woman doing laundry in a public facility

The ongoing state of the COVID-19 pandemic has turned our everyday lives upside down. With government-mandated social-distance orders in place, the vast majority of office workers now working from home, and restricted capacity for restaurants, stores, and more, so much of our former sense of normal life has gone out the window. There is now great demand for post-COVID amenities in rental housing.

For months, the whole country has had to transition to a life lived indoors and with limited social interaction. It’s obvious that the pandemic has left an indelible impression on our understanding of reality as our familiar life continues to unravel with every passing day. This radical transition echoes in the real estate world, too. Everything from property management to apartment-hunting in the era of social-distancing proves difficult since most interactions take place in person.

There’s no denying that the pandemic will change the future of apartment hunting and if you’re in the market for a new space but unsure of what to look for, we’re here to help guide you. Read on to find out the top 7 post-COVID amenities to look for in your next apartment.

1. Patios and Roof Decks

Having been largely stuck inside over the course of the past few months, the appeal of outdoor spaces (still within the confines of your own home or apartment building) has never rung so loudly. Patios and roof decks allow you to get outside and get together with others while still maintaining safe social distance, without any need for expensive air filtration systems.

2. Coworking Spaces

Regardless of how amazing the apartment you’re looking at seems to be, if you’re working from home and sharing the space with roommates, family, or your significant other, it’s a mere matter of time before cabin fever settles in. Thinking ahead, it’s a smart idea to look for apartments that offer office-style or co-working spaces.

Within these community spaces, you’ll be able to step away from the hustle and bustle of your home without really leaving the property. You will want to make sure that these shared spaces are regularly sanitized so you can go about your day safely and productively.

3. WiFi and Streaming Service Deals

Being cooped up at home calls for plenty of Netflix-binging and web-surfing, and without a stellar package, you may be left with slow connectivity or limited options. When apartment hunting, be on the lookout for property managers or management companies that offer discounts to streaming or internet services for residents. A discounted rate is a huge draw and a great signal that your property management truly cares about the happiness of their tenants.

4. Hands-Free Technology

Tech functionality is increasingly included in property amenities and with COVID-19 placing an extra emphasis on the importance of sanitation, hands-free tech is one of the most popular post-COVID amenities. When searching for the perfect apartment, look for ones that feature tech-infused amenities that allow you to do more without hands-on interaction. Some of these amenities include:

  • Keyless Entry: An increasing number of apartment buildings have been transitioning to contactless entry and smart technology now. Opting for smart entry allows tenants to access their building via a smartphone app or keychain FOB to minimize touching of high-traffic door handles.
  • Virtual and Automated Self Showings: The overwhelming desire to keep physical interaction to a minimum is an undeniable challenge for those looking to tour apartments. This new hurdle has forced property management companies to adopt technology that allows them to offer virtual showings to prospective tenants. As someone who is looking for a new space to call home, you should absolutely take advantage of these opportunities.

Virtual and automated showings allow you to get a feel for the space without needing to leave your home or              interact with a property manager in person.

  • Rent and Fee Payment: The possibilities that come with internet connectivity are truly endless. Look for a property manager that allows tenants to pay rent or application fees online. This eliminates any need to drop a check off in person or come into contact with any high-traffic mailboxes.

5. Discounts for Food Delivery

According to an Axios survey conducted in May, the number of people ordering food delivery has steadily increased during the COVID-19 crisis. With restaurants and bars being largely closed for indoor dining (or with restricted capacities), it’s a total no-brainer that the everyday person would much rather receive their food at their doorstep than venture out.

As you sift through prospective properties to rent or lease, check to see if the management company offers any discounts for popular food delivery platforms like PostMates, Uber Eats, or GrubHub.

6. Outdoor Fitness Opportunities

apartment building with outdoor fitness facility

Public gyms have been closed for a while due to the nature of the interactions and high-touch surfaces inside of the facilities. Even in parts of the country where new COVID-19 cases have declined, gyms are last to reopen their doors to the public. The same rings true in apartment complex gyms, which is why it should be at the top of any fitness lover’s list to find a space that offers plentiful outdoor fitness opportunities.

That doesn’t necessarily have to mean that there’s a formal outdoor gym setup, but having access to running trails or cycling paths is a huge bonus for times like these when indoor gyms are not available.

7. Laundry Access

Laundromats are another great example of everyday places that can easily become havens for spreading a virus. Touching door handles and pressing machine buttons is all it takes for the pathogens to go from one person to another.

If finding an apartment with in-unit laundry machines is a bit of a stretch in your city, try to find a space that offers laundry in the complex or building. This will help you avoid going to public laundry rooms where you can’t really sense how well sanitized everything is.

Wrapping Up

When it comes to post-COVID amenities, these seven must-haves will make life a bit easier and allow you to feel a sense of normal among the chaos around you.

We hope you found this blog post 7 Post-COVID Amenities to Look for in Your Next Apartment useful. Be sure to check out our post Apartment Hunting 101: How Much Rent Can You Afford? for more great tips!


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