So you’ve decided that you want to move, and the hunt is on for the best rental unit. There are a hundred things to consider: location, cost of living, proximity to transportation - the list goes on. One of the most important things to decide is - should you rent an apartment or house?
We’ve broken down the pros and cons of both to make your decision a little easier.
Renting an Apartment
Pros
- Low maintenance. If you don’t want to do a lot of shoveling, mowing, or upkeep, an apartment is your place. The landlord will take care of all that.
- Community living. You may be able to get involved in the social side of living in an apartment by meeting your neighbors, hanging out in common spaces, or attending building-sponsored events.
- Costs. Typically, apartment utilities cost less because there is less space and you are using less energy.
Cons
- Noise. If you’re the type that likes a little peace and quiet, apartment living may not be for you. Depending on who your neighbors are, you could get 3AM jam sessions, endlessly barking dogs, or crying babies.
- Size. Many apartments are small and have a limited amount of space for living and storage. Consider how much space you’ll need in your living area.
- Customization. In an apartment, many times you’ll have less freedom to customize, as most landlords like to have all units look the same.
Renting a House
Pros
- Space. You’ll most likely have multiple rooms, a yard for kids and dogs to run in, and you’ll be farther away from your neighbors.
- Parking. If you need to drive to work, or just prefer a car as your primary mode of transportation, most houses will have a driveway - an amenity you won’t find in the majority of apartment buildings.
- Freedom. Although landlords will still have final approval of changes to the house, like painting, a home usually gives you more freedom to customize the place you want.
Cons
- Upkeep. More than likely, your landlord won’t take care of yardwork or minor repairs, and there’s more square feet to vacuum, clean and maintain.
- Uncertainty. You may sign a lease, but there’s no guarantee that the landlord will renew the lease when the contract is up. Depending on the situation, they may want to move back in, or even sell the house. In an apartment building, there is a significantly lower risk of a similar situation arising.
- Security. Oftentimes, apartments have a door to get into the building, and a door to get into the apartment, each with their own key. A house will not usually have those precautions.
Although these are good guidelines, always make sure that you read and understand the terms of the lease and what you will be responsible for before signing. Happy hunting!
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