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How to Rent an Apartment in Manhattan New York (CHECKLIST)

By
Real Estate Agent with Douglas Elliman Real Estate

We work with many international and out of town clients who often prefers to rent before they purchase so they can understand and familiarize themselves with the neighborhood better before making a purchase commitment. To rent an apartment in Manhattan, the application process can be longer and different than the rest of the country or world, so please follow our step by step guide to better prepare yourself.

Here is the check list before you start searching for the apartment:

  1. Organize and prepare the necessary documents to bring with you, including:
    • Letter of employment and salary verification (include start date if not yet employed)
    • Bank account numbers (checking and savings), credit card numbers
    • Names, addresses and phone numbers of previous landlords
    • Names, addresses and phone numbers of accountant and attorney, if applicable
    • Names, addresses and phone numbers of personal and business references
    • Tax returns- previous three years will be ideal
    • Pay stubs
    • Expected bonus (verification from employer)
    • Additional sources of income with verification
    • Personal identification with photograph - driver's license or passport
  2. If relocating, prepare the necessary funds before coming to New York. Landlords will not accept personal or out-of-state checks. They require certified funds. Anyone renting or relocating must:
    • Establish a New York bank account before you begin your search. If this is not possible, bring the necessary funds with you.
    • Bring enough traveler's checks to cover the cost of two (2) month's rent (which must be converted into CERTIFIED CHECKS). This comprises the first month's rent and one (1) month's security deposit.
    • Bring funds to cover the broker's fees if your company is not paying covering that expense. Majority of the time, Brokerage fees are paid by the tenant in New York City. These fees are due upon signing of the lease unless your employer is paying the real estate commission for which they will be billed directly.
    • Bring funds to cover a Credit Check: $50-$100+, can be credit card, it varies.
    • Bring funds to cover possible move-in/move-out fees (See Co-op/Condo Funds Needed).
  3. Contact us (917)837-8869 to discuss what your criteria is and your availability. The rental apartments turn over is very fast, so having a good plan is the key to secure the apartment you want.
  4. When you have made your apartment selection, you will be asked to fill out a rental application and one or more miscellaneous documents. We will negotiate price and lease terms for you. Upon acceptance, a credit report will be done, and your references will be checked.
  5. Leases will be signed and checks presented.

Read our other helpful blogs:

Contact us today at (917)837-8869 to find your perfect apartment. Or email us for a quick response.

Posted by

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Eileen Hsu 許雅嵐 (email: EHSU(@)elliman.com)

Our team specialize in Manhattan New York Condominiums, townhouses, and condops.

We are condominium residents ourselves so we understand the Manhattan New York condominium community. We also enjoy all Manhattan neighborhoods, especially Upper West Side, Lincoln Square, Midtown East, Murray Hill, Financial District, Chelsea, Fifth Avenue, Greenwich Village, Nolita and etc just to name a few. If you or you know someone that may be interested in selling, buying or leasing their Manhattan New York condo, call us today (917)837-8869 or (646)644-6929 and we can discuss your specific Real Estate goals.

Manhattan New York Condo Specialists or Chinese Speaking Real Estate Agent

 

Comments(7)

Krista Lombardi
Prudential Calfornia Realty - San Diego, CA

Hello Eileen,

Thanks for your informative post. You bring up some very good points that a lot of people may not have concidered.

Sep 15, 2011 08:07 AM
Kim McMahon
Executive Realty Group - Skokie, IL

Ellen~ What a great checklist. It sounds like everything you would need to buy a house - wait - maybe buying a house would be easier!  It's a good thing renters have you to show them the ropes.

Sep 15, 2011 08:10 AM
Eileen Hsu
Douglas Elliman Real Estate - Manhattan, NY
LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

Hi Krista, you are right, there a lot of points and documents that people do not know that it will be required to rent an apartment here in NYC.

KIM! YES, sometimes it may just be easier to buy an apartment (if one is able of course) because here the landlord and management does extensive background search before accepting a tenant.

Sep 15, 2011 08:26 AM
Loreena and Michael Yeo
3:16 team REALTY ~ Locally-owned Prosper TX Real Estate Co. - Prosper, TX
Real Estate Agents

Eileen - It's no doubt that you displayed your high organizational skills in your work. Your blog shows.... Educating clients to be organize themselves makes the whole process that much easier.

 

Sep 15, 2011 08:27 AM
Mike Yeo
3:16 team REALTY - Frisco, TX
Tha is a long but necessary list. The prepared they are, the better the chances are gettingthe unit especially if the rental market is hot.
Sep 16, 2011 05:25 AM
Morgan Evans
Douglas Elliman Real Estate - Manhattan, NY
LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

This is an EXCELLENT list for how to rent an apartment in Manhattan New York. Out of state checks are usually not accepted and potential renters do not know this.

Sep 16, 2011 09:32 AM
J. Philip Faranda
Howard Hanna Rand Realty - Yorktown Heights, NY
Associate Broker / Office Manager

That out of state check thing is big. Getting a local bank account and establishing a local presence is crucial.  This is a great checklist. 

We topped out at 14 rental units about 8 years ago, and starter checks, out of state checks, and offers to 'work off" the security deposit were red flags for us. 

Sep 17, 2011 12:29 AM