Searching For An Apartment In NYC: How Do I Start? When Do I Start?

• What's your budget?

The first thing to do when looking for an apartment for rent in New York City is to figure out how much you can afford. A NYC rental apartment usually requires between 35% to 50% of your net monthly income, including utilities. Most landlords and property managers will want you to annually earn 40 to 50 times the amount of your monthly rent, and that you have a good credit rating.

The rent for a New York City studio apartment, for example, can range from less than $1,000 to well over $3000 a month, depending upon location, size, and level of service within the building. One bedroom NYC rental apartments run from $1,500 or less to almost $5,000 a month; and New York City two-bedroom apartments can rent for under $2,000 to $7,500 and beyond.

• Which NYC neighborhood is best for you to look for a rental apartment?

NYC apartments for rent can be found in every neighborhood, so it's a good idea to narrow your search down to three to five areas to start. Remember, New York City has the largest public transportation system in the world, so it's pretty easy and inexpensive to get from one neighborhood to the next, and then to the next.

Plus, of course, there's no better walking city on the planet. This means that when looking for a Manhattan apartment for rent, quick access to a subway or bus line that takes you to your job, as well as to the other neighborhoods you frequent for entertainment or nightlife, is often more important and desirable than actually living right near where you or play.

If you're uncertain where to begin, please be sure to browse through our exhaustive Urban Edge Neighborhood Guide.

Be Prepared to Sign and Secure Your Dream NYC Rental Apartment

There are plenty of great New York rental apartments, but they go fast. A common "rookie" mistake when searching for an apartment for rent is not being ready to sign on the spot, and watching someone else grab your dream home.

Here are a few tips for being prepared to sign on the same day as you see:

• When searching for an apartment in New York, start looking 30 to 45 days before you're willing to move. If you don't want, or are unable, to leave your current home for longer than 45 days from now, don't bother looking yet: the vast majority of NYC rental apartments will be gone by the time you're ready to sign, and move.   

• When going to view rental apartments in New York City, make sure you bring a letter of recommendation or verification from your current and / or previous landlords; your most recent pay stubs; your most recent tax returns; copies of your bank statements; and your check book.  

• Make sure you have enough money in your checking account to sign that day. Most NYC rental apartments require a security deposit, usually the equivalent of one month's rent. You will also be expected to give a check for your first month's rent, and sometimes your last month's rent, when you sign your new lease.