Things to consider before renting a walk-up

If you’re searching for a rental in a large city, a ‘walk-up’ apartment – a building with no lift or elevator – is a common choice you’ll come across.

Renting a walk-up can feel like a good idea because they tend to be cheaper, have more space, and they’re generally full of character.

That said, it’s worth bearing in mind it can be daunting to climb the stairs and carry items like groceries or furniture upstairs.

It’s also important to consider how the building is maintained, how secure the entrances feel, and how reliable the utilities are, especially on the top floors. Here are some practical points to consider when renting a walk-up unit, along with other valuable information.

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What is a walk-up apartment?

A walk-up apartment simply means an apartment building that does not have lifts or elevators, and instead, you have to take the stairs to reach your apartment. Therefore, if you live on a higher floor, like the second, third, or fifth floor, you will have to walk up the stairs every time you return home. Most walk-up apartments are older, tend to have fewer floors than high-rise buildings, and are generally found in urban areas.

If you are living in a walk-up, be reminded about climbing stairs on a regular basis. This includes carrying groceries, moving furniture, or doing maintenance, which will take a bit more effort, and that’s something you’ll notice quickly. Most walk-up units cost less than buildings with elevators, meaning that you may be able to get a larger apartment for your rent. They can also feel quieter and more private since there’s less foot traffic.

Evaluating the pros and cons of living in a walk-up apartment helps you prevent surprises during move-in day. Don’t think about the stairs alone; factor in how it fits your lifestyle since you want to find a walk-up apartment that is also affordable.

Physical considerations

Accessibility

When you live in a walk-up apartment, you must consider how accessible your building is. You’ll be climbing steps daily, whether you’re carrying groceries, dealing with heavy bags, or coming home tired after work. If you have knee pain, mobility challenges, or a health condition that limits movement, those stairs can quickly become exhausting.

It’s also worth thinking about guests, friends, family members, or anyone who may struggle with climbing multiple flights. Emergencies count too, since moving quickly up or down stairs isn’t always easy. Maintenance also matters since having an unstable railing can turn a simple staircase into a serious hazard. Consult with an Austin Texas property manager to help provide more information on how maintenance issues will be handled.

Moving in & out

Stairs make moving heavy furniture in and out of the apartment time-consuming and costly. Heavy furniture can also damage walls or floors in narrow stairwells. Most movers charge an additional fee for each flight of stairs beyond the first, which can add hundreds of dollars to move costs for apartments on upper floors. Delivery services may also refuse to deliver to upper floors or charge significantly more.

Lifestyle factors

With mobility impairment, joint problems, or chronic conditions such as arthritis, multiple flights of stairs can be a daily challenge. Mobility-impaired individuals and those over 60 should avoid walk-ups unless a ground-level option is available to comply with accessibility guidelines.

Younger residents and fitness enthusiasts in walk-up buildings often use the stairs for cardiovascular exercise. Good cardiovascular fitness is beneficial, and stair climbing is an additional benefit for any active person. However, ensure you assess your physical endurance by climbing equivalent stairways during your tours of prospective apartments.

Financial considerations

Maintenance costs

When deciding to rent a walk-up unit in the United States, landlords must consider maintenance costs, which account for a significant share of operating expenses for multi-story walk-ups without elevators. Unlike other types of housing, these buildings typically incur higher-than-average maintenance costs due to wear and tear on their structures and tenant demands.

Insurance implications

Fall and injury risk is higher in stairwells of walk-up units, increasing the likelihood of rental liability insurance claims against tenants. Normal homeowners’ insurance does not cover rental-related loss or damage because a rental is considered a business. If a tenant’s rental status or the appropriate permissions for unpermitted elements commonly found in older-style walk-up structures are not disclosed, any claims would be denied coverage.

Things to discuss with property managers before signing

When leasing a walk-up unit, it’s important to clarify logistics with the property manager before signing the lease to avoid unexpected issues, such as delayed maintenance or hidden costs. As walk-up buildings typically do not have an elevator, your attention should first focus on questions about stairs, access, and emergency preparedness.

When asking about the stairs, it is important to understand the condition of the stairwell, from the width to the lighting and handrails, as you may be carrying groceries or have mobility issues when using them. Check if there are any restrictions on using the stairwell to help your guests or have your packages delivered up multiple flights.

You should also ask how the property manager handles maintenance requests in a walk-up building and who is responsible for paying for repairs. Additionally, you may want to check whether the property manager conducts pre-move-in inspections of the stairwells to document any pre-existing conditions.

Review whether utilities are included in the rent, if a sub-meter will be installed, and how utilities will be split in a multi-tenant building. Ask about the terms and refund procedure for your security deposit and late fees for not paying rent on time.

Make sure parking is available, as spots on the street will fill up quickly for walk-ups. Remember to acquaint yourself with the rules regarding subletting, additional roommates, and early move-out fees. Ask about emergency protocols, such as fire escape and medical evacuation, in a no-elevator building.

Final thoughts

In many urban cities, walk-up flats remain a viable housing option despite lacking contemporary conveniences and the opulence of elevators. Before you choose such a property, you should think about your long-term goals, family structure, and lifestyle needs.

This is a collaborative post.