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NYC Apartments

NYC Renting Guide

Find Your
Perfect Rental.

Your complete guide to renting in New York City, including your rights under the FARE Act.

Milton Coste

Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

Know Your Rights

The FARE Act

Effective June 11, 2025 — Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses

✓ Your Rights

  • Landlords cannot charge you broker fees — It's now illegal
  • You can choose to hire your own broker and pay fees
  • Listings must clearly state all fees you'll pay
  • Written itemized fee list required before signing

⚖️ File a Complaint

  • Visit nyc.gov/consumers
  • Call 311 (or 212-639-9675 outside NYC)
  • You can sue in civil court for violations
NYC Street

The Advantage

Why Work With Milton?

Even with the FARE Act, having a dedicated broker on your side makes all the difference.

Early Access

See apartments before they're listed publicly through my broker network.

Scam Protection

I verify every listing and landlord to protect you from rental fraud.

Save Time

I curate apartments matching your criteria so you only see what fits.

Application Help

I guide you through paperwork and make your application stand out.

View From Anywhere

3D & Video Tours

Can't be there in person? No problem. Explore apartments virtually before visiting.

3D Virtual Tours

Interactive walkthroughs you control. Explore every room, measure spaces, and view from multiple angles at your own pace.

Matterport iGuide 24/7 Access

Video Tours

Recorded or live walkthrough videos showing layout, natural light, finishes, and true apartment condition.

HD Quality Narrated Shareable

Live Video Calls

Real-time FaceTime or Zoom tours with me. Ask questions, see specific details, and get immediate answers.

FaceTime Zoom WhatsApp
Virtual tours offer flexibility and convenience. We still recommend an in-person visit before signing when possible.

Step by Step

The Rental Process

1

Define Your Needs

Budget, neighborhoods, must-haves, move-in date, and deal-breakers.

2

Prepare Documents

Pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, ID, and references ready to go.

3

View Apartments

Tour curated listings that match your criteria with me as your guide.

4

Submit Application

Complete application with all required documents. I'll review everything first.

5

Lease Signing

Review lease terms carefully. I'll explain everything before you sign.

6

Move In!

Get your keys and start your new NYC life. Document condition on move-in.

NYC Subway

Be Prepared

Documents Checklist

NYC landlords move fast. Having these ready gives you an advantage.

Income Verification

Last 2-3 pay stubs, employment letter, last 2 years tax returns

Financial Documents

3 months bank statements, proof of savings

Identification

Government-issued photo ID, Social Security card

References

Previous landlord contact, employer reference, personal references

Market Reality

NYC Rental Costs

What to expect when budgeting for your NYC apartment

First Month

1x Rent

Due at lease signing

Security Deposit

1x Rent

Max allowed by law

Common Guideline

40x*

Not a hard rule—options exist!

*40x is a common landlord guideline, not a legal requirement. Many pathways exist if you don't meet this—see next slide!

Your Rights: Lawful Source of Income

Under NYS and NYC law, lawful source of income is a protected class. Landlords cannot refuse to rent based on your income source, including Section 8 vouchers, FHEPS, CityFHEPS, or other government housing assistance. If you experience discrimination, contact NYS Division of Human Rights at (844) 862-8703.

Brownstones

You Have Options

Many Paths to Your Apartment

40x is just a guideline—here are real options that help NYC renters every day

Personal Guarantor

A family member or friend who:

  • Earns 80x the monthly rent
  • Lives in NY, NJ, or CT (usually)
  • Has good credit

Institutional Guarantor

Services like Insurent or The Guarantors:

  • Cost: ~1 month's rent (one-time)
  • No family member required
  • Great for relocating renters

Housing Vouchers

Your lawful source of income is protected:

  • Section 8 / HCV
  • CityFHEPS / FHEPS
  • Other gov't assistance

Discrimination is illegal under NYS & NYC law

Protect Yourself

Avoid Rental Scams

🚩

Price Too Good

If rent is significantly below market rate, it's likely a scam.

🚩

Can't See Inside

Never pay without touring. "Landlord is out of town" = red flag.

🚩

Wire Money Request

Legitimate landlords accept checks. Wire transfers can't be reversed.

🚩

Pressure Tactics

"Act now or lose it" creates urgency scammers exploit.

🚩

No Lease

Always get a written lease. Verbal agreements offer no protection.

✓

Work With Milton

I verify every listing and protect you from fraud.

Queens

Equal Housing

Your Protected Rights

Housing discrimination is illegal. Know your rights.

You Cannot Be Denied Housing Based On:

Race / Color

Religion

National Origin

Sex / Gender

Family Status

Disability

Sexual Orientation

Source of Income

Report discrimination: nyc.gov/fairhousing or call 311

Where to Rent

Explore NYC Neighborhoods

Manhattan

  • Washington Heights
  • Inwood
  • Harlem
  • Upper West Side
  • East Village

Brooklyn

  • Williamsburg
  • Bushwick
  • Bed-Stuy
  • Crown Heights
  • Park Slope

Queens

  • Astoria
  • Long Island City
  • Sunnyside
  • Jackson Heights
  • Forest Hills

Bronx

  • Riverdale
  • Pelham Bay
  • Kingsbridge
  • Morris Park
  • Fordham
Apartment Interior

Start Your Search

Ready to Find
Your NYC Home?

Let's find you the perfect rental. Free consultation, no obligation.

Schedule Consultation (917) 416-7433
Scan to Schedule

Scan to Schedule

calendly.com/mcoste

Keller Williams NYC

Milton Coste

Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

Phone

(917) 416-7433

Email

mcoste@kwnyc.com

Website

miltoncoste.com

360 Madison Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10017
NY License #10301213304

Equal Housing Opportunity. Milton Coste is committed to Fair Housing principles.