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Top Tips for Renting an Apartment in New York City

By Satoshi Onodera18 min read

Hello everyone.

Thank you for visiting our website and for your interest in New York real estate from among real estate listings around the world. I am Onodera, the president of the company.

In this article,New York Real Estate Rental ProcessI will be writing an article on the subject of


The second half of the article lists 15 popular condominium properties and mentions amenities such as gyms and swimming pools, which we hope you will find useful.

 

▼ At the very end of the article,New York expatriate consulting serviceYou can also learn more about expatriates are encouraged to take advantage of this service.

We hope you will stay with us to the end. (If you are interested in a short term of several months, please contact us atPlease see here)

Introduction.



Congratulations on your new life in New York.

Expatriating and moving to New York can be an attractive and at the same time challenging experience for many businesspeople. When the author also became an expatriate in the United States in 2016, he remembers feeling anxious as well as hopeful.

 

In the midst of the excitement of living in one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities and the anxiety of starting up life in another culture, one of the first and most important themes isSecuring a good homeIt is.

In this guide,We explain in detail the process from finding an apartment to signing a lease in New York City, and help you get off to a smooth start in life in New York City.We will be happy to do so.

 

1. overview of the rental market in New York



First, let's take a look at the general state of the rental market in New York City.

New York City's rental market is world-renowned for its size and diversity. The five boroughs, or municipalities, are Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. These are the five colored boroughs in the following table here.



As of October 2024, there are approximately 8.6 million people living here. This is close in size and population to the 23 wards of Tokyo, and those from Tokyo may have a similar image.

 

Each has its own characteristics and exists in a wide range of property types and price ranges.

The latest market trends (as of 2024) may generally be found in the following places.

- Average rent: 1 bedroom in Manhattan for about 1 TP4T4,000/month- Vacancy rate: approx. 3.51 TP3T (from a house-hunting perspective, competition is very high and things are set quickly).- Annual rent increase: approx. 5.71 TP3T

 

Although rough, an area-by-area comparison of the three main areas (Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens) is as follows.

Property average per area

areafeatureaverage rent
(2 bedrooms)Recommended AreaManhattanCentral business district, Cultural facilities$5,500 - $8,000/monthUpper East Side (for families), Chelsea (for art lovers)BrooklynYouth Culture Center, Relatively Affordable$3,500 - $5,000/monthPark Slope (for families), Williamsburg (for youth)queenDiverse culture, Relatively quiet living environment$2,800 - $3,800/monthAstoria (multinational atmosphere), Forest Hills (quiet residential area)
While rents may rise or fall slightly depending on the area, Manhattan, which is basically the center of the city, is the most expensive, and rents are often smaller in size. Please refer to the article at the end of this page for the average rent for each area.

 

2. understanding of property types



The next step is to understand the property types. There are a variety of housing types in New York City, but here are some of the main ones for newcomers and expatriates.

 

Rental units (like condominiums in Japan)) is the most common type of rental, where the entire building is for rent, and the contracting process is relatively simple and can often be completed in as little as one week, such as with a management company. And there are many properties that come with amenities such as doormen, gyms, etc.

 

Other,Condois in the form of renting so-called privately owned properties, and although there is a wide range of types of properties here, some of which are upscale, the screening process is often difficult and takes time if there is no U.S. credit score or proof of past annual income.

 

Cooperative (Co-op)There is also a form of building stock ownership called "share ownership," and while New York has many of these properties, they are often difficult to rent from abroad, have a rigorous screening process, and most take a month or more to move in.

in additiontown houseThere are some detached houses that are "the best", but the number is very limited and most are for large families, with 4-5 bedrooms, etc.

 

For newcomers and expatriates,Apartment (or condo) in a rental unitis recommended. This is because it strikes a balance between simplicity of procedures and full amenities.

A comparison table is provided below for each property type.

 

Property Type Comparison

Property TypefeatureAdvantagesdemeritimportant pointRental UnitGeneral rental propertiesRelatively easy contracting processPotential for rent increasesLong-term contracts (1 year or longer) are common. For some properties, it is possible to switch to a monthly contract for more than one year.Cooperative (Co-op)Special form of leasing building stockRelatively inexpensive, stable communityStrict screening, Many rulesRestrictions on purchases by foreigners and companies.CondoLease ownership of individual unitsHigh degree of freedom of ownership, Easy to resell or rentMore expensive than co-opPopular with expatriates and long-term residentstown houseHighly independent, multi-story propertyHigh privacy, Large spaceHigh management responsibility, ExpensiveSuitable for families

3. points for area selection



The next step is area selection. Mainly, we recommend that you consider the following points

- Commuting time and transportation
- Security in the vicinity
- Access to Japanese grocery stores and restaurants
- If you have children, the quality of the school and the convenience of commuting to school

 

Each area of New York City has its own unique characteristics. Here are some of the most popular areas.

a) Manhattan
- Midtown: close to business district and convenient to transportation
- Upper East Side: Quiet residential area, popular with Japanese expat families
- Upper West Side: Close to Central Park and many cultural facilities

b) Brooklyn
- Brooklyn Heights: easy access to Manhattan, relaxed atmosphere
- Park Slope: family oriented residential neighborhood, park nearby

c) Queens
- Long Island City: easy access to Manhattan and many new properties
- Forest Hills: Quiet residential area, Japanese community

 

The author has been in the US since 2016 and moved to New York City in 2019. I have lived in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, and then within Manhattan, Tribeca, Upper West, Upper East, Midtown, West Village, Greenwich Village, and Soho, and can tell you about all of these neighborhoods from a lifer's perspective respectively. Please feel free to contact me for more information.

 

If you would like to learn more about other areas of New York City, including the three areas mentioned above, please check out the following articles.

 

4. how to find a rental property



Our company, Reinvent NY, has helped many of you relocate to New York since 2019. We are licensed real estate agents and can assist you with property listings.

In addition, they are knowledgeable about local conditions, can respond in Japanese, and most importantlyWe at Reinvent don't have a "we only show specific homes" format, so we can show you all of our properties in New York State (or New Jersey)!We are a leading provider of real estate services in the United States and Canada. From popular properties to those with unique needs, we can offer the best properties to meet your needs.

 

StreeteasyPlease contact us for more information on properties located in the following areas. As you can see below, there are nearly 4,000 properties on the market in Manhattan alone. We will be happy to help you find the perfect location.



We charge one month's rent as an agent's commission. (It varies slightly depending on the property.)

 

5. required documents and review process



The following documents are generally required for a rental agreement in New York

- Copy of passport
- Proof of Visa
- Proof of employment (pay stubs, employment contract, etc.)
- Proof of bank balance (usually at least 40-50 times annual income)

 

Some properties, such as co-ops, may require the following

- Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Rental history and references from previous residences

 

In addition, the review process typically follows these steps

1. submission of application form
2. credit check (may be omitted for foreigners)
3. verification of income and assets

 

After that, some properties, such as co-ops, may require the following

4. inquiries to previous residence or place of work
5. *very few cases Interview

 

Review is usually completed in 1-3 days(Co-op, etc. may take several weeks. (Co-ops, for example, can take several weeks and are not recommended for newcomers to NY).

Newcomers to the U.S. may be required to pay an additional deposit or prepaid rent due to lack of credit history.

 

If you have any questions, please contact us.

 

6. contract and initial costs, move in and start up



The following points should be noted when signing the contract. In particular, the cancellation terms,Please note that there are some properties where you can sign a monthly contract if you live there for more than a year, and others where you have to renew the contract for another year. (We would be happy to discuss this with you)

- Contract term (usually 1 or 2 years)
- Rent payment method and due date
- Classification of Utility Expense Burden
- Termination conditions (especially if there is a possibility of transfer)
- Provisions for pets and renovations

 

Initial costThe following are common as

- Security Deposit: 1 month's rent
- Advance rent: 1 month's rent
- Brokerage fee: 1 month's rent OR 151 TP3T of annual rent (depends on the property)
- Application fee: about $20

 



Below is a checklist to help you start your new life comfortably after signing the contract. We hope you will find it useful.

 

a) Moving
- Use local movers or check with company designated movers.
- Elevator and parking may need to be reserved.

b) Utility settings
- Electricity: Con Edison is the main provider
- Gas: National Grid or Con Edison
- Internet: Spectrum, Verizon Fios, RCN, etc.

c) Furniture procurement
- Consider choosing a furnished property or buying locally
- IKEA, Wayfair, Amazon and other online stores are also convenient

d) Identify nearby facilities
- Locate the nearest supermarket, pharmacy, or hospital
- Identify the nearest station or stop for public transportation

 


Let's take a look at some of the properties we actually recommend. We will include detailed information about each property and the amenities that make them especially popular with expatriates.

Most of the properties listed here are pet friendly.

The following properties will also be completed quickly from property application to review.We would be happy to guide you through the preview and handle the troublesome procedures.

 

Please note that prices are subject to change at any time.

Let's take a quick look at it.

 

Manhattan area (Midtown)



First, we would like to introduce the Manhattan area, which has the largest number of properties and is convenient for both commuting and playing.

 

1. Atlas New YorkLocation:66 W 38th St, Midtown South
Rent: $5,500 (one bedroom), $6,500 (two bedroom)
Pool: None
Gym: Open 24 hours
Features:Excellent location in the heart of Midtown, a 5-minute walk to the Empire State Building, 38-story high-rise condominium with a spectacular view of Manhattan from the rooftop lounge.24The hotel is equipped with a 24-hour doorman, state-of-the-art gym facilities, and a business center.Bryant Park is also nearby, so you can enjoy city life to the fullest!The property is The property is particularly popular.

 

2.The Eugene
Location:435 W 31st St, Hudson Yards
Rent: $5,800 (one bedroom), $6,900 (two bedroom)
Swimming pool: Yes (indoor)
Gym: Open 24 hours
Features:Located in the new "Hudson Yards" waterfront development near the new Hudson River, which will be developed starting in 2019, and within walking distance of Whole Foods Market. Amenities include a basketball court, golf simulator, and library. Nearby are the offices of Amazon, Meta, and other tech companies.

 

3. The Max
Location:606 W 57th St, Midtown West
Rent: $5,200 (one bedroom), $6,100 (two bedroom)
Pool: None
Gym: Open 24 hours
Features: great location overlooking the Hudson River. Unique amenities include a basketball court, golf simulator, and pet spa. There are many condominiums in this area and the author used to live here and highly recommends this area for its convenience. It is one of those places where the view from the upper floors is very spectacular.

 

4. Beatrice
Location:105 W 29th Street, Midtown
Rent: $6,100 (one bedroom), $7,200 (two bedroom)
Pool: None
Gym: 6am-10pm
Features: entrance is right next to the Moxy Hotel, and you enter through a separate entrance from the hotel. The lounge is over 50 floors above ground level and offers a very pleasant view, one of the best in NYC apartments. You can even see the Statue of Liberty from the corner unit. This is one of our most popular properties.For those who want to enjoy the best night viewRecommended for

 

5. The Landon
Location:520 West 43rd Street, Hell's Kitchen
Rent: $5,200 (one bedroom), $6,000 (two bedroom)
Pool: None
Gym: open 6AM-11PM
Features: conveniently located within walking distance to Times Square. Features: ample community space, including a rooftop garden, grilling facilities, and lounge area. The property is relatively spacious and also within walking distance to midtown for those who have company in the area, making it a popular choice for both areas.

 

Manhattan Area (Nomad)


The popular Nomad property (short for north of madison) will be conveniently located north of Madison Square Garden.

 

6. The Capitol
Location:776 6th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Rent: $5,700 (one bedroom), $6,900 (two bedroom)
Swimming pool: None
Gym: Open 24 hours
Features: very convenient and spacious property located in the Chelsea area near Nomad. The property has a state-of-the-art gym and many of the rooms are equipped with a washer and dryer in the room.

 

7. Chelsea Landmark
Location:55 West 25th Street, NoMad
Rent: $5,500 (one bedroom), $6,400 (two bedroom)
Swimming pool: Yes (indoor)
Gym: Open 24 hours
Features: Conveniently located near Chelsea and Nomad, as well as the Flatiron District; 24-hour doorman; package rooms; pet-friendly facilities; co-working space; and other amenities to accommodate modern lifestyles.

 

8. Prism at Park Avenue South
Location:400 Park Avenue South, NoMad
Rent: $5,800 (one bedroom), $6,800 (two bedroom)
Swimming pool: Yes (indoor)
Gym: Open 24 hours
Characteristics: The highly distinctive exterior is a progressive design by renowned architect Christian de Porzamparc. The views from the large floor-to-ceiling windows are unique. The building offers a full range of amenities, including concierge service, an indoor swimming pool, and a wine cellar. It also features lower gym fees compared to other properties.

 

Manhattan Area (Uptown)


Uptown is a relatively quiet area, and the non-touristy nature of the area makes it a good area for family living.

9. Waterline SquareLocation:400 West 61st Street, Upper West Side
Rent: $5,800 (one bedroom), $6,700 (two bedroom)
Swimming pool: Yes (indoor)
Gym: Open 24 hours
Features: located in an upscale new residential neighborhood along the Hudson River, including a 3-acre private park. Luxurious amenities include indoor tennis courts, indoor pool, art studio, etc. Trader Joe's and other amenities are within walking distance.

 

Brooklyn Area



Brooklyn is a popular neighborhood with many areas that have been developed in recent years. It is larger in size than Manhattan and is a good choice for those with children.

 

10. Level BK Level
Location:2 North 6th Place, Williamsburg
Rent: $5,400 (one bedroom), $6,300 (two bedroom)
Swimming pool: Yes (outside)
Gym: Open 24 hours
Features:Located in Williamsburg, arguably Brooklyn's most popular neighborhood, boasting spectacular skyline views of Manhattan. The building features an outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, and yoga studio. The pool is a very distinctive feature of the property.

 

11. The Brooklyn Grove
Location:10 Grove Street, Downtown Brooklyn
Rent: $5,000 (one bedroom), $5,800 (two bedroom)
Swimming pool: Yes (indoor)
Gym: Open 24 hours
Features:Located in the heart of Brooklyn with easy access to multiple subway lines. Indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and lounge.

 

Long Island City Area



Long Island City is in Queens as a community. It is a popular area with 1-2 stops to Manhattan and a great view of Manhattan. It is also a great place to live if you have children.

 

12. Eagle LoftsLocation:43-22 Queens St, Long Island City
Rent: $4,800 (one bedroom), $5,500 (two bedroom)
Pool: None
Gym: open 6AM-11PM
Features: Easy access to Manhattan (1 stop) and spacious interior space. Family-friendly amenities include a rooftop garden, co-working space, and a kids' room.

 

13. Skyline TowerLocation:23-15 44th Drive, Long Island City
Rent: $5,300 (one bedroom), $6,200 (two bedroom)
Swimming pool: Yes (indoor)
Gym: Open 24 hours
Features: highest residential building in Queens with panoramic views of Manhattan. Indoor pool, sauna and steam room.

 

14. Jackson park
Location:28-10 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City
Rent: $5,100 (one bedroom), $5,900 (two bedroom)
Swimming pool: Yes (indoor/outdoor)
Gym: Open 24 hours
Features: large 3-building complex with 2 acres of private parkland. Amenities include indoor pool, sauna, tennis courts, and rooftop deck. Conveniently located 10 minutes to Manhattan by subway.

 

15. Alta LIC
Location:29-22 Northern Boulevard, Long Island City
Rent: $4,900 (one bedroom), $5,700 (two bedroom)
Swimming pool: Yes (indoor)
Gym: open 5AM-12AM
Features: Conveniently located directly connected to Queen's Plaza Station. Features community oriented facilities such as co-working space, library, and rooftop barbecue area.

 

 

These are just some of the properties we are pleased to introduce to you,All properties will be connected to a leasing representative. Quick response and availability can be checked quickly.It is.

We can show you all properties in New York and New Jersey that are not listed above,Please feel free to contact us.

8. latest edition as of November 2024, average rent in each area


Finally, we will list the average rent for each area.

We hope you can use the highest of the following prices as a guide, especially for full-service properties that are often occupied by expatriates, complete with doorman, co-working space and gym. (For the first, $5,600 for a 1 Bed Room, $8,200 for a 2 Bed Room, and so on)





areasubareaStudio1 Bed Room2 Bed RoomsManhattanMidtown East (Turtle Bay, Murray Hill)$2,900 – $3,600$3,900 – $5,600$5,600 – $8,200Midtown West (Hell's Kitchen, Theater District)$2,800 – $3,500$3,800 – $5,500$5,500 – $8,000Upper East Side$2,500 – $3,200$3,500 – $5,000$5,000 – $7,500Upper West Side$2,600 – $3,300$3,600 – $5,200$5,200 – $7,800Chelsea$2,900 – $3,700$4,000 – $5,800$5,800 – $8,500Greenwich Village$3,000 – $3,800$4,100 – $5,900$5,900 – $8,600Financial District (FiDi, Financial District)$3,000 – $3,800$4,200 – $6,000$6,000 – $9,000Flatiron District$3,100 – $3,900$4,300 – $6,100$6,100 – $9,100SoHo$3,200 – $4,000$4,400 – $6,200$6,200 – $9,200BrooklynWilliamsburg$2,800 – $3,500$3,500 – $5,000$4,500 – $6,500DUMBO/Brooklyn Heights$3,000 – $3,800$3,800 – $5,500$5,000 – $7,500Park Slope$2,500 – $3,200$3,200 – $4,500$4,000 – $6,000QueensAstoria$1,800 – $2,400$2,300 – $3,200$2,800 – $3,800Long Island City$2,500 – $3,200$3,200 – $4,500$4,000 – $5,500Forest Hills$1,700 – $2,200$2,100 – $2,800$2,600 – $3,500BronxRiverdale$1,500 – $2,000$1,800 – $2,500$2,300 – $3,200Concourse$1,300 – $1,800$1,600 – $2,200$2,000 – $2,800Staten IslandSt. George$1,400 – $1,900$1,700 – $2,300$2,100 – $2,800Tottenville$1,200 – $1,600$1,500 – $2,000$1,800 – $2,400

Source: Zillow Rent Index October 2024, NYU Furman Center State of New York City's Housing and Neighborhoods 2024








 

Finding a place to rent and start up your life in New York can be a challenge in an unfamiliar environment, but with proper preparation, it can be a very rewarding experience.

We sincerely wish everyone a wonderful home search and a comfortable start to life.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this article.

New York City was, is, and will remain the center of the world 100 years from now.

Our company, Reinvent NY Inc, continues to support individuals, companies, and expatriates entering or moving to the United States in 2019, offering comprehensive services to support all aspects of New York real estate brokerageThe company is doing so.

For brokering properties for expatriates, we charge one month's rent as an agent's commission.

In addition, in order to use the above services, expatriates are required toInformation needed before and after migrationYou can feel free to consult with us about ".New YorkResidency Consultation Service"as an ancillary service.

 

Please contact us for more information.

Comprehensive support for property search (Japanese only)One month's rent as broker's commission. The following will be waived with the use of this service)

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interpoint (interword separation)Free one-hour consultation service to secretly discuss skill development and even career concerns while stationed in Japan (Customers using our property brokerage service)

Other issues such as asset building in the U.S., credit card processing, family employment, and so on.representativeThis and that you can consult with the

If you have any of these problems, please feel free to contact us. (We can consult with you even before you leave for your new assignment.We recommend that you consult with us as soon as possible, especially in March when the new fiscal year begins, as it is very busy.)

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Read the Japanese version of this article on reinvent.co.jp

Satoshi Onodera — Founder & CEO of Reinvent NY

Satoshi Onodera

Founder & CEO, Reinvent NY Inc.

In 2019, Satoshi left his career at NTT Data and Mercari, self-funded an E-2 investor visa, and relocated to New York to start Reinvent NY. Today, the company serves over 100 clients from 20+ countries with E-2 visa consulting, real estate, and relocation support. Satoshi holds a New York State Real Estate License.

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