The Top Ten Things to Consider Before Renting In NYC

Often times we fall in love with a space and an apartment without diving further down the road to unforeseen problems that can arise within a building. Here are the top ten things to consider so that you and your loved ones can have more peace of mind before making a decision that can be one of the greatest of your life.

1. What kind of protection does this lease offer me as a tenant? The most common lease in NYC and the outer boroughs is a one-year lease.  In the “so-called fine print” you should look for what the tenant is responsible for and the landlord. If you are required to do repairs on your apartment, or even worse the building, or shared structures like stairwells and lobbies you could be looking at huge additions to your base rent. Always make sure you know what you are responsible for and what you can expect out of your landlord.
2. Does your building have a super or most commonly in NY, a “live in superintendent?” When the above aforementioned repairs are needed, who do you call? Most leases and buildings should have this as part of the building’s protocol. It can be an integral part to your living and having someone who helps know the building and how to make repairs can make your life and living situation so much more habitable.
3. Have you checked the property during the day, as well as, at night? Locations vary depending on when you are there.  It never hurts to do some on the ground research and check on a structure, its neighbors and tenants during daylight hours as well as after dark. Look for streetlights, lights at the entrance and who is around during different times of day.  You’d be surprised sometimes at what a difference this makes.
4. Have you met the neighbors? You’d be astonished how much information you can gain by casually asking someone who is entering or leaving the building. While doing your day or night research ask whomever is leaving the building how they like living there. A general rule of thumb, is New Yorker’s are friendly and love to talk.  There is no better source then the hearing from it from the horses’ mouth so to speak.
5. How old is the building? A quick check on the Department of Building’s website will show you the age of your building.  Depending on what you are looking for, an older building with pipes that are rotting can cause problems you do not want as a renter.
6. What complaints are currently registered on the building? Utilizing the Department of Building’s website is a vast resource for renters.  By quickly punching in your buildings address and street you can see current and past violations. This will give you a great indication of what is really going on and what to expect, as well as how fast violations are fixed.
7. Have you done a crime search? Sites like “Crimereports” can be super helpful to let you know how safe the area is rated.  From petty crime to more severe it will show a list of what’s going on, making sure you feel confident you are safe before you move in.
8. Have you checked for local markets and restaurants? When you are moving into a new apartment, it’s not just the building you are moving into, but the neighborhood. Make sure there are specialty shops that carry your favorite cheeses and wines, affordable delivery, local happy hours where you can meet your neighbors and friends.
9. Is the building pet friendly? Although you may see many fidos on our streets, lots of building still have a strong pet rules, some enforcing no pets and some with weight restrictions. You don’t want to sign a lease and not be able to bring your furry family member home with you.
10. What local neighborhood coalitions are there? One of the greatest and unknown resources for renters and owners in NY are local government and non-profit agencies that support its neighbors and tenants. It’s great to check these and see what they are doing in your potential area. They can be a great help and a support group you never even knew about.

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