How To Keep Costs Down When Renting A Luxury Apartment
Posted on: 23 November 2016
Living in a luxury apartment can be quite the experience. If you're on the borderline of being able to actually afford this type of lifestyle, you may be wondering how you can have the luxury living experience without completely breaking the bank. It is possible. Here are some ways to keep costs a bit more manageable when renting a luxury apartment.
Find one without a yard or terrace.
Gardens and terraces tend to be the calling cards of luxury apartments in the city where green space is at a premium. However, if you rent one of these units, you'll either have to pay gardener's fees or higher rent that covers those gardener's fees. Try to find a luxury apartment without a green space to maintain, and your monthly costs will be lower. There are plenty of high-rise luxury apartments with balconies in most cities. You can always outfit your balcony with potted plants, which are easy to maintain yourself, if you really need some greenery in your home.
Negotiate the energy bill.
In most lease agreements, your landlord will pay the water bill, but you, as the tenant, will pay the electric bill and perhaps also the gas bill -- if the apartment has gas connections. However, in big luxury apartments with tall ceilings, picture windows, and other less-efficient options, the energy bills can be exceedingly high. While you may not be successful, it's worth trying to negotiate and have the landlord (or apartment management company) agree to pay the utility bills. Even if you have to pay a little more rent, your expenses will be predictable and you won't be hit with surprise, sky-high energy bills during a cold month.
Don't opt for a pet.
Many luxury apartment communities do allow pets. What they might not tell you until the last minute is that there are extra fees for renters with pets. You'll need to put down an extra security deposit plus pay an extra "pet rent" fee each month. If you currently have a pet, see if you can keep him with a family member while you're living in your luxury apartment, and then bring him back to live with you if you move out of the apartment or are in a better spot financially in a few years. If you're a pet lover and can't imagine living without an animal, ask if there are any exceptions. Some communities may not charge extra fees for pets that live in cages, like guinea pigs and hamsters.
Luxury apartments are, by nature, expensive to rent. But with the tips above, you can ensure you're not paying more than you need to. Reach out to a place like St. Louis Luxury for more information on luxury apartments in your area.
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