apartment hunting 101 help

[Kevin1211]

So I'm trying to find an apartment in NYC for the first time via craigslist. I found a list of potential places and I'm going to see them today. Any advice on how to go about finding an apartment without getting scammed? Let's say I find a place that I like (one of the places on my high list requires me to sign onto a lease), how do I go about paying for the deposit (obviously no wire transfer, etc)? Also, should I have them draw up a contract (if so, who signs it? just the roommates? Or do I need the landlords sig?). I am completely sorry for the stupid questions, but I am a complete "noob" when it comes to finding my own place (just graduated from college). Thanks in advance!

 

[Thebobo]

You take a look at Joe's Apartment?

 

[Tweak155]

Inform the landlord you will have roommates (not all will approve). Have him draw up a contract (all roommates will need to sign, likely) and don't hand any money over until it is time to sign.

Prior to signing find a lawyer to read over the contract to make sure you're not getting pwned. A good lawyer can identify whether or not the contract is pretty standard. Should cost you sub $200 and that is a cheap price for peace of mind.

 

[vshah]

www.padmapper.com is your friend for mapping out craigslist apartment listings

most NYC landlords will only accept a cashier's check (no personal checks) for the deposit.

 

[Kevin1211]

Inform the landlord you will have roommates (not all will approve). Have him draw up a contract (all roommates will need to sign, likely) and don't hand any money over until it is time to sign.

Prior to signing find a lawyer to read over the contract to make sure you're not getting pwned. A good lawyer can identify whether or not the contract is pretty standard. Should cost you sub $200 and that is a cheap price for peace of mind.

I failed to mention that I'm searching for a room to rent in an apartment. So I am the extra roommate that the original lease-holders will be having. Should I still contact the landlord?

 

[Blackjack200]

I failed to mention that I'm searching for a room to rent in an apartment. So I am the extra roommate that the original lease-holders will be having. Should I still contact the landlord?

I have no experience in this, but I would ask the tenant to see the lease he signed with the landlord. If the lease explicitly allows, or doesn't explicitly forbid subletting, I wouldn't bother contacting the landlord, just get a copy of the lease and make your own arrangements with the tenant.

 

[God Mode]

Look up the genuine property owner/landlord and inform them of your sub-lease with the tenants.

Its safer than being scammed by a "fake" owner or roommate scams where they cash your check and send your things to the curb and lock you out.

Don't be naive. NYC police don't give a shit about "civil" cases and use every excuse in the book to make you go away. If things go wrong, the only viable way to fight back is to hire an attorney with no guarentee.

 

[Kevin1211]

Look up the genuine property owner/landlord and inform them of your sub-lease with the tenants.

Its safer than being scammed by a "fake" owner or roommate scams where they cash your check and send your things to the curb and lock you out.

Don't be naive. NYC police don't give a shit about "civil" cases and use every excuse in the book to make you go away. If things go wrong, the only viable way to fight back is to hire an attorney with no guarentee.

stupid question, but how would I go about looking up the "genuine property owner/landlord"?

 

[Vdubchaos]

a) location
b) condition (tells you how much they care for their property
c) if they ask for you to pay for Credit history check (most will repay you the money assuming it comes back good). If they don't care what kind of people live there, that's a first sign of crappy landlord.

$10-20 credit check should be no big deal for you.....

 

[Chiropteran]

Also important-

Do they wear shoes in the house?

Do they use bathroom towels more than once between washings?

 

[Blackjack200]

Also important-

Do they wear shoes in the house?

Do they use bathroom towels more than once between washings?

Gross. Everyone knows that after showering you are coated with oil, sweat, and dead skin.

 

[vshah]

stupid question, but how would I go about looking up the "genuine property owner/landlord"?

ask the tenant. they should tell you if they're not hiding something. and definitely see the lease.

 

[Blackjack200]

ask the tenant. they should tell you if they're not hiding something. and definitely see the lease.

Well, if you're trying to avoid a scam I would think you'd go to city hall and look at the tax records.