New Yorkers have no problem converting just about any space into a usable one. A closet can become a nursery nook or home office. And a 1-bedroom can be transformed to have 2, or even 3, bedrooms. So, yes, many residents live in basement spaces. But basement apartments have both pros and cons. 

Brooklyn Rentals Under $2,300 on StreetEasy Article continues below

Fort Hamilton

226 97th Street

$1,950 No Fee

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Midwood

1535 East 14th Street

$2,300 No Fee

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1

Greenwood

643 Sixth Avenue

$1,995 No Fee

Studio |

1

Bushwick

287 Cornelia Street

$2,175 No Fee

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1

Williamsburg

314 Bedford Avenue

$2,300 No Fee

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1

Bergen Beach

1263 East 72nd Street

$1,900 No Fee

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1

Prospect Park South

650 Ocean Avenue

$1,750 No Fee

Studio |

1

Midwood

1620 Avenue I

$2,299 No Fee

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1

Flatbush

1374 Flatbush Avenue

$1,749 No Fee

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1

Midwood

1783 New York Avenue

$1,950 No Fee

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1

Crown Heights

988 Bergen Street

$2,300 No Fee

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Midwood

1314 Ocean Parkway

$1,899 No Fee

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Lower rents and private entrances can make these spaces more appealing. However, as New Yorkers tragically saw during the catastrophic flooding of Hurricane Ida, subterranean spaces can be risky. It’s essential to know what constitutes a legal basement abode. To be legit, half of the height of the apartment must be above the street level. Requirements for single-family buildings with basement apartments start with the most crucial: a window in every room. They must also have ceilings at least seven feet high, and walls that are both damp-proof and waterproof. Also important to know: Basement apartments in two-family homes cannot legally be rented unless the building procures a new certificate of occupancy listing it as a multiple dwelling.

Not too long ago, the city unveiled a pilot program for building owners that provides funds for basement apartment conversions. While the budget was scaled back recently because of COVID-19, there might be more opportunities to rent a basement abode soon. But should you? Here’s what you need to know.

Manhattan Rentals Under $2,300 on StreetEasy Article continues below

Hell’s Kitchen

554 West 50th Street

$2,276 No Fee

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Central Harlem

252 West 149th Street

$2,225 No Fee

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Hell’s Kitchen

537 West 49th Street

$2,300 No Fee

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Yorkville

306 East 83rd Street

$2,200 No Fee

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Fort George

480 West 187th Street

$1,850 No Fee

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Manhattan Valley

7 West 103rd Street

$2,100 No Fee

Studio |

1

Yorkville

1670 York Avenue

$2,100 No Fee

Studio |

1

Central Harlem

1 West 126th Street

$1,800 No Fee

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Hamilton Heights

525 West 135th Street

$2,300 No Fee

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Central Harlem

215 West 145th Street

$2,250 No Fee

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Inwood

618 Academy Street

$1,815 No Fee

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Lenox Hill

511 East 78th Street

$2,250 No Fee

Studio |

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The Pros and Cons of Renting a Basement Apartment in NYC

There are lots of factors to consider, but obviously, safety must always come first.

Pros of Basement Apartments

• Get more privacy: Many basement apartments have their own private entrance. This feature was particularly in demand at the height of the pandemic, when people wanted to minimize contact with neighbors and public touch points. (Think door handles, handrails, and elevator buttons.)
• Save on rent: Basement-level units are typically cheaper than similar units on higher floors.
• Lower cooling costs: Basement apartments are also usually a few degrees cooler than the rest of the building. That can lower your electricity bill during AC season.

Cons of Basement Apartments

• Flooding is possible: Basement apartments are in more danger of flooding during a massive storm, as was tragically seen during Hurricane Ida. Consider the exit points and windows of the unit very carefully. 
• Security is more of an issue: Being at street level makes a basement apartment slightly more susceptible to burglaries. So, make sure you keep doors and windows locked and that the lighting in front of the building is bright. 
• Space can feel cramped and dark: In some apartments, the ceilings may be lower than the units on the upper floors. Also, basement spaces often don’t receive much natural light. 
• Rodents and bugs could be more common: Make sure the building has regular pest control. And note where the garbage is kept in relation to the apartment — if it’s too close, it might be a deal-breaker. 
• Noise could be a concern: A street-level apartment could be noisier than those on upper levels. But thick curtains and reinforced windows can help muffle any outside sound.

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Whether you’re looking to rent or to buy, find your next NYC apartment on StreetEasy.