If you’re considering renting a basement apartment but have questions before committing to the lease, we’ve got you covered. Discover some of the variations of basement apartments, the pros and cons of this type of unit, and a few tips for basement living.
What It Means to Live in a Basement
A basement apartment is any rental unit that is located partially or below ground, typically on the lowest level of a house or apartment building.
Here are a few different kinds of or names for basement apartments you may see during your search:
- Daylight basement apartment: This kind of basement apartment features at least one full-sized window or a sliding door, which lets in more sunlight and offers the chance to get fresh air inside the space. Daylight basements, also referred to as “English basements,” are only partially below ground.
- Garden apartment: This is another form of half-above, half-below ground apartment. There is typically a ground-level entrance that comes off the “garden,” or small yard at the back of the building. The apartment itself is located between the first floor and the basement and is typically slightly more elevated than an apartment below street level. However, it’s important to note that there is no universal definition for a garden-level apartment, and you could see a few different versions that don’t look alike.
- Cellar apartment: This kind of apartment is at least 50% below street level.
- Basement apartment: This apartment type is at least 50% above street level.
Pros and Cons of Basement Living
People who need darkness to sleep, or those who enjoy privacy—basement living might be a good option for you. A few of the pros of basement apartments include:
- They are often cheaper than most other types of apartments
- It can be easier to approve certain renovations that might otherwise be rejected if you lived in an above-ground unit
- They are darker during sleeping hours, which can be great for those who need it to be pitch black to rest
- They may have more space than other units, such as those in a multi-family house
- They may offer more privacy than units with larger windows
Keep in mind, though, that there could be a few potential drawbacks to living in a basement you should be aware of:
- The darker space can lead to heightened anxieties, especially in people prone to claustrophobia
- They have a higher chance of flooding than in above-ground units
- They may be more prone to pests like insects, spiders, mice, or rats
- They may be noisier than other units, especially if they are near the building’s entrance, a shared laundry room, or utilities like water heater and other systems
- You may experience more severe temperature shifts during warm and cool seasons
Before Moving In: Basement Apartments and Safety Standards
When you rent any type of property, there are factors you’ll need to think about before signing a lease, like living conditions, accessibility, and safety. For basement apartments specifically, there are a few things you’ll want to consider and confirm when viewing the space:
- Is it damp or does it smell musty?
With less sun exposure than other units, and with a higher chance of dampness, basements can experience excess moisture and grow mold—and that can lead to issues like asthma and allergies.
Make sure to check the apartment well for signs of mold or dampness, and air ventilation. - Are you prone to vitamin D deficiencies or do you have mental health conditions worsened by long periods of darkness?
Since basements often lack access to sunlight, renters can experience vitamin D deficiencies if they spend too long inside and not enough time outside. Not getting enough sunlight can also impact or exacerbate mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
Consider how well you handle lack of sunlight exposure. - When was the apartment last tested for radon?
Radon is a gas that occurs when radioactive materials in rocks and soil break down. Because basement apartments are underground and surrounded by rocks and soil, there is a higher chance of radon exposure in lower level units. Long-term radon exposure can lead to harmful and life-threatening respiratory conditions, including lung cancer and symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pains, frequent bronchitis, and continuous coughing. Anyone can test for radon, but you can also ask your landlord or property manager to test the unit, as well. - Where are the emergency exits? Is the unit accessible?
This is important — if the unit does not have adequate emergency exits or proper accessibility, during a fire or other emergency where evacuation is necessary, renters may be at higher risk of injury or death due to not being able to get out in time. Make sure your basement apartment is accessible and meets local fire codes and city regulations.
How to Know if Your Basement Apartment Is Up to Code
Here are a few tips for checking out a basement property and ensuring it is up to safety standards:
- Review your city’s laws and regulations on requirements like windows, electrical, fire safety, water systems, ceiling heights, and other factors that may impact a basement unit
- Read up on your city’s regulations regarding basement units, which may be available if your city has many of these apartments
- Ask about inspections to sump pumps, plumbing, electrical units, and other systems near the basement apartment
- Check the size of the windows to see if an adult can climb out to safety, which can make or break fire safety
Basement Living Tips
If you’ve found the perfect place and you’re ready to sign the lease, here are some of our tips for basement living:
- Invest in an air purifier, dehumidifier, and other air cleaning tools for your home
- Paint an accent wall or use bright colors in furnishings
- Decorate using space-saving furniture
- Purchase quality lighting, including lamps, recessed lighting, and bright yet efficient light bulbs
- Get a timed light that mimics the sun rising and setting
- Ask your landlord for renovations like larger windows to improve safety and lighting
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