The best newly renovated apartments in Northwest Philadelphia combine updated interiors (modern kitchens, hardwood floors and in-unit laundry) with well-kept common spaces, clear monthly costs and the paperwork Philadelphia law requires landlords to hand you at signing, including a Certificate of Rental Suitability and a lead-safe certification. This checklist walks you through what to look at on a tour, what to ask, and how Chestnut Hill Village Apartments in Chestnut Hill measures up, so you can compare communities with confidence.
What does “newly renovated” actually mean?
“Renovated” can mean anything from fresh paint to a full gut renovation. Many of Northwest Philadelphia’s apartment communities are in older, well-built buildings, which is part of their charm, so the renovation is what decides whether daily life feels new. On a tour, ask what was updated and when, and then check for yourself using the list below.
Your renovated-apartment checklist
| What to check | What to look for | At Chestnut Hill Village |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Updated appliances, enough counter and cabinet space | Stainless-steel appliances |
| Floors | Durable flooring that’s easy to clean | Hardwood floors |
| Laundry | In-unit washer and dryer, not a shared basement room | Washer and dryer in most homes |
| Storage | Closets that fit real life, extra storage for bikes and seasonal items | Large closets plus an onsite storage facility |
| Comfort | Central heating and air conditioning | Air conditioning; select homes have fireplaces |
| Shared spaces | Amenities that are open and maintained, not “coming soon” | Pool, fitness center, yoga room, game room, business center, Wi-Fi café and lounge |
| Outdoors | Safe, usable outdoor space | Playground, fire pits, BBQ and picnic area, gazebo |
| Pets | Clear pet policy and pet amenities | Pet-friendly, with a pet spa and bark park |
| Monthly costs | Utilities, parking and fees in writing | Residents pay gas, electric, water, sewer and trash; parking $50 unreserved or $100 reserved per month |
| Lease | Terms that fit your plans | 12- and 18-month leases; shorter terms for a fee |
What paperwork should a Philadelphia landlord give you?
This is the step most renters skip. Under Philadelphia law, when you sign a new lease your landlord must give you:
- A Certificate of Rental Suitability, signed and dated, confirming the landlord holds the required rental license and that the property has no outstanding health or safety violations.
- The “Partners for Good Housing” handbook, which explains landlord and tenant responsibilities.
- Lead certification, confirming the rental is lead-safe or lead-free, as required by the city’s lead law.
You can read the requirements on the City of Philadelphia’s Fair Housing Commission site. A well-run community will hand these over without being asked. If a landlord can’t produce them, take note.
Questions to ask on your tour
- When was this specific apartment last renovated, and what was replaced?
- Which amenities are open today, and what are their hours?
- Which utilities will I pay, and who are the providers?
- How do I submit a maintenance request, and how quickly are they usually handled?
- What are parking options and costs?
- What lease lengths are available?
Many of these are already answered on our FAQ page.
How does Chestnut Hill Village compare with other Northwest Philadelphia communities?
Northwest Philadelphia has a mix of high-rises, garden-style communities and smaller buildings. Chestnut Hill Village brings together three collections, the Village, the Manor and the Townhomes, in Chestnut Hill at 7715 Crittenden Street. That gives you a range few single buildings can match: one-bedrooms from 440 square feet, two-bedrooms from 960 to 1,070 square feet, and two- and three-bedroom townhomes of 1,650 and 2,000 square feet, most with in-home laundry. It’s a short walk to Wyndmoor station for the train to Center City and a few minutes from the shops on Germantown Avenue. Compare layouts on our floor plans page, see the full amenity list, take a look at the pool, or browse the photo gallery.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for in a newly renovated apartment?
Check the kitchen, floors, laundry, storage, heating and cooling, and whether the amenities are actually open. Ask for monthly costs beyond rent in writing.
What documents must a Philadelphia landlord provide at lease signing?
A signed Certificate of Rental Suitability, the Partners for Good Housing handbook and a lead-safe or lead-free certification.
Are there newly renovated apartments in Northwest Philadelphia with in-unit laundry?
Yes. Chestnut Hill Village Apartments in Chestnut Hill has renovated homes with stainless-steel appliances, hardwood floors and a washer and dryer in most homes.
What amenities does Chestnut Hill Village Apartments have?
A landscaped pool, fitness center, yoga room, game room, business center, Wi-Fi café and lounge, outdoor Wi-Fi lounge, playground, fire pits, BBQ and picnic area, pet spa, bark park and onsite storage.
Is Chestnut Hill Village pet-friendly?
Yes. The community has a pet spa and a bark park for residents’ pets.
Helpful links
- City of Philadelphia: Certificate of Rental Suitability
- Partners for Good Housing handbook (PDF)
- City of Philadelphia: rental license requirements
See the renovations in person. Schedule a tour of Chestnut Hill Village Apartments or call (215) 242-3500.
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