Frequently Asked Questions - Finding Rentals in Manhattan

Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manhattan safe?
Yes, most places in Manhattan are safe to walk during the day and many places are safe during the night as well. But don't be stupid. ANYPLACE can be dangerous. Use common sense and don't walk alone at night or take the subway alone at night if you can help it. We walk alone at night all the time and most of the time its fine. However, it just takes one time to run into the wrong crowd. If you are a tourist, don't walk in unknown and deserted areas at night because everyone can tell you're a tourist and that will make you an easy target. You should always be on your guard.
I have only witnessed a subway scene once when a woman became very loud and aggressive. I was traveling from Queens and simply got off and waited for the next train. I have never encountered that before and never since. You just have to watch out for what you know is there such as pickpockets, purse snatchers, etc. Just note that on subways during rush hour, you WILL be snuggling up to the stranger standing next to you, so do not keep valuables where people in close quarters can reach them. This is the way it works, you can live in a safe neighborhood and three blocks down is a very dangerous neighborhood. You could live for years without seeing the crime from that other neighborhood. Summer is always the silly season for criminals. Summer equals more crime. After all, its rather uncomfortable to be committing crimes in the freezing cold. One does have standards. If you'd like to see the number of criminals in a particular neighborhood and what crimes they've committed, you can try searching at www.criminalsearches.com
How much salary do I need to afford a decent apartment in Manhattan, NYC?
Management companies tell you that you need to make 40 times the amount of monthly rental. Yes, I said FORTY. You also must have had at least $3,000 in your bank account for a minimum of 6 to 12 months. These details will vary depending on who you're asking. A "decent" apartment in Manhattan is about $2,500 for a studio and about $1,300 for a roommate share sublet. Most rentals below that price will not be in the best neighborhoods, but it can be done if you're willing to alter your definition of "decent."
What about terrorism in New York?
I can't speak from a professional point of view, but I do know that the police in New York are always out in force. They are "actively" looking for anything out of place. I have seen them search tour buses before letting tourists on board in Times Square as well as actively patrolling the tourist destinations as well as the residential neighborhoods. The police in New York do NOT just hang out. They are clearly active. Will that stop something from happening? I don't know, but they are paying attention. I also see them with machine guns and dogs in areas as well. I have never felt threatened when in Manhattan, New York and I am a safety nut, bordering on paranoia. That type of thing can happen anywhere, so make a safety plan.
I am a student. Should I consider a New York City apartment instead of a dorm room?
No, your dorm room will probably be much cheaper and closer to campus. Choose the dorm if you can. Otherwise, look for an apartment or roommate share through your campus housing office. They will provide you with a list that is many times reserved for students. Those apartments will probably be cheaper and are student friendly. Also, note that some places like students and some do not. Keep in mind that when you move into a dorm, only students are allowed living in that dorm. So you already know something about the people you will live near. You know they are students who are educated and ready to study. You also know that someone (the school) has a reasonable amount of background information (including criminal) on the students. You also can estimate their ages. When you're living in an apartment building, you know nothing about the people living near you.
How does one find an apartment in New York without having to make $80,000 a year or have a guarantor behind them?
Sublet with roommates. That is the general population in Manhattan. Many, many people go this way and it is a very common way of life in much of Manhattan. Craigs List is the most popular way to roommate hunt.
Do I need a car in New York City?
No, absolutely not. As a matter of fact, bringing a car is a big pain in the butt! First, in order to park on New York City streets long-term, you really need to have NY license plates. Your car will be around lots of people and other vehicles so it is more likely to get scratches. Parking prices are outrageous and you probably will need to pay parking fees. I have seen out of state cars get towed after only parking in the spot for a few minutes. If the NYPD tow truck gets called, forget it. They WILL take your car no matter how much you cry. I've seen it with my own eyes, and let me tell you, the guy was crying plenty.
Can you tell me where my ethnicity of people live so that I can move in near people like me?
New York City is a huge melting pot. It is diverse... period... so get over it. You will be living in a neighborhood that most likely will be mixed with whites, blacks, Latinos, gays, straights, old, young. What you can find out is where groups of those people have created a little area for themselves. When I find these things out, I have noted them in the proper neighborhood so that people can find their "like selves," if they choose to do so.
Where are the cheapest rentals in New York City?
The word is that Harlem and the Lower East Side are the cheapest. You can look at "The Manhattan Rental Market Report 2007" (PDF) which will be able to give you more up to date information.
How much do I need to make to afford a Manhattan Rental?
Forty times the monthly rent. So, $80,000 for a $2,000 a month rental..... IF you have good credit, money in the bank for a significant amount of time and have worked at your job for over a year. See our What You Need section for more information.
If you don't have a guarantor and don't have credit, is it legal for the landlord to charge you many months of rent up front?
Still researching this question, but here is a start. Security Deposit publication by the Division of Housing & Community Renewal