Remote Work Apartment Checklist: What to Look For

Looking for an apartment that works for remote work? Here's what you need to know upfront:

Must-Have Features:

• Fast internet (50+ Mbps minimum)
• Dedicated workspace (70+ sq ft)
• Good natural light
• Quiet environment
• Reliable cell service
• Enough power outlets
• Backup work areas

Quick Apartment Evaluation Checklist:

Before You Sign the Lease:

1. Test internet speeds at different times
2. Make test video calls from your workspace
3. Check cell signal in all rooms
4. Count power outlets
5. Listen for noise during peak hours
6. Review work-from-home policies

35% of U.S. workers now work remotely full-time. Your apartment isn't just a living space - it's your office. This guide covers everything you need to check before signing a lease for a remote work-friendly apartment.

"Missing key details like slow internet or not enough outlets can wreck your workday. Check everything twice." - IT Professional

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What's Different Now?

A home office isn't optional anymore. In fact, 76% of renters in 2023 want dedicated work spaces in their apartments. Here's how priorities have shifted:

Why You Need This List

Missing a key detail like slow internet or not enough outlets can WRECK your workday. That's why checking specific features matters more than ever.

"People want living spaces that include elements of the office. It's the new normal." - Kellie Rastegar, Rastegar Property Group Co-Founder

How Your Apartment Affects Your Work

Pick the right apartment and you'll see the difference:

• A real workspace keeps work and life separate
• Fast internet (50+ Mbps) helps you get more done
• Smart layouts keep work from eating your living space
• 23% of remote workers moved to cheaper cities in 2020
• No commute = more time for what matters

Here's the thing: 62% of Americans work from home at least once a week. Your apartment isn't just where you live anymore - it's where you build your career.

Internet and Tech Setup

Here's what to check in your apartment's tech setup before signing that lease:

Internet Speed and Quality

You'll need 100 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speeds for remote work. Here's what common apps need:

Don't just take the landlord's word for it - run a speed test during your tour. Pick fiber or cable internet over satellite. They're WAY more reliable.

Phone Signal Check

Walk through these spots with your phone:

• Your future desk area
• Kitchen
• Living room
• Bedroom

Make actual calls in each spot. Bad cell service can mess up your workday FAST.

Power Outlets

Here's what building codes say you should have:

Count the outlets where you'll work. You'll plug in:

• Computer gear
• Monitors
• Printer
• Phone charger
• Desk lamp

Smart Home Features

Some buildings offer:

• WiFi mesh systems
• Smart thermostats
• Video doorbells
• Building entry systems

But here's the thing: Good internet and cell service matter MORE than fancy tech features. Test them both before you commit to the apartment. Your workday depends on it.

Work Space Needs

Setting up a home office? Here's what to check before signing that lease:

Home Office Space

You need enough room to work without feeling cramped. Here's what works:

Look for a space with a door or clear separation from your living area. Trust me: you'll want that boundary between work and home life.

Natural Light

Good lighting isn't just about looking good on Zoom calls. Numbers don't lie:

Pro tip: Use your phone's light meter app during apartment tours to check light levels.

Noise Control

Nobody wants to hear traffic during client calls. Check these noise hotspots:

• Windows facing the street
• Walls shared with neighbors
• HVAC system sounds
• Door and hallway noise

Here's what helps if you find noise issues:

Air Flow and Temperature

Your brain works best when you're comfortable. Make sure you have:

• Control over temperature (sweet spot: 77°F/25°C)
• Windows that open
• Good air circulation
• No cold drafts by your desk
• Working heating and cooling

Backup Power Options

Power outages = no work = big problem. Look for:

• Building backup power
• Spots for UPS installation
• Multiple power circuits
• Surge protection setup
• Emergency lights

Here's a smart move: Bring your laptop and phone charger to test outlets during your tour. It's better to find issues BEFORE you move in.

Room Layout and Design

Here's how to set up your home office space:

Space Size Check

You'll need these measurements for a functional work area:

Work-Life Space Division

Here are 4 ways to split your work area from living space:

Built-in Work Areas

Look for these spots in your apartment:

• Walls with windows
• Empty corners
• Areas with built-in shelves
• Unused dining spots
• Extra bedroom space

Storage Space

Desk and Chair Setup

Get these measurements right:

Quick tip: Do a test video call in your planned spot. Check the light, what's behind you, and how you sound.

Building Features

Here's what you'll find in modern apartment buildings to help you work from home:

Shared Work Areas

Working from your apartment isn't your only option. Most buildings now offer multiple spots to get work done:

Package Handling

Never miss a delivery with these systems:

Backup Internet

Don't let bad internet stop you. Connect from:

• Building's Wi-Fi network
• Shared workspaces
• Lobby
• Outdoor areas
• Business center

Meeting Spaces

Pick the right spot for your next meeting:

Printing Services

Print what you need, when you need it:

"It's something you have to do today. It's an amenity, like a pool." - Ric Campo, Camden Property Trust CEO/Chairman, on adding work features to apartments.

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Location Checklist

Here's what to look for when picking your remote work spot:

Work Spots Within Reach

Need a break from your home office? Here's what matters:

Daily Needs

These spots keep your workday smooth:

Getting Around

Your location needs these basics:

• Walk score: 70+ makes life easier
• Safe bike paths
• Bus/train stops (10 min away)
• Your own parking spot
• Quick rideshare pickup (under 5 min)

Where Remote Workers Cluster

Cities where remote work WORKS:

Noise Check

Test these times before you commit:

"4.9 million Americans moved for remote work. Another 19 million plan to move. Places like Greenville, SC top the charts thanks to new housing and lower costs."

Pro tip: Pick spots 20-30 minutes from downtown. You'll get peace AND perks. Test noise at different times - morning needs quiet, afternoon can handle some buzz.

Lease Rules and Policies

Here's what you need to check in your rental agreement before signing:

Work-From-Home Rules

Internet Setup Rules

Lease Length Options

Included Bills

Home Business Rules

Must-Do List:

• Get work-from-home rules in writing
• Test internet before you sign
• Know your power costs
• Check package rules
• Learn quiet hours

Get These in Writing:

• OK to work remote
• Internet setup rights
• Power use limits
• Meeting rules
• Business OK

Pro Tip: Most places let you use up to 40% of your space for work without special permits. But ALWAYS get it in writing.

Safety and Security

Let's break down each part of your office security setup.

Building Entry System

Your first defense? A solid entry system. Here's what works best:

Package Safety

Package theft is up. Here's how to stop it:

Data Security

Your network needs these basics:

• New router passwords (NOT the defaults)
• WPA3 encryption
• Separate networks for work and guests
• Regular firmware updates
• Network monitoring

Plus these tools:

• VPN
• Password manager
• Data encryption
• USB data blocker
• Network monitor

Backup Power

Power goes out? Be ready:

Security Cameras

Smart camera placement matters:

The numbers don't lie:

• 81% of data breaches? Weak passwords
• 130+ million accounts get hit yearly
• 9+ billion breach events tracked

Here's what to do NOW:

• Lock ALL work devices
• Set up two-factor login
• Double-check camera placement
• Test your backup power
• Update your software

Bottom line: Pick an office with strong physical AND digital security. It's not just about locks anymore.

Health and Comfort

Working from home needs more than fast WiFi. Here's how to make your space work for your health:

Natural Elements

Movement Options

Your body needs to move. Look for:

• Built-in gym (saves commute time)
• Pool access
• Secure bike storage
• Walking paths
• Stretch spaces

Light and Views

Light affects how you work and feel. Check these spots:

• Where sun hits your desk
• Screen placement vs windows
• Morning vs afternoon light
• Window size and count
• Shade options

Air Flow

Noise Control

Test these noise points:

"Look outside. Get fresh air. Watch your plants. Nature helps us work better." - Beatriz Arantes, Steelcase WorkSpace Futures

The stats back this up:

• 62% work better at home
• 78% changed jobs for life balance
• 77% quit from stress

Pick a space with good light, air, and quiet. Your health and work will improve.

Extra Things to Check

Here's what to look for beyond the basics:

Pet Rules

Your furry coworker needs the right setup:

"Dogs do best with a set schedule - they learn when to chill and what you expect." - Ali Smith, Rebarkable founder

Furniture Needs

Look for these built-in features:

• Work surfaces
• Wall storage
• Built-in units
• Work corners
• Wire management

Storage Options

Backup Work Areas

Scout these spots:

• Main lobby
• Group spaces
• Outside seating
• Quiet rooms
• Meeting areas

Meeting Others

Pro tip: Ask about remote worker chat groups. Many buildings now have Slack or Facebook groups to connect people who work from home.

Final Checks Before Moving

Here's what to test before signing that lease:

Internet Speed Test

Your internet NEEDS to work. Here's what to look for:

Pro tip: Talk to current tenants about their internet. Test at different times - especially when you'd be working.

Phone Signal Test

Check your signal in these spots:

• Where you'll work
• Backup spots
• Kitchen
• Bedroom
• Bathroom

Noise Check

Work Setup Test

Bring these:

• Measuring tape
• Power strip
• Laptop
• Phone charger
• Light meter app

Security Check

Pro tip: Take photos of EVERYTHING you test. They're your proof if problems pop up later.

Wrap-Up

Here's what you need to focus on when picking your work-from-home space:

Want to know if a place is right for you? Use this quick scoring system:

Add up your points:

• 90+: Perfect fit
• 75-89: Good choice
• 60-74: Maybe
• Under 60: Skip it

Before you commit, do these tests:

"When a building handles the daily stuff, residents can focus on what matters." - Maegan Sherlock, John Burns Real Estate Consulting

Quick Facts:

• 40% of people will WFH weekly this year
• Fast internet isn't optional anymore
• More buildings now include home office spaces

Take your time picking a place. Test everything twice. The right setup now means fewer problems later.

FAQs

What are the minimum requirements for working from home?

Here's what you need to work from home:

But here's the thing:

These numbers change based on how many people use your internet. Here's what you ACTUALLY need:

"You want at least 10Mbps of download speed and 1Mbps of upload speed of dedicated internet bandwidth for each person working from home." - Rebecca Lee Armstrong, Author

Quick Tip: Check your internet speed at these times:

• 9-10 AM
• 2-3 PM
• 7-8 PM

Why? Because your speed might DROP during busy hours. Testing helps you spot these issues before they mess up your workday.