10 Tips on Renting an Apartment in NYC

When it comes to finding your apartment in NYC, there are some tips you can’t ignore. Especially if you’re looking for your first apartment, you need to be careful and smart. You want the perfect place to live but compromising in some areas is also important.  Even so, with the right attitude and a few tips in mind, you can find your perfect place. Here are 10 tips that will help you when renting a room in NYC.

1.    Set a budget and start your stick to it. : Before you start apartment hunting, it is important that you set a budget. Make sure you stick to it and avoid browsing apartments you can’t afford. Also, whenever you are dealing with a broker, make sure you tell them the amount you are willing to pay and ask how much they charge in fees. Remember to calculate this into your total rent expense, as broker fees can run into the thousands of dollars.

2.    As soon as you decide to move, start your search: It is pointless to over think the situation. If you are not happy with your current location and are deciding to shift in the near future, make the decision and start the search before you storm out one day and find no place to live. Also, keep in mind that apartments go extremely fast in NYC (overnight, often) so urgency is important when searching.

3.    Be clear in your paperwork: Brokers will always ask you to bring yours and guarantor’s paperwork with you for the application. It is important that you have all the necessary paperwork ready to go so you can apply for an apartment right away when you find one that you like. That includes tax forms, employment letters, and any recommendation letters from previous landlords.

4.    Find a roommate: Renting a room in NYC is almost always going to be more feasible than renting an apartment alone. To be honest, the city is incredibly expensive. Finding a roommate will help you save money, by allowing you to split rent and bills by half or more.  Plus, it’ll help you save on the broker’s fees (or avoid them altogether)!

5.    Visit apartments frequently: Try to visit as many apartments as you can. This will help you understand what you like and don’t like and ultimately help you in making a better choice when you apply.

6.    Know your neighbors: If you have decided on the place and are happy with the rent, it is important that you know your neighborhood before moving.  Again, keeping this in mind will help you make a better choice.

7.    Be honest about yourself: Be honest about yourself with your landlord and roommate for a comfortable living. Doing so will allow you to find like-minded people and avoid problems in the future.

8.    Find the right broker: Ask your friends and family to introduce you to their trusted broker who can offer you the best deals and good advice.

9.    Negotiate: Negotiate while deciding on the rent. Winter time is the best time to negotiate for rent in NYC, but it never hurts to try. Negotiating on your rent is possible, and you could save yourself thousands by trying.

10.   Check online for a better deal: Today, there are apps and websites that’ll help you to find apartments and roommates the safer way. If you’re apartment hunting, take advantage of these apps to meet like-minded people and find great apartments.

 If you keep in mind these 10 tips, you’ll definitely find roommates and apartments you’ll love. Browse online to find out more about renting a room in NYC.