Are you searching to rent a furnished room in New York City for an extended stay? Coming to a big city and getting student accommodation, for example, in New York City, can be a bit of a headache. This is because there are just too many things to put into consideration. And that’s how it is with many other housing options.
The Big Apple is famous for its fierce real estate market. But to make this process easier and get a good deal, you’ll need a solid understanding of how things work and a healthy dose of patience. You can find more information from SharedEasy, a reliable company offering coliving in New York.
Although locating furnished rooms for an extended stay in Manhattan or Brooklyn may appear to be a near-impossible task at the moment, with the appropriate guidance and advice, you may just find your next temporary apartment.
In New York City, here’s how to find a furnished room.
Finding A Furnished Room In New York: All You Should Know
Do you know that you don’t have to carry your furniture and fittings with you every time you need to move into or inside New York City?
How many times have you had to move from your house for only a month and been put off by the thought of having to live in a hotel or guest house? Yes, and you wished you could have the homey feel that a well-furnished room brings while not having to pay so much money to live there?
That is the purpose of furnished room rentals. But how do you find them?
Have A Budget
Even if we are simply talking about a room, rent in NYC can be pricey. Before you begin searching for furnished rooms for rent in NYC, figure out what you can afford (and what you are willing to pay) then create a budget.
After you have done this, it will be easier for you to filter through rooms and locations depending on what you want and can afford if you have a defined budget.
Start An Early Search
If you’re looking for a furnished room to rent in New York City, you should understand that the early bird gets the worm. Decide when you want to travel and begin your search months ahead of time to ensure you find something you love and can afford. Keep also in mind that, as we’ll explain later, rates are frequently higher at specific times.
Find The Best Time
During some times of the year, rent can be higher than normal. The peak season usually begins in the spring and finishes in the fall. If at all possible, move during the winter months, when rent is typically lower and you can discover better discounts.
Work With A Broker
If you’ve never done this before, you’ll be surprised to learn that several apartments are handled by real estate brokers who charge you (rather than the landlord) a high fee if you eventually rent. Expect to pay a broker’s charge ranging from one month’s rent to 15% of a year’s rent for a less-than-ideal room or location, or for a property that’s underperforming in the market for whatever reason.
A “no-fee” apartment, on either hand, is one that you rent solely from the landlord, or one where the landlord pays the broker’s charge (mostly because the apartment—or room in this case—is undesirable in the market for some reason, or that the building is new and the landlord looks to fill it in up a hurry).
There are several instances when using a broker makes sense, such as when you’ve exhausted all other possibilities for locating a no-fee apartment.
Know When To Work With A Broker
Consider dealing with a broker if you do not have time to get the job done yourself and would love to access a larger pool of properties.
There are several reasons that will make you consider an agent. They include:
- you’re new in town and can’t find things yourself, or
- you’re on a business trip and your employer pays the broker’s fee.
Keep in mind that the reliability of rental brokers in New York City is famously inconsistent. The realtors you should avoid—and there are a lot of them—tend to entice clients by advertising a too-good-to-be-true flat (or room) that isn’t actually up for rent.
Finally, landlords that are eager to rent their property may pay everything or part of the broker’s fee. An “Owner-Paid Fee” is referred to as an “OP” in the industry. These are more common from November to February, when the building is new and has to be occupied, the unit is quite unpleasant, or the rent is relatively high. It is in your rights to know if your broker is entitled to an OP on a certain unit and to have it applied to the fee you both agreed.
Be Observant And Ask Questions
There’s a lot more to furnished New York City rooms than floors, windows, and walls—and most of it is hidden to the untrained eye, especially for those who have never leased in the city. Prepare to examine each prospective room with the eye of a seasoned tenant to avoid unpleasant surprises later as you may be spending longer than usual in the room.
Come around midnight to check if any nightclubs or rooftop bars are going to be threatening your peace. Street noise can be reduced by soundproofing your windows, so it’s not always a reason to rule out a room you really want. Speak with the neighbors about any noise issues both inside and outside the building, as some buildings may be more soundproof than others.
After You Find One, Act Fast
When you find a room that you like, you must be ready to act quickly or it will be taken by someone else. This implies that if you like the place, you must say “yes” right away and fill out all necessary paperwork.
Of course, before you even go to inspect the room, you must have all of the documentation needed to support your application ready.