Bring the AC: Tips for Renting Apartments in Arizona and Utah

The first thing that comes to my mind when I think about the southwest is the heat. Now, everyone has their own preference when it comes to outdoor temperature - some people think anything above 75 is a scorcher, while others are happy until it passes 90. This presents a problem for renting apartments, because the temperatures in Arizona and Utah will have a major impact on how happy you are throughout the year... Particularly in summer. Here are some tips on getting an apartment you'll actually want to stay inside of.

 

LOCATIONS

 

Apartments that face the sun for most of the day are far more likely to get uncomfortably warm inside. This obvious fact doesn't seem important... Until you've lived in a room that's managed to become the hottest place in your building. Here's another kicker, though - window-based air conditioning units that are stuck out into the hot summer sun are going to fail much sooner than those who are kept in the shade.

 

In short, if you want to deal with the heat, then you should look for apartments that stay away from it. Stick with a room on the shady side of the building - you may not have the best view, but let's face it, most people aren't buying an apartment for the view anyway. On the bright side, Apartments in Arizona and Utah alike are more likely than most to have decent views anyway, even on the shady side of the building.

 

PASSIVE COOLING

 

This is something to talk to your landlord about. Warmer climates - like those of Arizona and Utah - are suitable for many types of passive cooling. This covers everything from additional shades to earth coupling (dissipating the heat into the surrounding soil), and your apartment complex may have a number of techniques in place. If it doesn't, ask about installing some of them - it could make all the difference.

 

ACCESSIBILITY

 

The Apartment Rentals UT residents want often focus on the simple things - accessibility to services and roads. This makes a lot of sense - I, for one, don't want to run several blocks to pick up something to drink when it's scorching hot outside. Look for a rental complex that's very close to a grocery store or similar service, no more than five minutes of walking distance away. You should also consider the proximity to bus stops (and routes - routes are important) when selecting your complex.

 

UPKEEP AND MAINTENANCE

 

The overall appearance of an apartment complex will tell you everything you need to know about the people who run it. If the complex looks like a place where shady people hang out... Then it probably is. On the other hand, a well-maintained complex is likely to be much safe and more comfortable, so seriously examine the place when you first arrive.

 

RULES FOR RENTERS

 

You won't see these advertised in the brochures, but you should pay attention to them. The rules for renting include what you are and aren't allowed to do, and you're expected to strictly follow them at all times. If the rules aren't something you can handle, then you should search for another complex.

 

Apartments in Arizona and the Apartment Rentals UT residents are looking for can be surprisingly complex - if you don't know what you want.

Author's Note

The first thing that comes to my mind when I think about the southwest is the heat.