Everything You Need to Rent an Apartment In NYC, From Paperwork to Fees

You’re on the NYC apartment hunt, and you’ve found a place you really like. You’re ready to make it your new home. Great! But learning how to rent an apartment in NYC can be overwhelming for newcomers. You may be asking yourself, “What do I need to rent an apartment in NYC?” If you’re prepared ahead of time, you can apply for the apartment of your dreams at a moment’s notice. From paperwork to fees, read on to find out how to prepare for apartment hunting in NYC.

What Do I Need to Rent an Apartment in NYC?

Once you find an apartment you’re interested in renting, it’s time to put together an application. Submitting a formal application is the most common way to rent an apartment in NYC. While different landlords and brokers may require different or extra information, you should have some key pieces ready. Here’s a general checklist:

• Employment verification letter, including your job title, job functions, salary, and length of employment — signed and on company letterhead
• Paystubs — the three most recent
• Bank statements — the three most recent
• Federal tax return including your W2 or 1099 form
• Copies of two forms of photo ID
• Application fee ($20)

Landlords also may ask for the following. 

• Recommendation letter from a prior landlord
• Summaries of savings accounts and liquid assets
• Copy of your social security card
• Proof of past rent payments

Why Do Renters Need Bank Statements & Other Documents?

It’s a lot to pull together! But landlords need to know that you’ll be able to pay your rent every month. Generally speaking, the more proof you can show of your stable income or assets, the higher chance you’ll have of getting the apartment.

When researching how to apply for an apartment in NYC, you’ll probably come across the “40 times the rent” rule. Landlords like to see that renters are making an annual income of 40 times the monthly rent. If you’re a new employee and haven’t worked previously, though, don’t panic. Steven Irizarry, a licensed real estate salesperson at SERHANT and StreetEasy Expert, says you can forgo the paystubs as long as you can prove you are working with a letter of employment from your company. You may also need a guarantor to secure the apartment.

What NYC Renters Need To Know About Broker Fees

As of June 11, 2025, the Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses (FARE) Act has taken effect in NYC, making broker fees the responsibility of the party who hires the broker — which, in most cases, is the landlord or property manager. 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 for the services you hired them to do. But the FARE Act ensures NYC renters only pay a broker fee when they explicitly hire the broker to represent them.

In addition, the FARE requires every listing on StreetEasy to disclose all tenant fees (one-time and recurring) in the listing description — so you’ll want to refer to this section of a listing to stay informed of any costs and fees you may be asked to pay.

Do I Need To Pay An Application Fee?

You might. But, per the Statewide Housing Security and Tenant Protection Act of 2019, apartment application fees cannot exceed $20 (this does not usually apply to renting in condo or co-op buildings).

It would be best if you also had the first month’s rent and security deposit ready and available once you’ve applied for a unit. Not being able to pay the required fees and deposits in a timely manner could cause you to lose the apartment.

What To Bring When Apartment Hunting in NYC

When apartment hunting in NYC, the most important thing to remember is to have everything ready to put in an application at a moment’s notice. Good rentals can fly off the market fast, and the last thing you want is to lose an apartment you love because you didn’t have a copy of your tax returns on hand or a letter from your employer. And just as important, make sure your documents are signed in instances where a signature is required.

Keep all of your documents in one place, preferably a secure one where you can decide who has access to it. Don’t hesitate to verify the people to whom you are sending documents before you do so. You may want to redact sensitive information like account numbers on bank statements.

In a nutshell, make sure you’ve got what you need to rent an apartment in NYC ready to go, so you can secure a unit you love ASAP. The more prepared you are, the better chance you have of landing your dream apartment.

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