Moving to New York City? You'll Want to Check Out This First-Time Renter's Guide
If you live in New York City, you already know that finding the perfect apartment can be tricky. You've probably learned some tricks along the way if you've rented around, but there's still a lot you could learn as you navigate the rental market. But for people who are interested in moving to NYC, this is a completely different story.
Moving to a big city for the first time can be overwhelming, but finding an apartment to rent is even more overwhelming. It's important to dive head first into the rental market fully informed as you get ready to start browsing around New York's highly competitive and unique neighborhoods.
Here's a first-time renters guide that will help you successfully find the right apartment for you.
Have a budget and stick to it
Living in New York isn't cheap, but that's not to say it isn't impossible to find the apartment of your dreams. It's important to figure out your budget before you start your search, and then even more important that you actually stick to that budget when it comes time to make a decision. It may be tempting to go with something just a little outside of your price range, but remember, your monthly rent isn't the only bill you'll be paying each month.
Have all the necessary paperwork ready to go
Because the NYC rental market is so competitive, you'll need to act fast if you find an apartment you love. If you have all of your paperwork ready to go, you won't lose precious time that might end up costing you the apartment. Here's a checklist of paperwork you'll likely need (and even if you don't need it all, it's better to be safe than sorry):
- Recent pay stubs, or at least a letter from your employer proving your salary
- Previous tax returns
- A recent bank statement (keep this up to date each month)
- Personal and professional references
- Credit report
Do your research
Before you start looking, research NYC's neighborhoods and narrow down areas you're most interested in. Every neighborhood has its own unique personality, and there will be areas that best fit your needs over other ones. Google can be your friend here, but if you're close enough that you can frequently visit the city, you can explore the neighborhoods at the top of the list to see which one appeals to you the most in person.
Make a list of must-have amenities
There are some amenities that may be out of your budget, like rental properties that have an on-site gym or pool. These are great to have, but they're really just perks. Instead, make a list of must-have amenities you can't live without. Think: an in-unit washer and dryer, a dishwasher, safety features (like cameras in the lobby or mailroom), and a pet-friendly policy if you have or plan to have animals in the apartment. If you do find a rental building that features more luxurious amenities, make sure you double-check that your access (and any fees) will be included in your lease before you sign.
When you're ready to start the official hunt for your NYC apartment, Centennial Properties has you covered. You can see a full list of our available rental units here to help you inspire you. We hope you'll find your dream apartment with us!