Apartment Hunting in NYC: How to Find a Rental

 

These days, finding and moving to an apartment in NYC is no easy feat. With both prices and demand on the rise, many renters are struggling to find a place that meets their needs. If you are among those looking to rent but having a hard time starting, you’re not alone. Renters make up about 60% of those living in NYC and rent costs have risen more than 30% between January 2021 and January 2022 according to Apartment List, making the market even more competitive. Here are some helpful tips for those who are new to the apartment-hunting scene here in  NYC.

Apartment Hunting with Apartment Moving Pros

The time of day – While movers will always cater to your schedule, you might want to consider altering your plans for moving day. Particularly on weekdays, the amount of traffic from both people and cars greatly increases around the end of the workday (usually 4 pm-6 pm). If you’re looking to make your move run a bit smoother, consider moving during typical working hours.

Have some goals in mind. Rather than simply diving into your rental search head-first, it’s best to have an idea of what you’re looking for. First, research different neighborhoods. How far are you willing to be from your workplace? Would you rather be surrounded by people, or close to a park? Where will you have the easiest access to public transportation? Deciding which things matter most to you will help narrow down your choices in location. Another thing to keep in mind is your budget. The general rule of thumb is that your rent should account for about one-third of your monthly income. With that said, with the median rent in many boroughs is approaching or exceeding $3000/months you may need to consider roommates to keep rent within your budget.

See it with your own eyes: Visiting any rental property you’re considering is crucial for several reasons. First, it will allow you to ensure that the apartment lives up to what the listing promised. With many landlords hiring professional photographers or only showcasing the nicest units online, it’s best to be sure you know exactly what you’re getting. Seeing the apartment for yourself also allows you to check for any signs of damage, whether that be water damage, mold, signs of rodent or insect problems, or other wise. Don’t forget to open every cabinet, check under the sinks, and look closely for bugs and mice dropping

Always come prepared. One challenge that comes with apartment hunting in the city is the speed at which they go. If you’re lucky enough to find your dream place, you’ll need to have all the necessary paperwork with you to score a chance to live there. Some key documents that many places in NYC are requiring include a photo ID, a letter verifying employment and salary, copies of recent pay stubs, a landlord reference letter, and tax returns. It’s important to remember that not all rental units will require all these documents, but it’s best to be prepared

Moving with Shleppers

Shleppers knows the stress of trying to find a place to rent here in NYC. We take the stress off yourshoulders when it comes time to move into that new rental you worked so hard to find. Get a FREE QUOTE on our website or call us at 800-847-4537 for more information.