Renters Guide to New York City
High demand, low inventory, and high prices define the Manhattan rental apartment market. It pays to have a real estate broker on your side during the process, and there is no better or more experienced broker than ELIKA’s Renters Representation. From Village walk-ups to luxurious Upper East Side penthouses, ELIKA provides expert, unbiased assistance and preferred access. This NYC renters guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate this competitive market and find your dream apartment.
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New York City Renters Guide
Table of Contents
- Renters Guide to New York City
- New York City Renters Guide
- NYC Rental Requirements
- Financial Requirements
- NYC Renters Guide in a Nutshell
- All in the Timing
- Renting Step By Step
- Researching the Market
- To Use a Broker Or Not to Use a Broker
- Setting Up Appointments
- The Process of Viewing Apartments
- Choosing an Apartment
- Filing Your Application
- Renters Insurance
- Negotiating and Signing the Lease
- Appendix A – Manhattan Apartment Sizes
- Appendix A – Manhattan Building Types
- Appendix A – Manhattan Building Structures
- Appendix A – Manhattan Building Ownership
- Appendix B – Manhattan Neighborhoods
- Appendix C – Special Situations
NYC Rental Requirements
Before searching for a New York City apartment rental, you must understand what you need to find your ideal home. Please review the rental requirements outlined below, and if you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to visit our Frequently Asked Rental Questions section.
Verification Of Income
To verify your income, please provide documentation in four different forms:
- A letter from your employer on company letterhead. This letter should include your position, salary, start date, and length of employment. Offer letters are not unaccepted, so any additional relevant information is welcome.
- Copies of recent pay stubs as proof of income.
- Tax returns and W-2 forms from the past 2-3 years.
- Recent bank statements (either three statements or a letter from your bank). These statements should demonstrate your accounts’ duration, history, status, and balance.
Recommendation From Current Landlord
The letter should be on letterhead and offer insight into your tenancy history. It should contain details such as the duration of your residency at the current address, your present rent amount, and your payment history. The prospective landlord will be keen to ascertain your consistency in paying rent in full and on time.
Credit History
Landlords or their agents typically conduct routine credit checks. Prospective renters should ensure their credit report reflects positively before searching for an apartment. If feasible, it’s advisable to settle any outstanding balances beforehand.
Even with an average or poor credit score, securing an apartment is still possible with a guarantor. However, obtaining consent from any individual before nominating them as a guarantor is crucial. Serving as a co-signer entails significant responsibilities. A guarantor agrees to assume responsibility if you default on rent payments, while a co-signer will also need to provide their financial details.
Identification
To proceed, you must provide copies of your ID, like your driver’s license or passport.
Financial Requirements
New York City apartments can be exquisite but expensive homes. Generally, landlords look for tenants whose annual salary is 40 times their monthly rent. Landlords typically require a substantial initial investment to rent an NYC apartment, and personal checks are not usually accepted. Instead, they prefer cashier’s checks or cash upfront. However, even if applicants fall below the income threshold, some landlords may consider them for the apartment.
Initial Costs
- Broker’s Fee equal to 1 month or 15% of Fee annual rent
- Security Deposit (equivalent to a month’s rent)
- First Month’s Rent (and increasingly, an amount equal to last month’s rent)
- Cost Of Credit Report ($20-$100)
- Possible Application Fee ($100-$400, not for every building, may/may not be refundable)
NYC Renters Guide in a Nutshell
Before embarking on your search, it’s crucial to acquaint yourself with the Manhattan market. Elika’s Renters Representation can offer invaluable insights into the diverse neighborhoods of New York City, aiding you in narrowing your search to rental apartments that align with your budget and lifestyle preferences. Manhattan stands as the world’s cultural, business, and social crossroads, with each neighborhood boasting unique offerings in schools, restaurants, shopping, and recreation, among other quality-of-life factors.
New York City comprises five boroughs, with Manhattan occupying the smallest land area. Despite its compact size, Manhattan, also known as New York County, is the most densely populated county in the U.S., with over one million inhabitants. Bounded by the Hudson River to the west, the East River to the east, the New York Harbor to the south, and the Harlem River to the north, Manhattan features a grid layout, making it one of the most navigable cities in the country.
Look up Manhattan on Google Maps; its avenues run straight from north to south. Twelfth Avenue marks the western edge, while First Avenue hugs the East River on the east. Streets cut across the avenues from east to west, increasing their numbers as you go north. Fifth Avenue acts as the central spine, dividing Manhattan into east and west sides. This means there’s both an East 57th Street and a West 57th Street. Don’t forget Broadway, which cuts a diagonal path across Manhattan from the Lower East to the Upper West Side. Downtown, the neat grid gives way to a maze of streets, especially in areas like the West Village. Hey, getting lost here isn’t all bad! You might just stumble upon a hidden gem of a restaurant or a fantastic shop!
All in the Timing
Timing is crucial in the NYC apartment rental scene, and Elika’s Renters Representation can guide you through the process during the most opportune periods for renters. Winter tends to be a quieter time, with many people choosing to stay put. Conversely, summer sees a surge in activity, driven by students and recent graduates flocking to the city, resulting in increased demand and prices. Therefore, Elika advises that if you can delay your search, the late fall and winter months often offer more affordable options. Naturally, seasonal variations are influenced by factors such as apartment size, neighborhood, and the overall economy.
To secure the best deal, Elika suggests closely monitoring the market by reviewing reports from data research and real estate firms in Manhattan and studying apartment listings daily. Recognizing that many renters may not have the luxury of flexibility, Elika recommends starting your search ideally one month to 45 days before your desired move-in date. It’s worth noting that landlords typically schedule move-in dates for vacant flats on the 1st or 15th of the month, so it’s wise to plan accordingly.
Renting Step By Step
The first thing you need to do before renting is determine your criteria for an apartment. Here are some factors Elika suggests you consider when thinking about a rental:
Budget
Your budget is the most constraining factor in your search for an apartment. Before starting your search, you must understand the minimum you want to pay and the maximum you can afford monthly. Once you have calculated your monthly expenses with rent figured in, you can better understand what apartments are in your price range.
Size and Space
Space is a costly commodity in the Manhattan real estate market, so Elika recommends being realistic about your needs. Ask yourself questions such as: How many people will I live with? Am I amenable to sharing a bathroom or bedroom? The more people sharing the rent, the less costly the apartment will be, but that comes at a sacrifice of privacy. Know your limits, but above all, keep an open mind. (See Appendix A for more details.)
Amenities
Regarding amenities, New York City apartments offer an array of choices. Some luxury buildings feature laundry services, on-site gyms, and electronic rent payments. More modest apartments, like walk-ups, have few amenities but may be attractive because the rents are more affordable. Elika recommends that you consider compromising on things that are non-essential to you but keep your safety uppermost in mind, as your security should be non-negotiable.
Neighborhood
No other city offers the choices that Manhattan does in terms of neighborhoods. There are various neighborhood options, from the chic to the upscale and sophisticated. Depending on criteria such as accessibility and food shopping, the vibe may differ from block to block within a particular neighborhood. (See Appendix B for more details.)
Researching the Market
Once you have a better idea of what you’re looking for, Elika’s Renters Representation will help you thoroughly research the real estate market. This process is akin to comparing shops for any other product and is a valuable starting point for understanding the current rental market.
If you are considering a range of options, such as renting a studio by yourself or sharing a two-bedroom with a roommate, remember to set up searches for all these possibilities. Even if affording a studio in your favorite neighborhood seems out of reach, renting in that area might be feasible if you split the cost of a larger space with friends. Additionally, please seek advice from friends and their real estate experiences for valuable market insights. Those who already reside in a particular neighborhood are the best sources of information about it. Then, as you narrow your search to specific properties, you will better understand the apartments and features that fit within your budget.
To Use a Broker Or Not to Use a Broker
Before the Internet era, independently searching for an apartment in NYC posed significant challenges. With the proliferation of online resources, this has changed. You can conduct thorough research using free online websites, no-fee rental sites, and daily forums. However, it’s important to note that even with these resources, finding a Manhattan rental apartment can still be time-consuming, mainly if you go alone. Recognizing the demands of your busy lifestyle, brokers like Elika specialize in saving you valuable time, allowing for more enjoyable pursuits. Otherwise, you’d spend countless hours sifting through real estate ads and scheduling inconvenient apartment viewings.
Furthermore, you might end up touring numerous apartments—perhaps as many as fifteen—only to discover that none meet your criteria, resulting in frustration. Additionally, navigating unreliable owners and potential scams adds to the challenges of solo apartment hunting, often leaving individuals feeling overwhelmed.
Hiring a Rental Broker
Engaging a broker like Elika can alleviate much of this frustration. With a deep understanding of available properties, their value, and their alignment with your preferences, our agents streamline the selection process. We assist in preparing your application package and, if necessary, negotiate favorable terms with landlords. Such support is invaluable in a city where time is at a premium. Moreover, our extensive network extends beyond real estate, providing recommendations for services like movers and decorators—particularly beneficial for newcomers to Manhattan.
While brokers may not have exclusive access to listings, finding one whose personality and approach align with yours can be immensely beneficial. At Elika, our agents prioritize integrity and have your best interests at heart, a crucial factor in the real estate search process.
Setting Up Appointments
Once you’ve chosen a broker, it’s time to put them to work scheduling viewings for you. Inform your Elika rental agent of your available dates and times, and we’ll take care of the rest. At Elika, weekday viewings can be challenging due to your full-time job. However, the sooner you visit an apartment, the sooner you can secure it. To optimize your time, consider scheduling back-to-back viewings of multiple apartments in the same neighborhood, allocating between thirty minutes to an hour for each viewing. But remember, thoroughness is vital during your evaluation, as your initial viewing might be your last opportunity before signing the lease and moving in.
For easy appointment management, create a spreadsheet or use Google Calendar to track each appointment’s time, date, location, and contact information. Elika will also assist in organizing your appointments. Punctuality is essential to demonstrate reliability and seriousness to prospective landlords and your agent. Most importantly, it’s imperative to personally visit each apartment under consideration. Online advertisements can be deceiving, and what appears perfect on the web may be less appealing in person, such as a fifth-floor walk-up with restaurant smells permeating the entrance.
The Process of Viewing Apartments
Elika recommends that when you view an apartment, you come prepared with all the information necessary to apply to rent it. Since Manhattan apartments are grabbed up quickly, you can submit your application on the spot, and rest assured, no one will steal the place from under you. Plus, the landlord will see that you are responsible and savvy. Elika recommends that you bring the following things with you when you go to your apartment viewings:
- Essential Application Information — This encompasses the name and contact information of your bank, employer, and previous landlords. If you plan on using a guarantor, be sure to have their essential information, too.
- Employer Verification Letter — This letter must be written on company letterhead and be signed by your supervisor. It should state your position, starting date, salary, and, if applicable, guaranteed bonus. It should also detail whether or not you are entitled to a housing allowance and, if so, how much.
- Bank Statements—You should bring at least the last two months’ statements.
- Tax Returns—You may sometimes be asked to provide tax returns, so bringing the last two years of returns with you is essential.
- Photo Identification—You must show a driver’s license, passport, or government-issued photo I.D.
- Money — It is vital to bring enough money to cover the application fee(s) and, if necessary, the deposit (one month’s rent) to secure the rental.
- Camera—Bringing a camera phone along is a good idea, especially when you see several apartments in rapid succession and need shots of the interiors and exteriors to jog your memory.
- Tape Measure — It’s a good idea to tote a tape measure to ensure your furniture fits into an apartment. Be sure to come prepared with the measurements of this furniture.
Choosing an Apartment
After reviewing the available properties, you can decide on an apartment. Elika understands that for many people, one viewing is all it takes to determine if an apartment is the perfect fit. However, others may need to weigh the pros and cons of multiple options carefully. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s essential to consider several factors. Firstly, assess the location’s suitability for commuting, weekend activities, and access to amenities. Additionally, evaluate the need for any repairs, the functionality of the apartment unit, available storage space, and the presence of natural light. Most importantly, ensure the rent and utility costs are within your budget.
Filing Your Application
Renting an apartment in Manhattan requires more than just giving basic information and writing a check. Elika’s Renters Representation recommends that you understand the qualifications necessary to rent in the city. These include:
1. Income Requirements
Most landlords require tenants to earn 40 times the apartment’s monthly rent as their annual salary. This generally refers to guaranteed income and does not include bonuses. (For example, if the property is $3,000.00 a month, you must earn $120,000.00 to $150,000.00 a year to qualify to rent the apartment.)
2. Lease Guarantor
If an applicant does not meet the financial requirements, the landlord may require a Lease Guarantor. This person pays the rent if the tenant fails to do so. They are generally needed to navigate the same application process as the tenant and earn 80 to 100 times the monthly rent. In addition, most landlords favor tri-state guarantors (people who reside in New Jersey, New York, or Connecticut).
3. Application / Credit Check
This is generally a single document that provides a landlord with all of an applicant’s required financial, professional, and personal background information. (Credit checks are only applicable to USA residents.)
4. Application Fees
Application fees are typically required when you submit your application and range in price from $50–$100 (per application) for a rental building and anywhere from $250–$1,000 for a co-op or condo building.
5. Required Certified Monies
One month’s rent and one month’s security are generally due when you sign your lease. Landlords typically require this payment through two separate certified checks or money orders. These payments can be obtained at a Manhattan bank for $10–$15. Landlords do not accept personal checks or cash, but some will allow the tenant to pay with a credit card (often with surcharges of 2-3% added to the rent and security payments). Landlords usually ask for additional security if you lack a USA credit history or have bad credit.
6. Brokerage Agreements
When you enlist the help of a broker in Manhattan, expect to sign a fee agreement since tenants are responsible for the brokerage fees. This agreement states that you agree to pay a fee to the broker if they help you obtain a lease on a particular apartment. You do not have to pay a brokerage fee if you cannot secure a lease through a broker.
7. Brokerage Fees
The brokerage fee in Manhattan can be up to 15 percent of the annual rent. This is usually required when you sign your lease. You are only responsible for this Fee if you secure a fee through that broker. Fees should always be payable to the brokerage firm, not a specific agent. At Elika, if an apartment listing says NO FEE, no broker fees will be charged at any stage.
8. Owner-Paid Fees
In certain instances, a landlord may pay a portion of a fee to a broker. Under New York State law, the broker must notify the person responsible for paying the cost, whether a tenant or a sponsoring corporation. Elika’s Renters Representation will help you prepare your application, double-check all requirements, and follow up with the leasing organization quickly to ensure that nothing slips through the cracks, particularly in exceptional circumstances. (See Appendix C for more details.)
Renters Insurance
In New York City, many landlords require tenants to obtain renters insurance as a lease condition. This insurance protects your personal property from damage or loss due to fire, theft, or vandalism. It provides liability coverage if someone is injured while visiting your apartment. Renter’s insurance offers peace of mind and financial protection, typically at an affordable monthly cost. Before signing your lease, ensure you understand the specific insurance requirements set by your landlord and arrange for coverage to start on or before your move-in date.
Negotiating and Signing the Lease
When the market is soft, there is an opportunity in the Manhattan rental market to negotiate more favorable lease terms. Elika’s Renters Representation can provide expert advice and guidance on assessing the potential for negotiation and the best course of action. However, it’s important to note that a landlord will walk away from a deal, even in a soft market, if it doesn’t align with their financial interests. The lease must be signed once all parties have agreed to the terms, including the landlord, renter, and any applicable guarantors.
Ensure that all necessary documents are signed before proceeding. If you’re securing a guarantor from outside the area, be prepared to expedite document shipping. Upon signing the lease, it’s time to celebrate—the apartment is officially yours.
Appendix A – Manhattan Apartment Sizes
The city boasts many standard-sized apartments, but several types have unique layouts. Here are descriptions of a few:
Studio—This is a one-room dwelling in which the living room and the bedroom are in a single space. In larger studios, the kitchen is in a separate room, while in others, the eating area is along one wall in the main space. Studios are also referred to as efficiencies.
Alcove Studio is a one-room apartment with an open area adjacent to the main space, usually used for sleeping. Because of its configuration, this type of dwelling is also called an L-shaped studio or a junior one—bedroom apartment.
Flex (convertible) Two—This is a one-bedroom apartment with ample space, typically the living room, transformed into another bedroom and a smaller living room by installing a temporary, also known as pressurized, wall dividing the space.
Junior 4—This is a one-bedroom apartment with an alcove area in the living room. This area is typically used as a dining room or converted into a second bedroom.
Flex 3 – A two-bedroom apartment with an alcove in the living room that is convertible to a room.
Classic 6 — This type of apartment exists exclusively in prewar buildings. It describes a dwelling with six rooms: a living room, a formal dining room, a kitchen, two full-sized bedrooms, and a minor third bedroom, generally called the maid’s room. (Classic 7s and 8s also exist and offer one or two additional full-sized bedrooms).
Furnished Apartment—These apartments are generally leased for short periods—anywhere from one week to one year—and contain all the furniture, kitchenware, and bathware you need to live comfortably.
Appendix A – Manhattan Building Types
There are three basic kinds of buildings in Manhattan: Doorman, Elevator (attended and unattended), and Walk–(unattended):
Doorman Building
The types of buildings that offer doorkeepers tend to be on the larger side and offer the most significant safety and security. They also afford the highest level of comfort and convenience because your doorkeeper can do a lot for you while you’re not home, including taking drop-offs of packages and dry cleaning. If you are new to the city, you will quickly learn that Manhattan revolves around deliveries, and having someone who can sign for your packages can feel like the ultimate luxury. Within buildings with doorkeepers, there are different formats: luxury high–rise, standard, and part-time doorman.
Luxury High Rise
These buildings generally have an entire, around-the-clock staff of multiple doorkeepers and attendants. They often offer amenities such as hotel-type concierge service, on-site health clubs, pools, laundry service, and children’s playrooms. The specific luxury amenities vary from building to building, but they generally leave you feeling completely pampered.
Standard Doorman
These buildings generally have someone on duty 24 hours a day and offer the safety and convenience of having a doorman without the extra luxury amenities.
Part-Time Doorman
These buildings usually have doorkeepers for day shifts but rely on security cameras or other technology to protect residents at night.
Elevator Building
Skip the doorman, but maybe snag an elevator operator! These buildings lack doormen, though some might offer elevator attendants. They strike a balance between doorman buildings and walk-ups in terms of security, convenience, and cost. Laundry facilities and intercom systems are common, but that’s usually where the amenities end. Still, with good maintenance, these buildings can be perfectly comfortable homes.
Walk–Up Building
These buildings do not have doorkeepers or elevators. They can be townhouses or brownstones (4–5 stories), above storefronts (usually 1-2 stories), or low–rise buildings (free-standing 4–5 stories). They are the most reasonably priced apartments in the city, yet they have very few amenities. Most walk-up buildings do, however, have double-door security, and a few have more sophisticated features, such as intercoms and security cameras. As with elevator buildings, the quality of life in walk-ups can vary greatly depending on the degree to which they are maintained.
Appendix A – Manhattan Building Structures
Manhattan is home to a diverse range of architectural styles. The building types noted above will generally fall into one of the following physical categories:
Mansion, Townhouse, or Brownstone
These structures mostly trace their origins to the late 1800s or early 1900s and boast exceptional architectural features imbued with significant historical value. Originally constructed as single-family residences, though some remain as such, many have undergone conversion into multiple apartments per building over time. Offering a departure from contemporary apartment living and conventional high-rises, these buildings are celebrated for their splendid interior design. Features such as plank hardwood floors, high ceilings adorned with exposed beams, intricate crown moldings, and ornamental or functional fireplaces contribute to their allure.
High Rise
A high–rise refers to any structure that stands 20 stories or higher and was generally built in the latter half of the 20th century. These buildings tend to feature standard-shaped apartments, known as cookie cutters and vary in their services and amenities.
Low Rise
A low–rise refers to any structure less than 20 stories high but typically rising 4 – 12 stories. These buildings may also have standard-shaped units and are generally elevator or walk–up buildings. Most, however, have laundry facilities in the building and feature security cameras and intercom systems.
Loft Building
These dwellings were once commercial spaces before being converted into residential properties. These homes range from 5 to 20 stories high and are generally large, open spaces. Their interior architectural flavor can vary, and you’ll find many lofts left untouched with their freight elevators fully functioning and the original columns left intact. This allows you to convert the open space into different living areas. More and more, renovated or newly constructed lofts have all the amenities of luxury high-rises, including health clubs, concierge, and laundry services.
Prewar Building
Pre-World War II construction defines these buildings. They ooze sophistication and boast intricate architecture with rich details. High ceilings, hardwood floors, and decorative fireplaces are a few hallmarks. Many even offer the luxury of a 24-hour doorman and elevator attendant service.
Postwar Building
These properties, built after World War II, boast a simple, uncluttered design with clean divisions, creating a more modern living space than typical prewar structures. Prewar buildings often relegate laundry facilities to the basement, whereas these newer ones offer the convenience of in-unit or same-floor laundry. Doorman service adds another layer of convenience in some postwar buildings, though it’s not a universal feature.
Appendix A – Manhattan Building Ownership
In Manhattan, buildings are owned in three different ways, varying regarding the approval process and other living requirements. The most accessible buildings to move into our rental are condominiums with more significant restrictions and uncooperative buildings, where the requirements for moving into the property can be stringent.
Rental Buildings
If you’re applying for an apartment, be prepared! Landlords typically require the standard paperwork we mentioned, whether they own a rent-stabilized or non-rent-stabilized property (depending on local laws). On top of that, they’ll usually run a credit check and require you to pay one month’s rent and a security deposit before approving your application. The good news? The approval process is usually pretty quick, taking anywhere from a day to a week.
Condominiums (Condos)
Each unit is individually owned and can be used as a personal residence or rented out to somebody else as an investment property. The board sets regulations for moving into a condo— a governing body for the building comprised of individual owners. Owners who follow the board’s regulations can set their own rental price and lease length. Owners will typically require you to furnish the standard paperwork plus whatever additional information they feel necessary for approval. In addition, applicants may be asked to supply extra paperwork deemed necessary by the board, but generally, the board does not have the right to turn down an applicant to an owner willing to rent. Tenants must typically pay application, board, move-in fees, and additional security if needed. With a condo, the approval process can take anywhere from one week to one month.
Cooperativeses (Co-ops).
Owning a unit in a co-op is similar to condo ownership in that each resident owns their individual space. However, there’s a key difference: instead of owning the deed to the unit, co-op residents purchase shares in the entire building. The size and value of your apartment determine how many shares you own.
Co-ops are known for their strict rules and regulations, especially regarding rentals. The co-op board demands far more than just the standard application paperwork. They often delve into your finances and personal information through extensive documentation.
Prepare for a grilling! Prospective co-op renters typically face in-depth interviews with the board. Even if approved, expect a hefty bill for application fees, board fees, move-in fees, and additional security deposits. Getting the co-op board’s green light can be especially challenging if you’re from abroad or have a non-traditional background.
Appendix B – Manhattan Neighborhoods
Elika acknowledges the distinctiveness of Manhattan’s neighborhoods, each boasting unique characteristics, ranging from Chelsea to the Upper West Side. With Elika’s Renters Representation service, we introduce you to the myriad enclaves of Manhattan, offering insights on navigating them and assisting you in selecting the location that best fits your needs. While our Manhattan Neighborhood Guide offers detailed information on specific areas, nothing compares to experiencing a neighborhood firsthand. Immerse yourself in an area to truly grasp its ambiance and charm by engaging with residents and exploring local establishments, from shops to eateries.
Despite New Yorkers’ reputed brusqueness, they’re often eager to discuss their neighborhoods. A simple inquiry such as, “Do you enjoy living here?” can yield invaluable insights unavailable online or through a realtor. Elika Renters Representation offers neighborhood tours where you can converse with residents about their experiences, providing firsthand perspectives on your desired locales. You’ll discover that most Manhattanites are candid—sometimes, perhaps, overly so!
Appendix C – Special Situations
When going to rent an apartment in Manhattan, there are some unique situations that you may need to be prepared to address. These include the following:
Roommates
Landlords typically limit the number of people on a lease to two. This means you and your roommates will all be jointly responsible for the rent, broker fees, and even any unpaid rent by another roommate. Elika’s Renters Representation strongly recommends that you and your roommates create a written agreement to protect yourself. This agreement will hold everyone accountable for their share of the rent and other lease terms.
When it comes to affording the apartment, landlords often consider the combined income of all roommates. But this isn’t always the case, so tell your broker upfront if you plan to qualify for an apartment this way. Landlords may require a guarantor even if your combined income meets their requirements. Let your broker know about this situation so they can manage expectations.
International Tenant
If you pay taxes outside the United States or have a housing allowance, we assess your qualifications differently to determine your eligibility to rent. In this case, you can consult with Elika’s Renters Representation to discuss the financial resources you’ll need.
Without a U.S. rental history, many landlords may require you to pay a higher security deposit. Depending on your situation, some landlords might ask for as much as six months to one year of rent upfront.
Pets
Your four-legged canine friend can sometimes be your worst enemy when obtaining an apartment in Manhattan. Most landlords in New York City do not accept dogs over twenty pounds, and in many cases, even frown upon smaller dogs, cats, and other small domestic animals. Having a pet can seriously restrict your apartment options. Be sure to tell your broker.
Walls
Prospective tenants are on the hunt for one-bedroom apartments with temporary wall potential. Affordable two-bedroom apartments are hard to come by, so this hack creates a second-bedroom option. Elika is familiar with several reputable businesses in Manhattan that offer delivery and installation services for such walls, albeit for a fee. However, it’s important to note that many landlords prohibit these modifications, so it’s crucial to inform your broker if you intend to pursue this option. Remember that you are usually responsible for removing the wall after your lease.