When is the best time of the year to get good deals on apartment rentals?

The rental market in NYC is seasonal with the hottest time during the late Spring and Summer months, primarily from April – September.  During this time, demand is high and supply is extremely limited, thus driving up asking rents across the city.

In contrast, the rental market during the Fall and Winter (October – March) is much slower with less demand, leading to price drops and potential incentives (such as a free month of rent) as management companies / landlords have a smaller pool of potential tenants to fill their apartments.

If you have flexibility with your move-in date, you can improve your chances of getting a better deal on an apartment rental by waiting until the slower time of year.  However, the extent of potential savings varies and is not guaranteed.