4 Common Misconceptions About Apartment Living
Greystar apartment living definitely has its perks — stellar locations, top-notch amenities and professional staffing. Even with these great benefits, there can sometimes be a few “less-than-positive” myths circulating about apartment life in general. Thankfully, these are just that: myths.
We have compiled the more common misunderstandings about apartment community living and debunked them just for you.
Myth #1: You don’t really need renter’s insurance.
Many residents don’t believe they own enough stuff to quantify purchasing renter’s insurance. However, once you add up the cost of replacing everything you own (after a tragic incident like a flood or fire), you might be surprised at what your possessions would cost to replace them. It’s been estimated that the average two-bedroom apartment contains about $30,000 worth of belongings, which can make the small monthly expense of renter’s insurance quickly seem like a bargain in light of a disaster.
It’s a common misconception among renters that your landlord will cover property damages if there’s a fire or flood. The vast majority of the time, this isn’t true. Traditional landlord insurance policies cover only the building and not the contents or possessions of residents. You really do need to be covered!
Many communities are now requiring renters to show proof of renters insurance before they allow a lease to be signed. Some communities even partner with an insurance company to offer residents a low-cost option. Ask a Greystar team member to see if your community has a renter’s insurance option that’s right for you. There’s nothing more priceless than peace of mind.
Myth #2: The apartment I’m moving into won’t be clean.
Making sure your apartment home is move-in ready is part of what we do to maximize your Greystar experience. From cleaning or replacing the carpet and installing a new air conditioning filter to touching up or repainting the walls, we’ve got a variety of steps to take to ensure a new resident’s expectations are met and exceeded. We’ll also make sure the floors, windows, mirrors and counters are clean and tidy.
You can help us be accountable by filling out the apartment inventory sheet as soon as possible — preferably before moving in — in case minor repairs were overlooked. This form is also a perfect way to keep yourself accountable for small wall scuffs or minor carpet stains that happen during everyday life.
Myth #3: Noise from neighbors is a problem.
Avoiding all noise from other residents when living in an apartment community isn’t really possible, especially if you live on the first floor and have another resident living above you. Sounds and voices from the parking lot, as well as community hallways and walkways, will likely provide a steady background murmur no matter how thick your walls or windows are.
When living in a place where walls and floors/ceilings are shared, it’s up to individual residents to be cognizant of their surroundings and respectful of their neighbors. If you live on an upper floor, be mindful of foot stomping or hard walking. When you’re playing music or the TV volume loud past 10 p.m., are you going to interfere with your neighbor’s sleep? Noise in shared spaces can’t be avoided, but common sense and courtesy should curtail most instances. If neighbors are, for some reason, consistently noisy or host loud parties, it’s best to contact your community manager to determine the best course of action.
Myth #4: Maintenance doesn’t exist.
At Greystar, we take pride in our communities. If something needs to be fixed, such as broken exercise or pool equipment, our team of professionals will repair it as soon as possible. The same is true for repairs needed in individual apartments. Got a leaky faucet or toilet that won’t stop running? Has your air conditioning stopped cooling? Many Greystar communities feature online maintenance request programs so issues can be entered and taken care of as soon as possible.
Sometimes, renters can be reticent to come to their community manager with a maintenance request. This can be especially true if a problem is perceived as embarrassing, such as plumbing issues in the bathroom or damage from pets and children. In reality, your community’s management team is there to assist you and keep your apartment home well-maintained. Help him or her do just that!
Some facets of apartment living might be shrouded in myth, but there’s one thing for certain: Greystar’s dedication to quality services and amenities is as true as the sky is blue. Give one of our representatives a shout today and find out how to call one of our communities your new home.
