Step 2 The Hunt

February 26,2017 | By Brick Underground

No question about it, you will be walking a tighter timeline than you may be comfortable with when searching for a rental apartment in the New York City. 

Apartments are typically listed just 30-60 days in advance of the date they become available, so it's tough to begin your search farther out than that. There will be many more listings available 30 days in advance than 60.  Expect to spend anywhere from three days to three weeks on your rental search. 

Because showings are typically limited and good apartments go fast, be sure to have everyone who will be part of the decision making process present at all of the showings.  That includes roommates and significant others.  If someone, such as a parent, will have “veto authority,” they need to see all of the apartments with you, not just the one you finally decide on.

Not all apartments will be available to view on your schedule.  Some will have very specific time frames (e.g. weekdays between 1-2 pm) or restrictions on when it can be shown (e.g. during business hours).  Definitely expect to make Sunday afternoons available for apartment showings.  Your broker will be able to make the arrangements to get you in, but you will need to make yourself available to see the apartments when they’re being shown.

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There's a lot more to a New York City apartment than floors, walls, and windows--and much of it is invisible to the eye of the beholder, particularly one who has never rented in the city before.

To avoid nasty surprises later, be ready to evaluate each potential apartment with the eye of an experienced renter.

How noisy is it?

Come back around midnight to see if any rooftop bars or nightclubs might pose a threat to your peace and quiet.  (Street noise can be mitigated, however, by soundproofing your windows, so it's not necessarily a reason to disqualify an apartment you love.) Ask the neighbors about any noise problems outside and inside the building, as some buildings are more soundproof than others.

Are there enough elevators? 

Four elevators for 49 stories adds up to a lot of cumulative gridlock. (Should you choose to move ahead, at least check that your smartphone gets reception inside the elevator.) If your building has but a single lift, make sure you can tolerate the occasional hike.

 

 

Will you have to pay extra for amenities?

If there's a roof deck, gym, bike spaces or other amenity in the building, confirm that access (and any fees) are included in the lease.

 

What is the policy on temporary walls?

If you're looking for an apartment to subdivide and share with roommates (or a child), find out whether the building will allow it. Do not take a broker's word for it. (For more on this topic, see The Insider's Guide to Temporary Walls.)