Brooklyn Real Estate Q&A and Info

How To Rent An Apartment In Brooklyn, NY Part Two

A week or so ago I wrote part one of “How to Rent an Apartment In Brooklyn“.  Here’s the second half of my guide for renters.

Let the Search Begin

Once you’ve established your budget and the neighborhoods you can afford to live in, go and visit those neighborhoods, especially if you are not familiar with them.  Visit on a Saturday night, during the day on a weekday and a weekday evening.  Note the streets close to transportation.  Note where the stores, post office, banks and what have you are.  Get a feel for the area.  Check the advertisements for apartments in local realtor’s window displays.

Viewing Apartments

Don’t be late for appointments.  You want to put your best foot forward so that the landlord will like you and want to rent to you.  Showing up 20 mins late for an appointment can mean the difference between getting the apartment and losing it to someone else.  If it’s a great apartment in hot area, you’re not the only one interested in it.

When it comes to looking at apartments, the best advice I can give is take notes.  Take pictures (always ask first, especially if the space is occupied).  After you’ve seen a number of apartments the details start to blend together and notes or pictures will help you keep all the apartments straight in your mind.

Remember, you’re not an intruder or a peeping tom.  Take your time and take a good look at the place, even if the renter or landlord is present.  Feel free to open closets and cabinets.  Its expected.

So, do you like it?

If you find a really great place that you love at a really great price in a really hot neighborhood be prepared to say you want to rent it on the spot.  If you need to think for a moment or two ask the landlord or Realtor to let you do just that.  He or she won’t mind.  If you need a little more time than that, go home and think about it, but don’t take too long.  The next day may be too late.

The Application Process

Make sure all your documents are neat and legible.  They are a reflection on you and again can mean the difference between you getting the apartment or the competition.

Many of the landlords I work with like to do a formal meeting with potential renters before they make a decision.  Be prepared for that.  The interview is also a great time for you to get to know the landlord.  Does the landlord seem tyrannical?  Does the landlord seem like some you can easily work with?  Get a feel for him or her.  Remember, if he or she lives in the building that person will be your neighbor.

Once you and the landlord have decided that your living there will be a good fit, the next step is the lease signing.  All the terms that the landlord has for your tenancy will be laid out then.  Read the lease and any riders.  You’ll have to live by them, so you should know what they say.   Once the lease is signed, you’ll get the keys and you can move into your new apartment.

There is work involved in finding an apartment to rent in Brooklyn, New York, but if you use this guide, and opt to use a good realtor, it can be a piece of cake.  Or perhaps a slice of big apple pie.