Renting an apartment in NYC can be an overwhelming process, especially if you don’t know where to start. From knowing how much rent you can afford to understanding broker fees, there are many nuances that can make the experience hard to navigate. Not to mention, you’ll need to think about which neighborhoods you want to live in, how to stand out from the competition, and how to find an apartment that checks most (if not all) of your boxes. Fret not: StreetEasy is here to help with five tips for NYC renters that can streamline your apartment-hunting process and get you into your next rental in no time.
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Start with a game plan
Narrow down your top neighborhood picks and hone in on what they have to offer in terms of rentals. It also helps to have a list of your must-haves versus what you can do without, or have some flexibility on. For instance, does the building need to have an elevator or can you make do with a walkup? Do you need a new building with all of the covetable amenities, or can you settle for the basics? Asking yourself these questions upfront allows you to stay focused and to save time later.
Don’t stress about broker fees
Thanks to the Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses (FARE) Act, effective as of June 11, 2025, broker fees are now the responsibility of the hiring party — not renters. The FARE Act relieves NYC renters of paying an average of nearly $13,000 in upfront costs — including broker fees — to move into a rental, according to StreetEasy data. You can still hire your own broker to represent you and help you find a rental, in which case you’d pay them a broker fee. However, the FARE Act ensures that the only time renters are on the hook for broker fees is when they explicitly hire the broker to represent them.
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If you’re being asked to pay a broker fee in violation of the FARE Act, you can report it by calling 311 or by contacting the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection via this form.
Additionally, if a listing on StreetEasy references a broker fee, please use the Report listing function on the listing page and submit a brief form explaining the violation.
Know your numbers
Calculate what you can afford monthly, including utilities and any living expenses. In NYC, many landlords follow the “40 times the rent” rule, and will want to see proof that you have an annual income of 40x the monthly rent. For instance, if you’re interested in renting an apartment at $2,500 per month, your gross income should be $100,000 per year. Another way to determine how much rent you can afford is to take your annual income (before taxes) and divide it by 40. The result gives you the amount of monthly rent you should be able to afford.
Gather your paperwork early — and move quick
NYC real estate moves fast! Don’t wait until you’ve found your dream apartment to start gathering your paperwork, because in this city, a good rental can fly off the market in a matter of hours. Have your documents ready — think copies of your pay stubs, ID, tax returns, and a letter of employment — so you can apply immediately. Landlords need to know that you’ll be able to pay your rent every month, so the more proof you have of your financial stature, the better your chances of getting the apartment. Keep all of your documents together and in a safe place, and be sure to redact any sensitive information (e.g. bank account numbers) before submitting them.
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Great apartments are hot commodities. Love it? Apply on the spot! With all of your paperwork on hand and ready to go, submitting an application before the competition should be a breeze, and will boost your chances of landing the apartment.
Tour like a pro
Once you’ve scoped out listings online and narrowed down the apartments you want to check out in person, don’t waste time when it comes to scheduling viewings. Schedule back-to-back tours if possible, and check out StreetEasy’s compilation of rentals with upcoming open houses to see if any listings you’re interested in are near each other. Carefully review the listing details and come prepared with any questions you might want to ask. It’s easy to forget details, especially if you’re viewing multiple apartments over a period of time, so be sure to snap photos and take notes. Bring helpful tools, such as measuring tape, when touring rentals so you can ensure an apartment adequately fits your needs.
Looking for more tips on how to prepare for an open house while looking for a rental? StreetEasy has you covered.
