Apartment Hunting Tips

Finding an apartment in New York City is always difficult, for people of all income levels. Be sure you know all there is to know about looking for an apartment before beginning your search.

Ways to Find an Apartment

#1: Brokers 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 Web sites where you can view available apartments, sometimes even with photos and detailed descriptions.

#2: Word-of-Mouth There is good news for those who would prefer not to pay hefty brokers' fees: a substantial number of New Yorkers find their units by word-of-mouth, mostly from friends, relatives, and co-workers. If you're looking for an apartment, make sure everyone you know knows that you're looking.

#3: Classified Ads The third most common method used by recent movers is a classic: the classified ad. Movers cite using the New York Times, the Village Voice, the Daily News, local or community papers, and Newsday. Foreign-language or ethnic newspapers, such as El Diario and the Jewish Press, are also a good source of classified ads. Many newspapers now post their classified ads online, so make sure to check out the Web sites of local papers and online message boards like newyork.craigslist.org.

#4: Walking Around A small but notable percentage of movers find their apartment when they simply see a "For Rent" sign. It can pay to walk around the neighborhood you want to live in and look around.

#5: Housing Office If you're living here for professional or educational reasons, don't neglect your organization's housing office or service. They know what you often don't about renting in New York City and it's their job to help you find a great new apartment.

#6: Referral services are a growing resource that savvy hunters, especially those who are comfortable searching on the Internet, should not neglect. For a monthly fee these services will provide you with a list of no-fee apartment rentals as they become available.

#7: Apartment Referral Office Finding a Vacant Apartment in Same Building Other movers find their apartments in the same building in which they already live. Be proactive and talk to neighbors, doormen, supers, landlords, and/or your management company to see if another apartment is available in the same building.

#8: Going on Waiting Lists Affordable housing is often offered through waiting lists or application lotteries. If you have time before you need to move, put your name on waiting lists and/or fill out applications for affordable housing through the NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD), the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC), or the NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA).

#9: Community Groups You may occasionally find housing through local government offices or community groups that keep information on neighborhood housing notices.

#10: Apartment Guides Lastly, don't forget to rely on resources like our Apartment Guide. These general references provide information about leases and other housing issues.

Apartment Checklist

• Is the rent reasonable? Do your research before deciding on the apartment you want. Just like you would shop around for the best deal on a digital camera or the latest fashion, the same thrifty rule applies to a rental unit. Make sure you've seen other apartments in the same price range (or at least perused listings and talked to people to understand current rental trends). Be prepared to adjust your budget according to your financial situation. It’s always a better idea to have a broad choice base rather then narrowing it down too specifically and severely limiting your options. If it's the first apartment you've seen, think hard before committing unless you really love the place. If you're new to the NYC apartment-rental game, bring a savvy friend with you to provide some objective advice.
• Is the apartment clean and freshly painted? If the landlord is promising to paint or renovate before you move in, exactly what will be done? Get it in writing. Verbal agreements don’t stand up in courts since it becomes a he said she said situation and neither party will come out a winner.

• Are the kitchen appliances clean and in working order? Test the refrigerator, stove, and other appliances to make sure everything’s in working order. Better safe then sorry.
• Is there enough cupboard and counter space in the kitchen? 

• Are there any signs of roaches or rodents? Look under the sink and around cracks and crevices.
• Do the windows open and close properly?
• Are there enough electrical outlets? Test the electrical outlets to make sure they all work.
• Are there enough closets and are they large enough?
• Can you live with the view and the amount of light in the apartment? 

• Do the bathroom fixtures work? Are there any leaks? 

• Are there any rules against painting or making other modifications to the space? If you’re thinking about remodeling or redecorating, make sure there are no rules that prevent you from doing so (or your landlord may take it out of your security deposit).
• Is there excessive street noise or noise from nearby apartments?
• Is the apartment cable-ready? Make sure the apartment is wired to support your cable TV or high-speed Internet habits.