For most apartment dwellers, rent constitutes a larger share of a month’s budget than any other expense category. With so much money going toward housing, it’s important to make sure you’re taking advantage of all your apartment has to offer. If you’d like to maximize your rent dollars, here are several suggestions that may help.
Enjoy Free Morning Joe
Start your days off right with a cup of premium coffee from your apartment’s java bar. Some AMLI apartment communities have a single-cup coffee machine on-site (the newer ones serve Starbucks) and you’re welcome to drink as much as you’d like. The only stipulation is that you use your own reusable cup to help AMLI meet its green standards. Making use of this amenity can save you between three and five dollars each morning when compared to the alternative of buying your cup of Joe from a coffee shop.
Use the Fitness Center
Few apartment amenities are as valuable as having a state-of-the-art fitness center at your disposal. Most AMLI properties have gyms that are equipped with the latest and greatest free weights and cardio equipment, and several of them even have separate yoga studios and Pilates machines. By nixing your gym dues, you’ll save some serious dollars, not to mention gain back some valuable time when you’re not driving back and forth to a gym.
Host an Event
All AMLI properties have a diverse offering of space that residents can use to host events. These can include anything from a lounge, clubhouse, game room, rooftop patio or even a pool area with cabanas. Many properties also have indoor theater rooms perfect for viewing parties during big awards shows, games or the premier of your favorite TV series. AMLI South Lake Union has an outdoor movie theater making movie watching an even more magical event since it’s done under the stars. You’ll have to check with the leasing office for information on how to book these spaces for private events, but most of them can be reserved with prices ranging from free to a small fee. Consider using the amenity spaces at your community for your next event and you’ll be spared the outrageous cost to rent out a restaurant or other venue.
Make Some Pool Time
If you like spending time at the pool, living in a luxury apartment can give you the benefits of a pool club membership without the expense. A hallmark of many AMLI communities is a resort-style pool, often complete with private cabanas that can be reserved for your pool day. AMLI Lex on Orange in California even boasts a unique salt water pool and spa, plus beautiful poolside cabanas with TVs in each one.
Attend Resident Events
AMLI communities typically host one to four events each month, which are nearly all free for residents and their friends to attend. Often, drinks and food are provided by local PERKS partners, so it’s also a wonderful opportunity to sample the local cuisine. By skipping a night out on the town and taking part in these gatherings instead, your budget will thank you. Plus, fostering relationships with your neighbors can make your apartment feel more like a home.
Stay Informed
Pay attention to posted flyers, marketing emails or talk to your leasing team. You might just find there are even more niche amenities that can help you cut costs. Do you share your pet-friendly apartment with a four-legged friend? Use the on-site pet spa instead of paying inflated grooming costs for routine baths. Are you an avid cyclist? Your community may have a bike repair shop that can serve as your “garage space” when your bike needs a little TLC. Love to cook? Well, if you happen to live in AMLI River North’s Chicago apartments, you have access to a rooftop urban garden with herbs and other edible plants that are free for the taking!
For most people, the biggest monthly bill is housing, so you want to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. Get to know your apartment community and use the amenities available to you to eliminate unnecessary expenses. At AMLI, we hope you can Live Life + Love Life to the fullest by feeling good about the environment in which you live and the money you spend on rent.
Do you have additional tips for getting the most from your monthly rent? Share in the comments to enrich the lives of other apartment dwellers!
View All Posts by Jason Ernst