things very soon. It turns out that painting meant just the front, street-facing side. Likewise, only the fence which faced the road got replaced - the rest continued to fall apart over time... including the carport roof. Similarly, the painting was done just by powerwashing the front of the place (no scraping), and spraying paint over it. A year later, it's already cracking and peeling again. Do it right the first time, and you'll (make in the case of a landlord, and) save more in the long run.

Cat friendly, in unit laundry, parking, NON-SMOKING NEIGHBORS!

These are probably in order of importance:

1. Closets/Storage Space
2. Size of the Rooms
3. Layout
4. Washer/Dryer Hookups
5. Location

I look for no pets allowed! For an allergic person having a dander free home is much healthier, and it takes a while for a previous pet home to lose its danderiffic effluvium.

Not smelling cat pee or hearing dogs bark all the time is a nice bonus in close quarters!

Other than a safe neighborhood and reasonable proximity to groceries, etc:

1) there MUST be a private outdoor space. This is a dealbreaker, because I am one of the few evil people who still smoke--but I don't like smoking inside (and you, as the landlord, would prefer that I smoke outdoors, I'm sure!). It would be nice if the outdoor area was big enough for a small container garden, too.

2) Lots and lots of closets and cabinets. LOTS of cabinets. Did I say lots of cabinets?

3) Please, please, no carpet!! Anything but carpet. Even cheap vinyl will do, as long as it's solid surface.

4) The apartment should have its own outside entrance. I know the "hotel" style layouts are popular and (theoretically) safer, but if I'm juggling my briefbag, three bags of groceries, a diaper bag and a toddler, I want to be able to walk directly from my car into my apartment, rather than walking a half-mile to the building entrance and then back-tracking a half-mile to my unit.

5) In-unit washer and dryer, or at the very least a laundry room on every floor.

6) Enforced assigned parking. As in, if I spend three hours digging my car out after a massive snowstorm and then some opportunistic twerp steals my space, his car WILL BE TOWED.

7) I would really prefer smaller bedrooms/bathrooms and more actual living space.

8) I feel absolutely no need for my complex to provide a spa, a rec room, free continental breakfast, meeting facilities, a movie theatre, a pool, a tennis court, a workout room, social networking events, etc. Save the extras, and give me reasonable, affordable rent. If I really want a mud mask and a bagel, I'll go find one.

Oh, just to add:

I expect the courtesy of 24-hour notice before the landlord drops by. This INCLUDES him driving by the house and "just popping into the back yard" to check on things. It also includes notice that he will be spending three hours doing unspecified maintenance tasks outside my bedroom window, so I can sleep elsewhere. (There is a reason I sleep fully clothed...)