Guide to Renting
Start by asking questions
When renting in NYC, preparation is key. The process is a fast one. So before the search starts, feel free to ask any and
all questions about neighborhoods, building types, transportation access, what’s included and what’s not. This way,
independent agents can assure that they’ve customized the search to one you’re happy with.
Then, note these 5 handy tips:
1. Prioritize your wants and needs.
Work with your agent to determine what is important in your new
home. The 3 largest variables are size, location and price. From
there, you can discuss other features such as views or building
amenities.
2. Discuss your financial situation.
If you know what your budget is, before you head out, you’ll save
time and energy.
3. Start your search 30-60 days ahead of time.
If you search too soon or too late, then you may not see the best
available inventory
4. Have your monies ready.
If you find a place you like, it’s best to make a financial commitment
immediately.
5. Organize your documents.*
1. Verification of income, from any lawful source, including but not limited to wages, alimony, social security, child support, federal, state, or local public assistance, etc.
2. A letter from your employer stating your position, salary, length of employment and opportunities for bonuses (if applicable).
3. Your last two pay stubs (if applicable).
4. Your last two years of tax returns.
5. Your last two months’ bank statements.
6. Contact information for previous landlords.
7. Verification of other assets, if any.
8. Photo ID (Driver’s License, Passport, etc.).
*The above requirements do not apply if you have rental vouchers or
other similar rental assistance that meet or exceed the rental price.
Moving costs and salary requirements*
To be approved for an apartment (without rental vouchers or other similar rental assistance), you’ll be expected by many
landlords to make 40 to 50 times the monthly rent and go through a credit check. If your annual salary does not meet
that requirement, then it may be possible to combine salaries of roommates/partners or use a guarantor. Many landlords
require that a guarantor typically make 80 to 100 times the required monthly rent and most landlords prefer that they be
from the Tri-State area (NY, NJ, CT). If you meet the requirements for a specific listing, you may apply.
Salary Requirement Calculator
*Fair Housing Laws prohibit discrimination based on various criteria including but not necessarily limited to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, familial status, lawful source of income and disability. Date of Birth information is requested solely for the purposes of verifying identity in connection with background searches that may be performed and will not be considered for any other purpose.
Applicant(s) warrants and represents that all of the information contained herein is true and accurate. Applicant(s) expressly understands and agrees that the landlord shall have the right to terminate any lease agreement that may be entered into between landlord and Applicant(s) (assuming that landlord accepts Applicant(s) as a tenant) if any information contained herein is false, incomplete or misleading.
Renting in NYC: From Start to Finish
Manhattan
Neighborhoods
HARLEM
Inwood
Fort George
Washington Heights
Sugar Hill
Hamilton Heights
Manhattanville
East Harlem
UPPER WEST SIDE
Morningside Heights
Lincoln Square
UPPER EAST SIDE
Carnegie Hill
Yorkville
Lenox Hill
MIDTOWN WEST
Hell’s Kitchen/Clinton
Theater District
MIDTOWN EAST
Turtle Bay
Murray Hill
CHELSEA
GRAMERCY
Kips Bay
NoMad
Flatiron
Stuyvesant Town
WEST VILLAGE
Meatpacking District
Greenwich Village
EAST VILLAGE
Alphabet City
NoHo
SOHO
Nolita
Little Italy
LOWER EAST SIDE
TRIBECA
CHINATOWN
LOWER MANHATTAN
Battery Park City
Financial District
Brooklyn
Neighborhoods
BATH BEACH
BAY RIDGE
BENSONHURST
BEDFORD - STUYVESANT
BOERUM HILL
BRIGHTON BEACH
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS
BROWNSVILLE
BUSHWICK
CANARSIE
CARROLL GARDENS
CLINTON HILL
COBBLE HILL
CONEY ISLAND
CROWN HEIGHTS
CYPRESS HILLS
DITMAS PARK
DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN
DUMBO
DYKER HEIGHTS
EAST FLATBUSH
EAST NEW YORK
FLATBUSH
FLATLANDS
FLOYD BENNETT PARK
FORT GREENE
FORT HAMILTON
GOWANUS
GRAVESEND
GREENPOINT
KENSINGTON
MANHATTAN BEACH
MIDWOOD
MILL BASIN
PA R K S L O P E
PROSPECT HEIGHTS
PROSPECT PARK
RED HOOK
SEA GATE
SHEEPSHEAD BAY
SUNSET PARK
VINEGAR HILL
WILLIAMSBURG
WINDSOR TERRACE
Queens
Neighborhoods
ASTORIA
BAYSIDE
BELLEROSE
DOUGLAS MANOR
ELMHURST
FLORAL PARK
FLUSHING
FOREST HILLS
JACKSON HEIGHTS
JAMAICA ESTATES
KEW GARDENS
LEFRAK CITY
LONG ISLAND CITY
MIDDLE VILLAGE
OZONE PARK
REGO PARK