People need short term rentals for a variety of reasons, from travel and tourism to business trips and conferences. Thankfully, finding a rental on your terms is easier than you might think. Here are a few apartment hunting tips to consider while looking for New York City short term rentals:
Furnished or Unfurnished
If you are moving to NYC for the first time or are relocating from across the country, pause for a moment before completely discounting furnished apartments. The cost of shipping and moving your furniture may surprise you. Thankfully, furnished apartments are readily available in a variety of neighborhoods.
If you do decide to take an unfurnished apartment, you should still take a close look at your belongings and decide what could be left behind. Do you have a heavy, old-fashioned sleeper sofa or a run-down set of table and chairs? Consider leaving them with a friend or donation center and picking up a few new pieces after you move.
Contract Lengths and Restrictions
Depending on your short term rental needs, you might want a single month, month-to-month, or six-month lease. Your landlord may also offer leases in other lengths, but ask about his or her ability to raise the rent by month. If you think you may be interested in subleasing in the future, first make sure that it is allowed.
If you plan to convert a one-bedroom apartment into one used by two or three people, make sure your contract allows for addition occupants. When it comes to having pets, ask up front about deposits and additional fees. You can also consult with an experienced real estate broker to help you navigate contracts and fees.
Deposits and Other Fees
In the long run, short term rentals can be much more cost-effective and comfortable than staying in a hotel. You should, however, keep track of any added fees associated with New York City short term rentals. Ask if there are security deposits or cleaning fees, and know that some apartments do not allow pets, even with pet deposits. Will you be paying for electric or gas on top of your rent, or all utilities included? Similarly, you may want to find out about laundry facilities or gym memberships. Finally, if you own a vehicle, ask about parking fees or curbside restrictions.
Neighborhood Atmosphere and Travel Considerations
If you are calling ahead or browsing online, do some research on the most common boroughs and neighborhoods of the city. This will help you know if a certain area or community is a good fit for you. Depending on your job, conference location, or tourism destinations, be sure to look up the proximity of subway or bus stops as well as the average commute length and the number of transfers.
