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Utilities and Amenities for Apartments in Houston

UTILITIES

Houston apartments generally provide outstanding amenities and services.

Occasionally, certain basic utilities are negotiable if one is willing to commit to a long-term lease.

Some Houston apartment property owners include basic utilities such as electricity and water as a lease provision. Such offerings are advertised as "paid utilities".

In the event that the apartment of your choice does not include any paid utilities, you can contact the utility companies directly at the numbers listed below.

Electricity

Reliant Energy: 713 207-7777

Phone

Southwestern Bell: 800-464-7968

Gas

Entex/Reliant: 713 659-2111

Water

(Ask rental agent for appropriate contact number)

SECURITY

Here are some things to think about before you decide on the ideal apartment.

Security is a cooperative effort.

No matter what type of security effort a landlord makes, the apartment "communal" environment dictates that all residents share in the responsibility for effective security and safety. For this to work, you must "know your neighbors".

Many Houston apartment properties feature expensive electronic access control ("card access") at gated parking and pedestrian entrances. Be sure to look for this leasing amenity...

Report Suspicious Persons...

Tailgating is the most common form of unauthorized entry into apartment property grounds. When entering and exiting at controlled portals, be aware of unfamiliar or suspicious-looking persons. Report any suspicious activity to the property security office immediately.

When in doubt, and in the absence of onsite security officers, dial 911.

Safety vs. Convenience

Some apartment properties feature electronic digital keypads to provide controlled entry at gated parking and gated pedestrian entrances. You already know how these security controls work.

While these devices are very convenient, they make it possible for unauthorized persons to gain entrance to the property grounds.

How? The digital keypad "code" is in our heads. It can get passed around to undesirable persons without any record. If you're interested in an apartment property that features digital keypads at gated entrances, ask the leasing agent or property manager how frequently the digital code is changed.

Check Out the Neighborhood

The neighborhood surrounding an apartment property should be a primary factor of consideration for the apartment hunter. The old adage, "look before you leap" definitely applies to apartment hunting.

PARKING

Apartment parking accommodations vary from property to property. The Houston apartment hunter can expect to find one of the following types of parking situations at every apartment property in Houston.

First, How Many Parking Spaces?

The number of parking spaces is specified in the lease terms. Some apartment operators rent additional parking spaces for an additional monthly fee on a space-available basis. Be sure to ask about the availability of extra parking spaces and extra fees if you own more than one vehicle.

Exposed, Surface Parking

Surface parking used to be the standard, but few Houston apartment properties today offer only surface parking (i.e., "uncovered" parking).

Covered Parking

Most Houston apartment operators provide at least one parking space in the lease that is under cover. Apartment communities that provide covered parking usually provide gated secuity as well, although this is not always the case.

Garage Parking

Newer Houston apartment properties offer individual parking garages for an extra monthly fee.

The number of parking garages is usually limited. Parking garages are almost always offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Guest Parking

Most quality Houston apartments provide a modest number of guest parking spaces.

If you expect lots of visitors, check out the guest parking situation before you sign a lease.

SWIMMING POOL

Almost all Houston apartment properties feature a swimming pool. In addition, many feature a clubhouse that can be rented for parties and other special occasions.

Pool Safety

Pool safety practices are common sense. If a pool activity doesn't intrude on other residents' privacy or present a safety issue, it's usually permitted.

Few if any Houston apartments provide pool lifeguards. Residents use apartment pool facilities at their own risk.

Adults

Adults interested in learn-to-swim programs are encouraged to explore the possibilities.

Two very fine programs are offered at Bonnie Howe's Houston Swim Club and Bill Goudeket's Fun IN Swimming. Both are established organizations providing professional instruction by certified instructors.

The Houston Swim Club is located in southwest Houston (Sharpstown area), and Fun in Swinning is located in northwest Houston (Spring).

Children

Apartment hunting families can expect to enjoy equal access to apartment pool facilities with adults.

In addition to all the water sports in the Houston area, children's learn-to-swim programs are popular. The Houston Swim Club and Fun in Swimming both specialize in effective and rewarding learn-to-swim programs for children. In addition, these swim organizations offer exciting competitive swim programs.

FITNESS

The best Houston apartments feature fairly comprehensive exercise and workout facilities for resident tenants.

In the event that the apartment of your choice does not have a workout facility and you are commited to a regular exercise regimen, consider a membership at one of the fitness clubs listed below.

Houston is home to hundreds of fitness clubs. The clubs listed below represent only a small sampling of those serving the greater Houston area.

24-Hour Fitness
4950 FM1960 West
Suite A-1
Houston, Texas
77069
281 583-9333
24-Hour Fitness

Comments: Affordable. Acquired Q the Sports Club. Operates numerous facilities around Houston; call this location for information about a location near you.

Memorial Athletic Club
14690 Memorial Drive
Houston, Texas
77079
281 497-7570
Memorial Athletic Club

Hank's Gym
5320 Elm Street
Houston, Texas
713 668-6219
Hank's Gym

Comments: Reputation for serious weight training and body-building.