What to look for when renting a basement apartment

If you’ve ever looked for an apartment in Utah, you know the market can be competitive. Heck, it’s probably easier to suit up for the Jazz than to find a rental steal along the Wasatch Front. But those who are willing to be flexible in their search can often find a spacious basement apartment at a price that’s competitive with a cramped downtown high-rise. Of course, not everyone was meant to be a cellar dweller, and there are pros and cons to living in a basement space. Luckily, KSL Homes is here to help you find out if a basement apartment is the right move for your next move. 

Types of basement apartments

Not all basement apartments are created equal. For instance, some are created with a sliding glass door that opens to a backyard patio and some are created with a single 2-foot window that gives off “tons of natural light.” 

A common term you’ll see when searching for basement apartments on KSL Homes is an in-law apartment or suite. An in-law apartment is an apartment made to be a comfortable living space separate from the main house. For this reason, they’re often in basements, although they might occupy a garage or separate unit in the yard. These apartments will usually have everything you need to live in your own space — a full bathroom, kitchen, living room — although not always. Another type of basement apartment is a garden-level apartment. This usually means that your apartment will be mostly below ground, with higher windows at street or ground level. The number of windows and the quality of light can vary, so if you’re looking at a garden-level apartment don’t be afraid to be picky. Also remember that snow can pile up quickly during Utah winters, cutting off your light source and bringing in the cold. You might also find a “daylight basement” apartment. This means that there is at least one full-sized window and possibly even a sliding glass door. These types of apartments are seen more often in full homes than in apartment buildings, and usually provide access to a yard or patio.

Sometimes people will also list basement rooms for rent, rather than full apartments. The main difference here is that the space is not fully equipped to be its own living space. Basement rooms are usually cheaper than full basement apartments, but you’ll be sharing a kitchen, living space and maybe even a bathroom with your roommates. That’s a lot of stair climbing for a 2 a.m. tinkle.

Pros of basement apartments

More space for less

Basement apartments can be a great way to save money on space. For instance, if your goal is to find your own place downtown, you might be able to find a studio or one bedroom for less money than a full basement setup. But if having lots of space to make your own is more important, there’s a pretty safe bet you can find a much roomier basement apartment for just a little bit more. In some cases, the price might be exactly the same. Your new spot might not be right in the heart of downtown Salt Lake, but you might not mind when the alternative is sleeping in the same room as your refrigerator. 

Cooler in the summer

Looking to save on your air conditioning bill? Because they’re built into the ground and receive less direct sunlight, basement apartments will usually stay nice and cool during Utah’s hot summer months. If you’re splitting utility bills with the upstairs tenants, this might not make as much of a difference financially. But even if you just want a naturally cooler living space with a lower carbon footprint it should work out nicely for you.  

More privacy

People usually won’t stare through your windows if they have to lie down to see them. With smaller windows, basement apartments usually offer a bit more in the way of privacy when compared to units on the first or second floor. Most fully equipped basement apartments in family homes also have separate entrances, so you won’t interact much with the folks above you. You’ll avoid hearing neighbors through thin walls, too. The upstairs neighbors, however, are a different story. They might make noise depending on their habits and the room’s location.

Great for night-shift workers

Some might find a dark basement apartment a bit gloomy, but folks who work all night and sleep all day probably couldn’t ask for a better living space. From nurses to warehouse workers, there are plenty of folks who clock out as the sun rises and look forward to a good day’s rest. With the natural darkness of a basement apartment, they can sleep like a baby. 

Cons of basement apartments

Possibility of flooding and mold

Because they’re built into the ground, problems with water and dampness are a lot more common in basement apartments. While flooding is rare in Utah, anything is possible with the right storm, especially if you live in southern Utah with its yearly monsoons. 

A more common problem is mold, which can affect your health if left untreated. While mold can be removed somewhat easily, it can also become a recurring issue, giving you both a literal and figurative headache to deal with. Look for signs of mold before moving in, and consider buying a dehumidifier to keep the space dry.

Colder in the winter

Remember those cool temps you were enjoying all summer? Well, it doesn’t necessarily work the other way around when the cold comes on. Basement apartments tend to feel the effects of the cold more so than those on the ground levels and above. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll have to thaw you out come spring, but you might need to make room in your budget for some space heaters or a higher gas bill.

Pests may be a problem

When you live underground you might end up having some unwanted encounters with the other sorts of critters who live there too. Insects and vermin are more likely to be present in a basement apartment than they would be in an above ground unit, and although pest problems can be handled quickly, they might become a recurring issue as well. Of course, they may never be a problem at all. But if you’re the type of person who lets out way more than an “Eek!” at the sight of a mouse or spider, you may want to look elsewhere.

Lack of natural light

Sure, daytime darkness might be great for third-shift workers, but what if you have a 9-5? If you spend a lot of your waking hours at home — and many folks with remote jobs do — you might want to be picky and search for a basement apartment with as much light as possible. You should be especially careful if you have vitamin D deficiencies or any mental health conditions you think might be worsened by a lack of sunlight. It’s best for both your well-being and your wallet not to chance it on an apartment that might not work out.

Basement apartments can be a real steal in a crowded Utah rental market, and many folks who live in them enjoy a lot more space and privacy than they would for the same amount of money elsewhere. If you’re interested in living in a basement apartment, it’s important to make sure it’s a safe, healthy and comfortable space, and that you can really imagine yourself making it a home. Find your next basement apartment on KSL Homes today.