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10 Important Things For The First Time New York Renter

For first timers out to rent apartment in NY, it can be both an exciting as well as nerve racking experience. There are so many factors at play here that even seasoned apartment hunters end up making mistakes. One can imagine what it must be like for someone who’s doing it for the first time. Fortunately for you, this article lays down ten essential things a first timer needs to keep in mind. Follow these guidelines and you will do just fine.

1. Keep your budget in mind: According to financial experts, you shouldn’t spend any more than 30% of your income on rent. Besides, rent isn’t the only expense you have to worry about when you rent apartment in NY. You will have to shell out money on electricity, food, cleaners, and utilities like entertainment, cable, and phone.

2. Consider the location: It isn’t enough to land the perfect apartment in New York; the location has to be ideal too. If such is your lifestyle, make sure you are close to transportation, work, and entertainment center. Even if you have to pay a bit more, choose a location that is central since it makes life really easy for you in every way.

3. Plan in advance for the deposits: In addition to the security deposit, there are other deposits to take into accounts. Such as deposit for having the electricity turned on or the deposit you need to make to the cable company for internet modem and the remote control. Don’t forget these overhead expenses.

4. Talk to your potential neighbors: The best way to get the inside scoop on the building, landlord, management, and general quality of life is by talking to people living around the prospective accommodation.

5. Check out the parking situation: By far, this has to be one of the most important factors to inquire about when you rent apartment in NY. It’s no fun walking six blocks home after a long day at work. Find out if the apartment provides parking spot and how much it will set you back every month.

6. Inspect the apartment from head to toe: For obvious reasons it’s important to check the condition of the apartment before you sign the lease. This includes checking water pressure in the bathroom; looking for any signs of water damage and checking to see if all the appliances operate correctly in addition to the general condition of the place. It’s essential to do this so that you aren’t held liable for any damage you haven’t done when you move out. Secondly, it also gives you a chance to ask your landlord to fix certain things (if you require) before you move in.

7. Read the lease, including the fine print: Whether you rent an apartment in Manhattan, Brooklyn or Queens, do not work under the assumption that all you spoke about in that friendly chat with your landlord will be included in the lease. Read the lease thoroughly and in case you have any questions, write them down and present them to the landlord or the management.

8. Keep a check book handy: Once things have reached the final stages, the landlord is bound to ask you for a check to cover a credit check, which is common practice when you rent apartment in NY. For this reason carry your check book with you. And, make sure your balance in the account to cover not just this amount but also two month’s rent and security.

9. Mend any delinquencies in your credit report: You will never be able to rent apartment in NY if you have a bad credit. That’s why you need to begin damage repair before you begin house hunting.

10. Get renter’s insurance: Finally, if you have cleared all hurdles and managed to rent an apartment in Manhattan, consider renter’s insurance. There’s no harm in preparing for all contingencies, is there?

Find apartments, co-ops, lofts and condos for rent in New York at RealDealNY.com

About Author:
Cindy Morrison is a Marketing Director with Real Deal Solutions Inc.
You can contact her at Facebook, Twitter or at her Blog

By: Cindy Morrison

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