Renting an apartment in New York City can be competitive and challenging, but there are several things that prospective tenants can do to increase their chances of getting approved for an apartment. Here are some of the things that prospective tenants may need to have to rent in NYC:
- Good credit score: Landlords in NYC often require prospective tenants to have a good credit score, typically 650 or higher. A good credit score demonstrates to landlords that tenants are financially responsible and capable of paying rent on time.
- Proof of income: Landlords usually require tenants to earn 40 to 50 times the monthly rent in annual income. For example, if the rent is $2,500 per month, the tenant should have an annual income of $100,000 to $125,000. Prospective tenants may need to provide pay stubs, tax returns, or other documentation to prove their income.
- Rental history: Landlords may check a tenant’s rental history to see if they have a good track record of paying rent on time and taking care of their previous apartments. Prospective tenants may need to provide references from previous landlords.
- Security deposit and/or broker’s fee: Most apartments in NYC require a security deposit, which is typically one month’s rent, and a broker’s fee, which can range from one month’s rent to 15% of the annual rent. Prospective tenants should be prepared to pay these fees upfront.
- Guarantor: If a tenant doesn’t meet the income or credit requirements, they may need to have a guarantor who can co-sign the lease and take financial responsibility for the rent if the tenant can’t pay.
- Valid ID: Prospective tenants should have a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, to prove their identity.
- Application fee: Landlords may charge an application fee to cover the cost of background and credit checks. The fee can range from $20 to $100 or more.
It’s important for prospective tenants to have all the necessary documentation and funds ready when applying for an apartment in NYC. They should also be prepared to act quickly, as apartments in NYC can rent out fast.