What Is an Amenity Fee? [2024 Guide]

An apartment amenity fee is a charge for access to the benefits and services offered in an apartment complex. This fee can be a one-time payment or a recurring charge depending on what is included in your lease agreement. Examples of apartment amenities may include open common areas, extra storage, on-site fitness centers, or heated swimming pools.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at amenity fees to determine whether the value is there for you or if you should look at another rental property.

Understanding the Amenity Fee

What Is an Amenity Fee?

An amenity fee is a charge that covers the cost of additional perks and services provided by apartment complexes. While some standard apartment rental fees may already include amenities such as basic maintenance, utilities, and trash removal, others might offer a range of amenities for renters to choose from, which could include access to fitness centers, swimming pools, and community events.

It's worth noting that some apartments may offer free amenities to tenants, but it's always important to clarify with your landlord which amenities are included in your rent and which ones come with additional fees. Asking, “are amenities included in rent?” upfront can help you budget more accurately and avoid any surprises when it comes to the cost of your monthly rent.

What Is Considered an Amenity?

An apartment amenity is a feature or service that is provided to residents in a rental property that is not required for occupancy. It is an additional benefit to be enjoyed exclusively by residents and their guests. These can vary based on the property, but an amenity might include:

• Swimming pool
• Hot tub
• On-site storage
• Special services (spa treatments, dog walking, etc.)
• Electric vehicle charging stations
• Clubhouses
• On-site fitness center
• Trash valet
• Bike storage
• Parking
• Private garages

Are amenities free? Well, sometimes. But other times, there is an amenities fee that is associated with them.

How Much Does an Amenity Fee Cost?

In general, amenity fees can range from around $30 per month for standard amenities to a one-time fee of $200 to $500 for more specialized amenities. For instance, if your complex offers pet-friendly accommodations, you might be charged a one-time pet fee.

Here are some other common amenities that are generally an additional cost to residents:

• Laundry equipment rental ($50-$100 a month)
• Covered parking space ($25-$75 a month)
• Private parking garage ($50-$100 a month)
• On-site storage ($25+ a month)
• Business center (cost by usage/supplies)
• Package management ($5-$20 a month)

It's important to consider these fees when you're budgeting for your apartment, as they can add up quickly and impact your overall cost of living.

Are Amenity Fees Worth It?

It’s always important to weigh your options before committing to an apartment that charges amenity fees. After all, there are free apartment amenities out there if you look hard enough.

Here are a few things to consider to help you decide if amenity fees are truly worth it.

• Does the Building Offer Added Value? Compare your apartment building to others in the area. Do the amenities offer to increase the overall value of the property?
• Does the Building Offer Amenities You Would Use? Apartment amenities are great, but if you have your own gym membership or have no interest in the swimming pool, they might not be enticing.
• How Would an Amenity Fee Affect Your Budget? Always keep a close eye on your budget. Include your amenity fee in your budget to make sure it’s not putting you over the edge. If it is, look elsewhere.

Ultimately, deciding if an amenity fee is worth it will come down to your personal preference. Just make sure you never commit to a property that is outside of your budget, amenity fees included.

Find Apartments with Great Amenities in Your Area

Apartment amenities can vary but may include things such as open common areas, extra storage, an on-site fitness center, or heated swimming pools. Determining whether or not an amenity fee is worth it to you will depend on whether or not you plan on utilizing the amenities and if it's within your budget.

Check out our quiz to find apartments in your desired area with the amenities you’re looking for today!

Amenity Fee FAQs

Is an Amenity Fee a One-Time Fee?

An apartment amenity fee can be charged as a one-time fee or on a monthly basis. Always make sure to clarify with your landlord before signing your lease agreement.

Are Amenities Always Free?

In some instances, apartments will include their amenity fee in their monthly rent. However, not all amenities will be covered in this way. For some special, optional amenities such as covered parking or extra storage, you may need to pay a monthly or one-time fee.

What Is an Amenity Fee Package?

An amenity fee package consists of a bundle of added amenities and services. Utilizing a package system typically allows renters to choose the amenities they think they will use, without having to pay for those they will not.

Are Amenities and Utilities the Same?

Amenities are generally benefits that are added to an apartment complex or home that are not required for occupancy. For example, a pool, fitness center, or package carrier service are all amenities that a property manager may make available to enhance the enjoyment of the property. Utilities, by contrast, are services that generally provide a necessary resource such as electricity, gas, or water. They are usually not optional and tenants are often required to pay for them.

What are Technology Fees for Apartments?

A technology fee for an apartment can vary, depending on what they have to offer. For example, some apartment complexes provide WiFi to tenants, conference rooms, etc.

Can You Opt Out of Amenities?

You can opt out of paying for amenities in some rental situations, such as many of the optional amenities suggested here. Many amenities that are widely used, such as swimming pools, are already factored into your rent. If you know you will not utilize an apartment complex’s amenities and are forced to pay the fee, you might want to take that into consideration when choosing an apartment home.

What Are Complimentary Amenities?

Complimentary amenities are included free with the signing of a lease or, in the case of hotels, with your nightly fee. In apartments, this can look like swimming pools, clubhouses, or on-site laundry facilities.