This guide helps you rent an apartment or a room when you move to New York.
How to find an apartment in New York. Photo: Raman Shaunia / 123nyc.org

How to find an apartment in New York: finding an apartment in New York can be extremely challenging, particularly for visitors to the city. You can secure your ideal home, locate the best listings, and navigate the rental market with the aid of this guide.

To start, educate yourself on the NYC rental market so that you can make wise choices.

Read also: Cost of living in New York in 2025.


How to Find an Apartment in New York

Is it hard to find an apartment?

The high demand and quick-moving listings make it difficult to find an apartment in New York. Be ready, move quickly, use free listings, and, for flexibility, think about roommates or co-living.


Look for apartments

The best way to find an apartment is through online listings.

Apartment search websites

  • StreetEasy – One of the most comprehensive rental websites.
  • Zillow – Has a large selection of listings with detailed filters.
  • Apartments.com – Great for finding no-fee apartments.
  • Craigslist – Sometimes has good deals, but watch out for scams.

Short-term & room rent

Hotels, hostels and vacation rentals

They are not a good option, because you can’t register your address there.

No-Fee vs. Broker Fee Apartments

  • Apartments with no fees – Brokers who represent landlords are no longer permitted to pass their commission on to tenants under the new FARE Act, which went into effect on June 11, 2025. This implies that listings must explicitly state all tenant fees and that brokers must be paid for by landlords or management firms.
  • Broker-fee apartments – You only have to pay a broker if you have a broker. This fee, which usually amounts to 12–15% of the rent per year, is still optional.

Documents You Need to Rent an Apartment in New York

New York landlords require a lot of paperwork. Be ready with:

  • A copy of your ID: passport or driver’s license.
  • Proof of income: pay stubs or tax returns.
  • Letter of employment: stating your salary and job position.
  • Credit report: a score of 700+ is ideal.
  • Bank statements: showing savings or regular income.
  • Guarantor documents: if your income isn’t 40x the rent.

Read also: What is the best bank in New York.

Average Rent Prices in New York (2025)

Here’s a rough estimate of current rental prices by borough:

Borough Studio 1-Bedroom 2-Bedroom
Manhattan $3,200 $4,500 $6,500
Brooklyn $2,800 $3,800 $5,200
Queens $2,300 $3,000 $4,000
The Bronx $1,800 $2,400 $3,200
Staten Island $1,600 $2,200 $3,000

Best Neighborhoods to Consider

  • Affordable: Inwood, Washington Heights, Ridgewood, Bay Ridge
  • Trendy: Williamsburg, Bushwick, Astoria, Long Island City
  • Luxury: Upper East Side, Tribeca, SoHo, Dumbo
  • Family-friendly: Park Slope, Forest Hills, Riverdale

How to Secure an Apartment Quickly

  • Be ready with documents – Have everything prepared before viewing an apartment.
  • Move fast – Good apartments in NYC get rented within days.
  • Offer more upfront – Paying extra months in advance can improve your chances.
  • Use a guarantor – If your income isn’t high enough, a guarantor (or a service like TheGuarantors) can help.

Beware of Scams

  • Never pay a deposit before seeing the apartment.
  • Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
  • Avoid landlords who refuse to meet in person or provide paperwork.

Alternative Housing Options

If you’re struggling to find a place, consider:

  • Co-living spaces (Common, Outpost Club) – Shared housing with furnished rooms.
  • Sublets – Temporary rentals, often cheaper and more flexible.
  • Roommate situations – Websites like Roomi and SpareRoom can help you find a shared apartment.

Final Thoughts

It takes time, patience, and preparation to find an apartment in New York. Get your documentation ready, start your search early, and be prepared to act quickly. Whether you’re looking for an inexpensive rental or a luxurious high-rise, NYC has something to offer everyone!

Cover photo: Raman Shaunia / 123nyc.org