If you’re apartment-hunting for the first time, you probably already know that amenities like an on-site gym and pool are important. Some apartment complexes include utilities like cable with the cost of rent. One amenity that’s gaining traction, however, is internet service.
Calling the internet an “amenity” is a little antiquated. It’s a vital part of our lives – as necessary as electricity and water. As a result, more apartment communities offer internet as one of the benefits of becoming a tenant. Not only does it save money, but new tenants also don’t have to worry about installing internet service after the move. But how useful and reliable is internet as an amenity?
How to Find Out If Internet Is Offered as an Amenity
In the past, landlords would tell tenants that only one specific provider was available. It wasn’t uncommon for apartment buildings to have deals or contracts with one provider, giving them a monopoly in the complex. Theoretically, renters could use another internet provider, but the cost would be much higher than taking advantage of what the landlord offered.
The FCC announced plans to increase competition between internet providers in apartment buildings, hoping to curb this predatory behavior. Landlords must now disclose any partnerships with internet providers they have. It doesn’t completely eliminate these agreements, but it gives renters more options when it comes to internet service.
To find out if internet is part of your lease, speak with the property owner or manager during the interviewing and touring process. They’ll explain if the building is equipped with free Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections and if tenants need to provide their own modems. Some may offer free Wi-Fi in communal areas only. Doing your research and asking the right questions are crucial.
The Cons of Internet Service in Apartment Complexes
You can’t choose the provider.
One of the downsides of having internet service as an amenity is being locked into using a provider you dislike. You might prefer a provider that offers bundles or perks, but you’re stuck with the provider that your landlord has signed a deal with. You can try to negotiate with the landlord about making an exception, but it’s not a guarantee.
A shared network is less secure.
Another con is the inherent risk of shared Wi-Fi. Unlike public locations like libraries and cafes, home is where people attend to private business on their computers. While each apartment has its own modem and password, it’s still technically a shared network. Issues like throttling are also more prevalent.
Costs still add up even when you’re not using the service.
Frequent travelers will also find the additional internet cost troublesome. Your landlord can’t shut off the Wi-Fi for certain individuals. This leaves both management and the tenants paying for services they don’t need. This applies to most utilities, of course, but the internet is usually the most expensive of the lot.
The Pros of Internet Service in Apartment Complexes
You don’t need to set it up.
One of the most obvious benefits of getting internet service as an amenity is cutting out the guesswork of finding and choosing an internet provider. You don’t want to amplify the number of stressors that are part of moving, especially if you’re a first-time apartment renter. After unpacking, decorating, and acclimating to your new apartment, installing a router is exhausting and the last thing you want to do. But if the internet is already up and running, it becomes a non-issue.
Apartments should already be hard-wired to provide internet service if it’s an amenity. The hard-wiring essentially locks out other providers, making the one offered in your apartment the best option. While this can be misleading and frustrating, it’s supposed to provide tenants with the fastest internet speeds possible. Hard-wiring can also keep cable boxes from eating up too much bandwidth.
Repair times are faster.
If you manage to get internet service as an amenity, you don’t have to wait for repair service. Imagine living in a neighborhood of 20 houses; you and three other people have one particular internet provider, while the rest get their internet service from another. If your service goes down, it’s a major inconvenience compared to most of your neighbors. To the provider, however, it looks like only four customers are having an issue. The provider will dispatch a technician, but it might not be high on their priority list. Comparatively, an apartment complex with 20 apartments all using the same provider will get assistance much more quickly.
You save up money in the long run.
It’s also possible that the provided internet will be cheaper than buying your own plan. Typically, if a property offers internet service, the charge is bundled in with the monthly rent. Landlords may get a discount for buying in “bulk” from the provider. This discount is then passed on to the tenants. Alternatively, internet service can be bundled with the cable provider for the complex. Even if the savings are minuscule, it’s still one less bill to worry about each month.
The Bottom Line
Internet as an amenity means there’s one less contract to get out of when you decide not to renew your lease. Internet companies can surprise you with exorbitant fees when canceling, even if the contract is nearly up. If internet service is part of your monthly rent, then it’ll end at the same time as your lease. Similarly to the aforementioned bill, it’s one less thing to worry about when you’re about to move again.
Overall, internet service as an amenity is more a perk than a detriment. It reassures new apartment renters during their move, cutting down the number of fees and bills each month. It’s accessible, affordable, and more reliable than signing up with an internet provider. Community Wi-Fi is a wonderful amenity for apartment tenants; it has more widespread appeal and seasonal use than a swimming pool!