4 of 6

Write now Article Tools

Page 4 of 5

shame in speaking out to the universe and letting it know your needs. And sometimes the universe is a multi-millionaire old lady who just happens to go to the Temple/church/swap meet in the neighborhood where you want to live.

2. Walk around and look up. Very often you will see in the windows of any number of assorted buildings a sign "apartment for rent." These are usually put up by landlords and folks who generally don't want to pay to place an ad in the paper.

3. Doormen/Supers. Yet another way to find a great apartment in NYC for very little. I once had a friend just out of college who was living on Carmine Street in the village. Once again this neighborhood is so expensive, you could live a year in Wichita on one month's rent there. I asked him how he got the apartment. He told me that his boss, an editor at a local publishing house, had sent him to see the super. When he went to the super he gave the guy 1,000.00. The super than sublet an apartment to him -a nice studio with loft space bedroom - for 500.00 a month. True, it was probably an illegal sublet...but he got the place and has been living there happily for many years. The trick here is to not be afraid to talk to the doorman. If possible invite him for a coffee. Or maybe just say a nice "hello" to him everyday on the way to your volunteer work at the shelter/make a wish foundation/cancer society...etc. You can't put a price on this kind of know how...well maybe you can and for you it translates into thousands of dollars that could be put to other causes.

4. The 80/20 rule. This is a very little known fact that any new building that goes up in NYC/Manhattan has to provide 20% apartments to those of moderate or lower income. This applies to rentals only. The way to get in on this is fairly simple. When you see a new building going up, write down the name of the management company on the billboard/sign (they all have them). Write them a letter and ask them about the 80/20 program. They will send you an application. Generally it goes by income, for example, 25K - 50K for a family of one (increases with family size) and varies for apartment size. You fill out the application and then it is picked "by lottery." If you are chosen, you will be invited for an initial interview. There are restrictions...for example, if you are going alone, they will give you a 30 year lease, but only you can live in the apartment. You may have guests, but not for more than 30 days. And your income must meet with their restrictions

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about How to find a cheap apartment in New York City?
We want to hear your view. Write now!