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 StreetEasyArticle continues below
Fort Hamilton
9485 Ridge Boulevard
$1,750No Fee
Studio |
1
Fort Hamilton
8614 Third Avenue
$1,825No Fee
1 |
1
Brighton Beach
231 Brightwater Court
$2,200No Fee
1 |
1
Flatlands
2265 Utica Avenue
$2,000No Fee
2 |
1
Crown Heights
796 Park Place
$2,195No Fee
Studio |
1
Dyker Heights
922 72nd Street
$1,800No Fee
1 |
1
Bedford-Stuyvesant
117 Jefferson Avenue
$2,000No Fee
1 |
1
Prospect Lefferts Gardens
370 Hawthorne Street
$1,900No Fee
Studio |
1
Crown Heights
788 Park Place
$2,200No Fee
Studio |
1
Crown Heights
946 Saint Mark’s Avenue
$1,895No Fee
1 |
1
Flatbush
120 Kenilworth Place
$1,800No Fee
Studio |
1
Midwood
1362 East 4th Street
$1,900No Fee
2 |
1
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 StreetEasyArticle continues below
Hudson Heights
728 West 181st Street
$2,025No Fee
1 |
1
Hudson Heights
720 West 181st Street
$2,300No Fee
1 |
1
Yorkville
1873 Second Avenue
$1,995No Fee
Studio |
1
Fort George
4420 Broadway
$1,995No Fee
Studio |
1
Yorkville
330 East 90th Street
$2,295No Fee
Studio |
1
Murray Hill
304 East 41st Street
$2,100No Fee
Studio |
1
Central Harlem
440 Saint Nicholas Avenue
$2,195No Fee
1 |
1
East Harlem
156 East 102nd Street
$2,175No Fee
Studio |
1
Central Harlem
100 West 139th Street
$2,300No Fee
1 |
1
Two Bridges
45 Catherine Street
$2,000No Fee
2 |
1
Hudson Heights
712 West 175th Street
$2,250No Fee
1 |
1
Hamilton Heights
345 West 145th Street
$2,108No Fee
Studio |
1
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.