When it comes to apartment hunting, NYC can seem overwhelming: How much can you afford? Where will you live? How will you find the perfect apartment?
However, keep in mind that tens of thousands of people manage to find a new apartment in the five boroughs every year, so it's easier than you think—as long as you do your homework in advance.
Below, check out Beam Living's tips for apartment hunting in NYC.
Plan Ahead: How Can I Narrow My Apartment Search?
Before you begin your search, ask yourself some basic questions:
- What's my price range for my monthly rent? This Rent Calculator can help, but typically, you'll want to spend no more than a third of your income on rent. Remember that most apartment landlords or real estate companies require renters to make 40 times the monthly rent a year; if that's not you, you may need to enlist the aid of a guarantor.
- Do I have enough cash for a security deposit and a brokers fee at that rate? Don't forget to reserve some money for movers and other expenses, too.
- Is my biggest priority size, location, or quality? Which would you value more—a fully renovated two-bedroom or a charming little studio?
- What are my deal-breakers and must-haves for an apartment? Does your robust houseplant collection require direct sunlight? Is a fourth-floor walk-up too many flights of stairs to deal with every day? What about a dishwasher, or laundry in the building—can you live without them for the right place?
- Should I consider finding a roommate to share housing costs? If so, what would our budget for a two-bedroom or flex apartment be?
- Should I consider subletting? If you choose to sublet your apartment, consider what the terms of the lease are, as well as carefully vet who you decide to sublet the apartment to.
- What neighborhoods can I afford? It’s no secret that NYC apartments can be costly, and some neighborhoods are notoriously more expensive than others. However, you can often find rentals within your price range in any area if you look hard enough or are willing to negotiate on some of your must-haves. Pro tip: look along the subway line that gets you to school or work and keep your neighborhood options open. You might find your dream apartment just outside your neighborhood of choice.
- What neighborhoods do I want to live in? Once you've narrowed it down, walk around to get a feel for the neighborhoods at multiple times of the day, because an area that's sleepy on a weekday morning may be noisy at 2am on a Saturday night. Consider nearby essentials like grocery stores, laundry, coffee shops, and subway and bus lines, and time your daily commute.
When Is the Best Time to Move in NYC?
In New York City, apartments are typically listed 30 days in advance of the date they become available—rarely more, and often less—and the average rental search can take anywhere from a couple of days to three weeks.
More people move in NYC in June than in other months, so the best time to rent in NYC may depend on your preferences: In June, you'll face more competition but more options, whereas in the winter, your options may be more limited, but a lack of demand may help you get a better deal on your monthly rent.
Where Should I Look for an Apartment?
Most people consider a listings site like Apartments.com, StreetEasy, Zillow, and Zumper to be the best way to find an apartment in NYC. These reliable sites—which allow you to narrow your search and specify your desired cost, location, size, and more—can help you stay on top of what's new to the market.
Another resource is the Listings Project, a free weekly email of verified real estate listings, from lease takeovers to apartments for rent to subletting opportunities, which can be a great choice if you'll be in New York City for a limited time.
How Can I Avoid Scams?
Remember: If an apartment rental seems too good to be true, it probably is. Proceed with caution, and keep an eye out for common scams like phony listings—when a real estate agent lists an apartment that seems great, and when you ask to see it, they say it's no longer available, but they'll show you other (less nice, more expensive) apartments. Other common scams include asking prospective renters to wire money for an apartment they've never seen or faux sublets.
If you deal locally and face-to-face, you should be able to avoid most scam attempts; you can ask to see the agent's real estate license and see the lease in-person. Working directly with a reputable management company or a legitimate landlord may be one of the simplest ways to find an apartment (and it's typically no-fee, too). Check out Brick Underground's list of the 12 Best Landlords in Manhattan.
When you find an apartment you're interested in, schedule a time to visit the property and meet the landlord or authorized representative in person.
Be Prepared: What Do I Need to Apply for an Apartment?
When it comes to apartment hunting in NYC, a few minutes can make the difference between getting your dream apartment and getting left out in the cold. You should be prepared to apply the moment you find a place you love, which means having all required documents printed and/or scanned and ready when you start viewing apartments.
You'll likely need:
- A letter of employment on company letterhead that includes your salary and start date
- Your last two pay stubs
- Your last two bank statements
- Your tax returns from the last 1-2 years
- Your photo ID
You'll also want to have enough cash ready in your checking account to put down an application fee—and, hopefully, you'll soon be putting in a deposit on your new home.
Written by Amber James