What to know when renting an apartment

It is quite difficult to find a good apartment for long-term rent in large cities. In addition, potential tenants can face problems such as outdated photos, hidden fees and agents who disappear the day after you sign. The good news: almost every rental headache is avoidable if you know what to check and in what order.

Start with verified listings only

A genuine listing shows the exact address, the real floor area and photos taken in the current tenancy — not a model unit from three renovations ago. On Marrow Lane, the Verified badge means an agent has visited the home, checked ownership and measured the rooms. If a deal looks 20% cheaper than everything around it, it is either a scam or a typo; in both cases, walk away.

Tour with a checklist, not a feeling

Falling in love with the light is fine, but bring a list: run every tap, flush, open the windows, check phone signal in the bedroom, and ask where the laundry actually is. Photograph every existing scuff — those pictures are your deposit back at the end of the tenancy.

Ask three questions out loud: what exactly is included in the rent, who do I call at 2am for a leak, and why did the last tenant leave? Hesitation on any of them tells you plenty.

Understand the money before you apply

A standard New York move-in is first month's rent plus one month's deposit held in escrow — everything documented, nothing in cash. Broker fees, where they exist, are agreed in writing before the viewing, never sprung on you at the lease signing. Budget a useful rule of thumb: your annual income should cover about 40 times the monthly rent.

Never transfer money for a home you haven't stood inside — or had a licensed agent stand inside for you, with a video call to prove it.

Read the lease like it matters — it does

The lease decides who pays for a broken boiler, whether you can sublet, how much notice you owe and what "normal wear" means. Renewal terms matter too: a preferential rent that jumps 15% in year two is a different deal than it first appears. If a clause confuses you, ask — a good agent explains it in plain language before you sign, not after.

After the keys: the first 48 hours

Do a photo inventory the day you move in and send it to your agent in writing. Test every key, remote and fob. Introduce yourself to the super — the person who fixes your heat is worth knowing by name. Then enjoy it: the paperwork is done, the home is yours, and our repair line stays one call away for the whole tenancy.