OCHA Housing Resources

New York City's rental market is different from most other cities. The information and suggestions in this section will help you become acquainted with the rental process and what you can do before you arrive to make your search for an apartment as easy as possible.

Your Needs

Assess your needs by answering the following questions:

  • Rent: How much can you afford to pay each month?
  • Location: Where would you prefer to live? (Options will vary according to budget)
  • Size of Apartment: Do you want a place just for yourself or will you be living with family/roommates?
  • Pets: If you have a pet, your apartment choices will be limited.
  • Move-in date: We recommend that you start your search approximately three weeks in advance.
Documentation

You may need the following documentation before you start your search so that you're ready to apply for an apartment. Please note that if you are a student or have insufficient income to meet the financial requirements for renting, this documentation will need to be provided by a guarantor rather than you. Most landlords want to see that your annual income is at least 40 times the monthly rent or that your guarantor's income is at least 80 times the monthly rent.

  • Letter of employment and salary verification
  • Pay stubs
  • Tax returns
  • Bank statements
  • Name, address, phone number of previous landlords
  • Photo identification (driver's license, passport)
  • Names, addresses and phone numbers of personal and business references
  • MONEY - Prepare the necessary funds for renting an apartment in New York. Landlords will generally not accept personal checks and often require certified funds. Bring enough traveler's checks to convert into certified checks to cover the cost of two months' rent (first month's rent and security deposit) and any brokerage fees (up to 15% of one year's rent) which are due at lease signing. You will also need funds to cover an application/credit check fees ($65-100).
The Search

Now you're ready to search for an apartment. Once you've found an apartment you like, you will be asked to fill out a rental application, submit documentation and pay application/credit check fees. 

Upon approval, you will be asked to sign a lease with the landlord and pay your first month's rent and security deposit and any other applicable fees. You can then make arrangements for a move-in date with your landlord or building superintendent.

Tips
  • Do not rent an apartment or room without seeing it in person.
  • Do not rely on the opinion of others or photographs to give you a complete view of the living space and its location.
  • Meet all your roommates before moving into a shared living space.
  • Never wire money to secure an apartment. 

OCHA has developed a cooperative relationship with two NYC real estate/relocation agencies, Corcoran and Douglas Elliman, to provide free counseling and reduced brokerage fees for Columbia affiliates. You will not incur any fees by participating in this free counseling service and are under no obligation to use these firms as your real estate agent.

To request counseling, contact one of OCHA's cooperating real estate/relocation agencies.

Corcoran 

The Corcoran Group, a leading residential real estate brokerage company based in New York City, operates 52 offices with 3,270 licensed real estate agents serving buyers, sellers and renters across Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Hamptons, the North Fork of Long Island and Shelter Island, N.Y., as well as offices in Florida.

Eric Hamm 
Senior Managing Director, Licensed Real Estate Broker 
(212) 957-4100
[email protected] 

Kimberly Pickard
Manager, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
(646) 676-5470
[email protected]

Douglas Elliman

Douglas Elliman is the second largest independent real estate company in the USA and is ranked the largest rental and residential brokerage in New York City.  They have more than 7,000 agents and provide coverage in all boroughs of New York City as well as the Tri-State.

Christine Haney
EVP Global Relocation and Referral Services
(212) 303-5250 (direct); (646) 709-2947 (mobile)
[email protected]

 

 

Insurent Lease Guaranty: Search the building list by address to see which landlords accept Insurent.

The Guarantors Agency: For US residents, the guarantee typically costs around 4.75-7.5% of the annual rent. For non-US residents, the cost is typically around 7-10% of the annual rent.

    • Housing NYC: New York City Rent Guidelines Board provides information on the housing market including resources for finding apartments, market data, landlord/tenant issues, rights and advice; email question and answer forum; guidelines for rent stabilized apartments.
    • Tenant Net: Information on tenant issues and legal information. Links to tenant organizations and government agencies.
    • Tenants' Rights Guide: Published by the New York State Attorney General.
    • Housing Court Answers: Information about what happens in Housing Court, a Glossary of Legal Terms, and a Legal Help Guide. Also includes information about Roommate Issues and Tenant Rights.
    • NYSHCR: New York State Homes and Community Renewal. New York State's housing agency. Click on "Rent Administration" for information on rent regulated apartments.
    • NYCHPD: New York City Housing Preservation & Development: New York City's housing agency. Information on affordable housing, landlord/tenant issues and housing complaints.
    • Just Fix NYC: A free service that helps New Yorkers get repairs in their homes through easy-to-use tools. They will work with you to document your issues, know your rights, and take action.

    The Columbia Office of Work/Life provides Information about available services, including: a moving guide, rental guide, visitor housing options, and a list of movers and storage facilities.

    Find short-term and temporary housing options, including hotels, guest rooms & more: Work/Life Temporary Housing & Hotels