The Practical Guide to Getting an Apartment in NYC
So you want to live in New York? Other than the sweltering, sticky summers with no AC, sky-high rent prices, and the occasional cockroach… living in NYC is great (seriously, it’s worth it). But finding the right apartment can feel daunting, especially if you’ve only visited the city as a tourist.
RULE # 1: GO SLOW
Don’t feel like you have to find a place in one go. Finding the right apartment is a lot like dating– you wouldn’t marry someone after the first Tinder date, so why sign a lease before you’ve gotten a feel for the neighborhood?
If you’re brand new to NYC, subletting is a great option. You’ll save money while getting a sense of where you really want to live. This is especially great if you’re just trying on New York, or if you’re not in a full-time position. It takes some of the pressure off your shoulders.
RULE # 2: USE WHAT THE PROS USE
Need a sublet? Check out Airbnb (how I found mine), Craigslist, Gypsy Housing on Facebook, or Roomi. Need an apartment? Check out Zillow, Trulia Rentals, Naked Apartments, or StreetEasy.
RULE # 3: NARROW IN ON ONE OR TWO NEIGHBORHOODS
Spend some time researching and exploring different neighborhoods and figure out what’s important to you. Are trendy bars and restaurants important to you, or are you looking for somewhere more quiet? Is easy access to the train a must, or are you flexible with the commute? Do you want to be surrounded by young people, or families?
Once you’ve got a sense of what’s important to you, focus on one or two neighborhoods that get you pretty close to those criteria. There’s no need to run all over the city to look at apartments in areas that won’t make you happy. Save yourself the time and hassle and focus focus focus.
Check out this handy neighborhood guide to get the Flock’s notes on where we’ve lived.
RULE # 4: KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Before seeing an apartment:
- If you’re living with roommates, expect to pay between approximately $900 and $1400 per month (each) for your first place, depending on the neighborhood. If you want to live alone, it’ll be closer to $1700 or more. Like anywhere, the tighter your budget the more competitive you’ll have to be when you’re searching.
- Check to see if the apartment you want to look at comes with a fee–meaning you’ll be working with a broker and paying them a finder’s fee (see below). Some apps, like Naked Apartments and StreetEasy, have search options to filter out apartments that require these fees. If you’re lucky, some brokers will waive the fee to help move an apartment faster.
- Have a list of questions ready for the broker such as: How long is the lease? Are utilities included? Is there a security deposit? Is there a broker’s fee? How much interaction will you have with the landlord or super? Does the super live in the building? And so on…
- Have your paperwork in hand in case you fall in love at first sight. Good apartments can get snatched up in a matter of hours, so go into it as prepared as possible. Check out this handy checklist for paperwork.
- AND if you have a guarantor, they’ll need to provide paperwork as well.
When you get the apartment:
Hooray. You scored an awesome apartment in NYC. Now for the fun stuff…
- Be prepared to pay a security deposit (i.e. a full month’s rent ON TOP of your first month’s dues). Having roommates to split the bill definitely helps.
- If you went through a broker, you’ll have to pay a broker’s fee. Some charge the price of first month’s rent, while others may ask for a percentage of the first year’s total rent (around 15 percent is standard).
- Once you’ve crossed your T’s and dotted your I’s on the lease and the apartment is yours (!!!), you’ll have to plan for moving day. Movers in the city can cost you around $700 if you have a lot of stuff to move. With that in mind, don’t try to pack up your entire life and bring it with you to NYC when you first make the move. Travel light, save yourself some money, and start fresh once you get your first real place.
RULE # 5: THERE ARE NO RULES. YOU LIVE IN NEW YORK NOW.
Have fun and remember that it’s just your first apartment in NYC. Don’t sweat it. The stress is universal and well worth it.
Amelea Renshaw is a brand strategist at Anomaly. She hails from Portland, Oregon and now calls Brooklyn home. Follow her on Twitter.
