Before moving into your new rental apartment, you are probably wondering whether your apartments comes with window blinds (sometimes referred to as window shades , window treatments, or apartment balcony shades).
Let’s find out!
Are Window Blinds Standard Apartment Inclusions?
In the past (pre-2000), window blinds / apartment balcony shades were often not included.
Today, however, in the year 2023 and beyond, most modern mid and high-tier U.S. apartment complexes come with window blinds. To be sure, you should check your lease and ask your landlord.
If your apartment has lots of windows, or high out of reach windows, there may not be blinds on every window.
One in doubt, just ask.
What Kind of Blinds Come with The Apartment?
Typical apartments come with venetian blinds on the regular windows, and vertical blinds on the large sliding glass patio/balcony door (balcony shades).
The material is usually aluminum, plastic, or faux wood, and are usually white in color.
These are typical shades that one could purchase at their local hardware store such as Home Depot or Lowe’s and are certainly not custom.
If there is a model or sample apartment, you may be able to see if blinds are included. In either case, you should ask what the exact new blinds will look like.
What Should You Do If Blinds Are Not Included in the Lease?
First, find out whether blinds are included in the apartment or not. In some instances, blinds may be included but are not always mentioned in the lease.
If blinds are not included, find out what options you have to protect the interiors from sunlight.
Perhaps the landlord is willing to install them for you (at a cost). Just ask.
If you are responsible to install the blinds, get permission from your landlord in writing, and always seek the help of a licensed professional installer.
