Switching Apartments in NYC

Moving is almost an annual sport for many New Yorkers. Do you want to upgrade to nicer (pricier) digs or want to economize? Looking to move into a larger pad? Or do you need less space thanks to the departure of a room mate or partner? Maybe you are just looking to move to a different part of town. No matter what your motivation, once you are already installed in a Manhattan pad, moving doesn’t necessarily have to be traumatic. Most people over look the best source for a new apartment, their own landlord.

The vast majority of landlords or management companies in New York City own or operate multiple buildings. For a landlord, a current tenant is a much safer bet that an unknown. Provided that you have been a good tenant (not been a nuisance and have paid your rent faithfully) your landlord will be more inclined to rent to you simply because you have an established track record. For the savvy apartment shopper, the first step should be their management office.

Many management companies also give current tenants the first crack at their apartments when they come on the market. Since you landlord already knows when a lease is up and generally, if a tenant will be vacating, by working with your own landlord, you may be able to view and even rent a unit before it even comes on the market or is available to real estate agents. In a competitive market place this can be a real benefit.

Generally you will not have to reapply, complete credit or references, or pay a deposit. The landlord will simply transfer your documents and deposit to your next apartment. You will have pay the difference in deposit however if your new rent is higher. But with access, ease of application, and the ability to switch over your deposit, finding an apartment with your current landlord is by far an ideal option.

originally posted April 20, 2007