One of the most common methods of finding an apartment in New York City is using a real estate broker. If you know what neighborhood you want to live in, it's usually best to find a broker based there. Many brokers also have websites where you can view available apartments.
Housing (rent or mortgage) should not be more than 1/3 of your income before taxes. If you work full time (40 hours) at $12 per hour, that's $2000 per month, so you shouldn't spend more than $667 per month on housing. That's definitely going to restrict where you can live.
A lease agreement offers stability for both the renter and the landlord. Landlords want tenants who will give them consistent rent payments each month, and tenants want to “lock in” the rental amount and length of the apartment lease.
Renting, especially on a short-term basis, can sometimes come with higher monthly costs due to the increased flexibility it offers the landlord. For instance, a studio apartment for rent on a month-to-month basis might be more expensive per month than the same apartment under a lease agreement.
Longer leases are best for situations where you and any roommates know you want to stay in the apartment for a year or more. Ideally, you're already familiar with the neighborhood and have a stable work or school situation. Shorter leases or month-to-month leases are better for renters who need a bit more flexibility.
The lowest rental rates are usually found between October and April, particularly right after the December holiday season. Fewer people are interested in moving—the weather's bad, schools are in session, etc. So individuals renting between the months of December and March typically find the best rental bargains.
Most will require that your annual income (or, alternatively, the combined annual income of you and your roommates) equals at least 40-45 times the monthly rent. For example, to rent a $3,000 per month apartment, your annual income will need to be around $120,000.
Finding an apartment in New York City can be particularly challenging for newcomers due to several factors: High Demand: NYC is a highly desirable place to live, attracting people from all over the world. The demand for apartments often exceeds the supply, making competition fierce.
The following are a few general guidelines that apply in most cases: You will need to show an income of at least 40-50 times the monthly rent. You must show a secure and stable employment history. You must have good credit history. ( ... You must have a social security number. You must show a good rental history.
Renting an apartment isn't as easy as waltzing in and saying “I'll take it!”—particularly in today's competitive rental market. With many prospective tenants to choose from, landlords can be picky, and they will prioritize applicants with a track record of paying off debts and respecting their neighbors and community.