Renting an apartment in New York: a checklist

Updated October 25, 2026

Renting in New York moves fast, and a good apartment can be gone the same day it is listed. A checklist lets you decide quickly without missing something expensive. This is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the official tenant information on NYC.gov and from the New York State Attorney General, or ask a lawyer about your lease.

Know the real monthly cost

The rent is only part of it. Ask which utilities you pay (electricity, gas, internet) and whether heat and hot water are included. Since June 2025, under the city's FARE Act, a tenant generally does not pay the fee of a broker the landlord hired. Roomly marks listings that have a broker fee. Application fees for a background and credit check are capped at $20 in New York.

Have your documents ready

Landlords often ask for proof of income, recent pay stubs or an offer letter, bank statements, photo ID and a credit check. Many use an income rule, often about 40 times the monthly rent per year. If you do not meet it, a guarantor or a guarantor service may be accepted. Having these ready lets you apply the day you see a place you like.

At the viewing

Signs of leaks, mold or pests, especially under sinks and in closets. Ask for the building's bedbug history, which landlords must disclose.
Heat and hot water: how is the apartment heated, and does it work well in winter?
Water pressure, windows, and whether there is an air conditioner or a window that can take one.
Laundry in the unit, in the building or nearby, and whether there is an elevator.
Noise from the street, the subway or neighbors.
Phone signal and internet options in the building.

What the lease should say

The lease length and the renewal terms.
Whether the apartment is rent stabilized. If it is, increases follow the city's Rent Guidelines Board, and you can request the rent history from the state housing agency.
Which utilities you pay and which the landlord pays.
Who fixes what, and how to report repairs.
Whether pets, roommates or subletting are allowed.
What happens if you need to leave early.

The security deposit

In New York the security deposit is generally capped at one month of rent, and after you move out the landlord has a set time to return it or explain any deductions in writing. Pay by a traceable method and keep every receipt.

Move-in day

Photograph every room, including existing damage, and send the photos to the landlord.
Set up electricity and gas in your name if the lease says so.
Save the building's contact for repairs, and know that you can call 311 about heat, hot water or other conditions.
Keep a copy of the signed lease and every payment receipt.

Searching on Roomly

Set your city, budget and move-in date once, and Roomly ranks apartments and rooms by how well they match. You can save listings, compare them, and contact owners directly. Browse by city to see current listings and typical prices.

All cities