By host on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 11:20 AM

Once you have found an apartment, you will need to fill out an application and give the landlord permission to run a credit check and verify income and employment.  There is usually an application fee of approximately $65.  You should be prepared to supply a letter of employment, recent pay stubs, bank statements and a government issued form of identification such as a driver’s license or passport. If you are self-employed, you will need to supply copies of past two years tax returns.  Most landlords use a third-party service to run the credit check and verify employment.  In many cases, the application fee is paid directly to the third-party service.

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By host on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 10:52 AM

Living in NYC is very expensive as compared to many other parts of the country.  Newcomers are often faced with sticker-shock and sometimes are unable to meet the income requirements set by the landlord.  If you do not personally meet the income requirements, you may need to use a Guarantor to secure the apartment. 

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By host on Monday, March 22, 2010 12:17 PM

Landlords are very particular about income requirements.  Your gross income should be at least 40 times your monthly rent.  Some landlords require income equal to 50 times your rent.  To calculate how much rent you can afford, multiply the monthly rent by 40 or 50.  If the monthly rent on an apartment is $2,500 per month, you will need an annual salary of $100-125,000.

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By host on Monday, March 22, 2010 12:06 PM

 

1. Use common sense. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

2. Cross check. Type the address or listing agent’s name into a search engine.

3. Make contact outside of Craigslist anonymous e-mail. Collect the first and last name of the listing agent, a telephone number and an e-mail.

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By host on Monday, March 22, 2010 11:59 AM

The city itself is often an extension of your apartment. Selecting the right neighborhood to complement your personality can be just as important as selecting the apartment. It is important to consider a few questions when making your decision. One major item is getting to and from work. What will your commute be like?

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