To simplify your moving process, here are some useful tips from RentWiz.

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Know what you want

Before you begin your search, it is important to know what kind of apartment you want. The 3 main questions to ask yourself are as follows:

1) Where do I want to live?
Most people already know which neighborhoods they like and/or can afford. If you're new to New York however, you will save an enormous amount of time by researching neighborhoods. Use our Neighborhood Profiles page to assist you with the research.

2) When do I need to move?
The Real Estate market in New York City is fast. In order to find the ideal apartment, you need to be just as fast. RentWiz suggests that you start physically touring apartments 3-4 weeks before you are ready to move. It is doubtful that an owner will hold the apartment for much longer than that.

3) How much can I afford?
The general rule of thumb is that you should earn at least 35X your monthly rent. Take your annual salary and divide it by 35. That is what you should be able to afford. All landlords are different however. Some require more, some require less. Our listings identify the qualifying factors.

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Qualifications

There are 2 qualifying factors that landlords look for:

1) Income - Landlords need to verify that you can afford the apartment. They will require for proof of income which should be at least 35x's the monthly rent. 

2) Credit History - Landlords will require a credit report. You should have good credit. If you have a history of late payments or bankruptcies on file, the landlord might require extra security deposit and/or a guarantor (someone who co-signs the lease for you).  

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Documentation

You will need the following documents to accompany your application. Not having these ready during the application process could hinder the outcome, and you might loose the apartment to an applicant that was better prepared.

A) The Applicant

1- Letter of employment stating your position, start date and annual salary.
2- Two recent pay stubs.
3- Photo Identification such as drivers license or passport.

B) The Guarantor (if required)

1- A copy of the first and last page of their most recent Federal tax return, or a letter from a C.P.A. or attorney verifying their annual income.
2- A notarized "Guarantor Letter" which states they they guarantee all terms of the lease. This is usually provided by the landlord.