Trying to find the right rental unit that matches your budget, as well as your need for certain amenities, can be frustrating in New York City. Following a few tips can help you learn how to live within your means and enjoy a vibrant lifestyle in the Big Apple.
Conduct Thorough Research
Take your time when you start to apartment hunt in New York City. As the most populated city in the United States, NYC offers the largest number of available rental units. You can target a borough to live in such as Queens or cast your net over a wider area. Before you start conducting research, write down a list of amenities that you must have and a second list of amenities that would be nice to have, but are not deal-breakers.
Research can include tenant reviews on-site such as Yelp and Google. You also should review the websites presented by property management companies. Pay special attention to the reputation rating handed out by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Stay away from landlords or property management companies that have earned less than a B+ reputation rating from the BBB.
Know Your Rights
Morgan & Morgan has provided an overview of NYC renters’ law. However, you should have a much more in-depth knowledge of your tenant rights before you start the apartment search process. Unethical landlords understand how to manipulate potential tenants that are not aware of their rights as designated by NYC renters’ law. You do not have to become an expert, but you should know about legal issues such as rent increases, rent freezes, and your right to live in a safe rental environment.