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Where To Start - If You’re Renting?

Before you start looking for an apartment, it's important to know what you're looking for and what it takes to get it.

Searching for an apartment for rent in Manhattan is a unique experience. The most desirable and affordable apartments in NYC rent quickly and most are available for immediate occupancy. It is important to be prepared and ready when you find the apartment you want.

Know what you want:

What is your targeted moving date?
It's a good idea to start your search as close as possible to your target move-in date, and no more than a month ahead of time. Vacant apartments are available for immediate occupancy. An occupied apartment may not be available for a couple of weeks, but the landlord will sign the lease for future occupancy. Hence, most rental decisions are made on the spot.
Reserve a day or two to see apartments with your agent, have a general idea of your budget, and familiarize yourself with the many neighborhoods that are New York City.
How much can I spend?
As a rule, landlords require their tenants to earn an annual income of 40 to 50 times their monthly rent. Specifically, if you earn $50k a year, you qualify for an apartment that rents from $1000 to $1250 a month. If your salary is does not meet the rent to income rule, or if you’re a student, you’ll need extra rent and security and/or a "Guarantor," who’ll co-sign the lease. (For more information, see Guarantors, below).
When two or more unmarried tenants sign a lease, (roommates), landlords, in general, don’t combine incomes. Most often, one applicant needs to earn 40 to 50 times the monthly rent.
Where do you want to live?
Manhattan is a city of diverse neighborhoods, all with their own unique appeal. Decide what's most important to you. Do you want to be close to work, or is proximity to a subway station sufficient? Is it convenience or ambience that's most important? It's good to be open to alternative ideas. Neighborhoods other than your "first choice" might be more affordable. Your agent will explain a number of neighborhood options that can meet your needs and recommend other areas that you may not be aware of. Remember that you are relying on our knowledge to get the best deal.

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Know what it takes

Qualifications:
- In America's most densely populated city, the competition for housing can be fierce. Landlords all have very specific application requirements that are unlike any you will find elsewhere: Verifiable Income: The average minimum is 40 to 50 times the monthly rent.
- Good Credit:
  A credit check is a part of the application process. A pattern of late payments or bankruptcies or if you’re new to this country and do not have a social security number or a credit history, additional rent or security, paid in advance, or a " USA Guarantor" may be required.
- Documentation:
  All landlords require the following documents in order to process an application:
- Application Form:
  You’ll need to provide employment history, previous addresses and landlord information, references and financial assets, including savings and checking account numbers.
- Letter of Employment:
  A typed document (on company letterhead) listing your salary, position, and length of employment, Including corporate contact information for verification purposes. If you are just starting a new job, an offer letter is sufficient. If you are self-employed, a copy of the first two pages of your most recent Federal tax return or a letter from your attorney or accountant.
- Pay Stub:
  A copy of the most recent pay stub from your current employer
- Photo Identification:
  A valid Driver's License, Passport, or Student ID.
- Note: any co-applicant must also provide the above documentation.
- Guarantors:
  If you do not meet the minimum income requirements or have a credit problem, a Guarantor may be required. This is a co-signor, usually a family member, who agrees to guarantee the terms and conditions of the lease in case you default. They must earn between 80 and 100 times the monthly rent and have a solid credit history.
- Some landlords require that the Guarantor live in the tri-state area, (New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut), and to provide the following:
  1. * A copy of the first two pages of their most recent Federal tax return
  2. * If self-employed, a letter from an attorney or accountant verifying their annual income
  3. * A completed application form as a "Guarantor"
- Deposit Money:
  You’ll need one month's rent and one month's security to complete the application process.
- Payment must be in the form of a bank certified check, traveler's checks, money order, wire transfer, or cash.
- Landlords do not accept personal checks for the initial rent and security and will not consider an application without it. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you make the necessary financial arrangements before going to see apartments.
- You should also have your employment and Guarantor documentation with you when you arrive in our office.

Find your apartment

Unlike most real estate brokers who first meet their clients on the street, we welcome clients to our office for an initial consult. During this time, we familiarize you on the current market and build a profile of your needs based on budget, desired location, types of apartments available, and other considerations.

We utilize a wide array of tools to expedite your apartment selection process. Our extensive database of available apartments is updated continuously throughout the day by means of direct contact between our listings department and the city's best landlords and management companies.

Our photo library is an ever-expanding collection of thousands of apartments to provide visual and spatial representation of select buildings and apartments. You will receive a better understanding of the market before you leave the office.
Upon completion of the initial consultation, your agent will show you a carefully selected list of available apartments. The combination of the agent's knowledge and experience and your customized profile guarantees that the apartments you see are the apartments you want. This process has been perfected through over two decades and will save you time, money, and effort.