What paperwork will I need?
The paperwork required to complete a rental application includes a credit check, letter of employment, bank statements, pay stubs and recent tax returns. Please consult with your agent, as many landlords have different qualification procedures.

How much do I have to earn to be approved?
A tenant's annual income typically must equal 40-50 times the monthly rent.

Does the building allow guarantors?
At the discretion of the landlord, some buildings allow guarantors with New York State residence only, while others allow Tri-State area residence. However, certain landlords will accept a guarantor from anywhere in the United States.

What does my guarantor need to do?
A guarantor typically must earn an annual income that is 75-90 times greater than the monthly rent in most buildings.

Can I combine incomes?
Sometimes landlords will allow a combination of incomes, while in other cases, they will require that one individual qualifies on his or her own.

How long does it take for approval?
The length of time varies. A rental application can take as little as one hour, or as long as one week to be approved. A co-op sublet can take several weeks, depending on when the board meets.

Do I have to pay for water?
No, this is not charged to tenants.

What is included in the rent?
Usually heat and hot water are included. Electric heat is not included; that would appear on your electric bill.

What are the utilities?
Gas and electricity are the NYC apartment utilities.

What is a security deposit?
A deposit is usually one month's rent, though it can vary in each building. The money is used in the event that damages are incurred to the apartment. The deposit money may not be used to pay the last month's rent.

What are the lease terms?
Typical lease terms are one or two years.

Can I put my own lock on the door?
Yes. A copy of the key must go to the landlord.

Is the building pet friendly?
Depending on the building, different rules dictate whether a particular pet would be allowed. In some cases, pets need to be under a certain weight requirement, typically 30-40 lbs, which would exclude larger dogs from living there. Some buildings allow just cats, while others do not allow pets at all. It is also possible for a building to limit the number of dogs permitted to one or maybe two.

What amenities are in the neighborhood?
Each neighborhood varies regarding the number of surrounding shops and services. Manhattan contains an abundance of grocery stores, dry cleaners, video & DVD rental shops, and other services within short proximity to most residential areas.

Where is public transportation?
Complimentary MTA maps are available at every subway station. They can also be found at Grand Central Station, Penn Station and The Port Authority Terminal. Online maps and schedules also are available at http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us. Any Citi Habitats office can direct you to an address in Manhattan, and advise you on the best transportation to use.

Can I paint the walls?
Yes, but they must be restored to the original color before you vacate.

Can I put up a wall?
This depends on each building's policy. Many landlords allow tenants to construct pressurized walls, not permanent ones. Bear in mind that many landlords require that upon vacating the apartment it must be restored to its original condition, otherwise you may be penalized.

Will the apartment be painted before I move in?
Not always. Every building has a different procedure for its walls when apartments change from one tenant to another.

Will the apartment be cleaned?
Most of the time apartments are cleaned and painted prior to a new tenant's occupancy, but you should always ask for confirmation.

Will the apartment be pre-wired for phone and cable?
Most new buildings are pre-wired for cable and phone lines, which simply need to be activated upon occupancy. If wiring is not already in place, arrangements can be made to install these services.

What is an alcove studio?
An alcove studio usually has a recessed area within the apartment that can be divided into a separate space.

What is a convertible three?
A convertible three is a two bedroom apartment with an alcove or dining room that can be converted into a bedroom by adding a pressurized wall.

What is a junior four?
A junior four is a one bedroom apartment, often with one and a half baths and a dining area that can be converted into a second bedroom.

What is a rent-stabilized apartment?
Rent-stabilized units in New York City are those apartments in buildings of six or more units built between February 1, 1947 and January 1, 1974. Tenants are entitled to receive required services, to have their leases renewed, and may not be evicted except on grounds allowed by law.

What is a rent-controlled apartment?
For an apartment to be rent controlled the tenant must have been living there continuously since before July 1, 1971. When a rent controlled apartment becomes vacant, it either becomes rent stabilized or is removed from regulation.

Can I sublet my apartment?
This depends on the landlord and building. For the most part, you must make your intent clear upon signing the lease. If you do sublet your apartment, you must reoccupy the space as your primary residence when the sublease expires.