There are many websites that can help you with finding housing in new York city. Often, information concerning the cost of rental housing in different areas of the city, available in two clicks. But if you want to get more tips for finding the perfect accommodation in new York, here are a few basic things to keep in mind:
The cost
The rental price is a primary concern for most new new Yorkers, as a significant part of your money in the end will probably leave it for rent. The General opinion is that housing should be allocated no more than one-third of their annual income. In fact, in new York, many homeowners will agree to deal only with tenants whose annual income is 40 times the cost of a month rent.
Knowing how much you can spend on housing will help you to determine which areas of the city should be your focus. Just arrived in new York, meaning «city», I can immediately think of Manhattan -but the average rent price in the area right now is $3500. Proposal in Brooklyn is not much cheaper: there the average rent is about $2800; Queens similar rates.
However, regardless of whether you want to realize your dream of living in Manhattan or stop your choice on urban areas, it is important to remember about such things as transportation.
Transport
Given the current state of MTA, your move and further trips are likely to be very uncomfortable regardless of which area you chose. But there are several ways to predict whether your upcoming trip is bearable is difficult or really terrible.
For example, Straphangers each year produces the rating State of the Subways, evaluating line metro MTA on the basis of such factors as cleanliness, efficiency and reliability.
To know the long-term plan for transit between areas is useful; for example, if you have been considering for the life of Williamsburg or Bushwick (or any other area along the line of the L train), ask yourself: are you ready to deal with the inevitable inconvenience when a route L will be closed or suspended? If you are going to live in the suburbs and be able to manage the bike, think about it: do you really need the transportation infrastructure, or may need it later?
Do your little research and make sure that the balance is reached: the quick way to work, short road to your station, availability of replacement options. (And don’t rule out the bus option.)
Comfort
You will probably want to live close to banks, shops, restaurants, Laundry service, or even from your work. Our advice: let the work will be located close to, but ATM, pharmacy and a good diner should be even closer. Make sure you know where these objects are Essentials.
Average time rides and walks depends on where you choose to live. WNYC provides a handy interactive mapthat will help you to understand how much time it would take a way from point A to point B in the area that you plan to choose to live.
A couple of questions to ask yourself when selecting the area:
What if you have to go to restaurants or Nightclubs? Would you prefer to be in a lively area with many shops and establishments or in a more quiet area? Do you need outdoor space? Do you feel comfortable? If you feel safe, follow the next.
Documents
The rental market in new York is represents the city itself: fast, expensive, and sometimes difficult to navigate. If you have already made sure that your landlord does not inflate you, and the housing meets the expectations — it’s time to apply. After all, how knows any resident of new York, the nice apartments go for seconds. Prepare the following documents before you make a deal:
- You will certainly need some form of ID with a photograph: a driver’s license or a passport will do.
- Certificate of employment on company letterhead. Make sure they spelled your salary and start date. If you are going to learn in College or school, there will come a letter about your admission.
- Copy of recent pay records and Bank statements. It is usually sufficient discharge for the last three months.
A letter of recommendation to the landlord that you are a perfect tenant. - Depending on how demand is building, you may need other recommendations, but this is not so important. Just in case, keep in mind your personal and business life that would highly appreciate your personality.
- Your last (in some cases with penultimate) tax return: if you work for yourself, you definitely need it, perhaps along with a letter from your accountant.
- Although the management company may also conduct a credit check, you will need to pre-check everything yourself to make sure that on the horizon there are no serious problems.
If for some reason you do not have any of these financial documents, you better have a guarantor, i.e. someone (perhaps a parent or guardian) who will be able to pay rent, if you are having difficulty. Of course, the landlord will pay attention to the annual income of your guarantor: he has to be at least 80 monthly rents. If you can’t find a guarantor, there are companies that act as a «surrogate» of the guarantors, but be careful with them.
Once you have decided on the place and the management company or landlord likely you will be asked to fill out an application. Keep enough cash to cover first and last month’s rent and security Deposit (equal to rent for one month). You may pay a Commission to the broker, although this is supposed to be consistent. Before completing the application make sure that you are familiar with the services and extra offers of the management company: they may include such as a free month of rent or a Vespa.
And finally: prepare all documents and funds before heading out to hunt for housing. After all, the last thing you want is to find the perfect apartment and miss it due to bad training.
