Renters

Showing 31-40 of 75 Q&A

Select Category

If I find an apartment rental that I like with a broker fee, do I have a better chance of negotiating the fee down if I don’t use a broker to represent me?

[I am ok with paying a broker who helps me, but if they’re unhelpful, I’d rather get a better deal, if possible.] The simple answer is that every situation is different and will...

If I work with multiple agents, will it cause issues if I check out an apartment with one agent and then a second agent sends me a link to the same listing? Does the second agent have any right to the first agent’s commission if I decide to rent there?

This is a classic example of why it’s usually more efficient to work with one quality agent; otherwise, there can end up being a lot of overlap and wasted time for you. It’s...

If I’m renting from a condo or co-op owner and during my lease term, he/she sells the unit to another owner, what happens to my lease? Will I need to communicate with the new owner?

Is it ok if we use more than one guarantor for an apartment rental (e.g. multiple roommates)? If we do, can each guarantor only cover a specific tenant on the lease?

What is a market-rate apartment and how does it compare with a rent-stabilized apartment?

How much is my landlord allowed to increase my rent at the time of lease renewal for my market-rate apartment (non-rent stabilized)? Is there a standard percentage or range?

I’ve been approved and signed the lease for my new apartment, but the start date is not for another 1-2 weeks. Who can I contact to request access to the unit to take measurements and check out the space before I move in?

Is it possible to rent an apartment for less than a year?

Yes.  The term of a standard lease is generally 12 months or longer; however, there are multiple methods to rent an apartment for less than one year.  These include short-term leases, sublets...

I met with a broker and he/she wanted me to sign a few forms before showing me apartment rentals. Should I have signed them?

There are two standard documents that most agents will present to clients prior to showing them apartments.  They are the Client Registration and NY State Agency Disclosure forms, both of which may...

What are typical broker fees when renting an apartment?

Broker fees for a standard one year lease can typically range from one month’s rent (8.3%) to 15% of the annual rent.  The amount is usually arbitrary and is either determined by...