Living in New York City is a dream for many people, young and old alike. However, before you even think of moving to the big apple, you should know that the rent prices there are astronomical, and the space is very limited. Remember that a multitude of people move there every day, and you will have a lot of competition when it comes to good quality housing. So when you look for an apartment, it is imperative that you have a checklist of essentials to look out for. Below are 6 things you should check before you rent a home in New York:
1. The Water and Gas Lines
When it comes to choosing an apartment in New York City, the most important factors you should take into account are the water and gas lines. You should check if the water lines in the building can provide you with enough water throughout the year. There should also be a hot and cold option for you to choose from.
The same could be said for your building’s gas lines: if they are leaky, it would not only make the building’s heating faulty, it may even be dangerous for everyone in the building. So if you are going to rent an apartment in New York, you should make sure that the pipes are in proper working condition.
However if you already signed the lease for your apartment, don’t worry, you could still ensure that your apartment’s water and gas lines are secure. If you are handy you could check your lines for any potential leaks. Check your water and gas pipes for any breaks or corrosion. If there are, make it a priority to replace them. If you have the budget, you should also check the valves for any leaks or corrosion. If there are, you should invest in a good quality ball valve. Luckily, there are companies such as XHVAL, a trunnion ball valve manufacturer that offers a myriad of great ball valve designs at the best prices possible that you can get easily and use for repairs.
2. Expect the Rooms to be Small
New York is notorious for its very cramped living space. What you see in US sitcoms based in New York City, where young 20-somethings live in huge and beautifully decorated apartments is technically a myth. You would have to spend a fortune in order to live in these types of homes. In reality, the usual New York City apartments are usually very small. More akin to closets than condominiums.
So if you are going to move to the Big Apple, you should expect to pay big money for a smaller than usual living space. You may even have to get a roommate to help you pay for your rent. This may seem a tad bit excessive, but this is the price you pay for living in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
3. The History of the Building
Although New York apartments are usually small, and somewhat expensive, they are usually worth it most of the time. Remember that New York City is one of the greatest cities in the world. There is so much history to the city and its buildings. So before you move into a big city, you should make sure that you double-check your building’s history. You never know, if the building you are living in is a historical landmark.
4. The Age of the Building
One of the best reasons to check your building’s history is that you will know its exact age. Remember that the older the building, the more wear and tear it will have. The more damaged it is, the more dangerous it will be to live there. So take the time to check your building’s age, before you pay the deposit.
5. Adherence to Fire Safety Regulations
New York City is known for its cramped living quarters. Apartment buildings are usually built very close to one another, that a person could just jump from one building to another. This makes New York apartments fire hazards, and they could easily spread from building to building. So before you choose an apartment. You should make sure that it adheres to existing fire safety regulations.
No matter how old your apartment building is, there should at least be fire alarms and an adequate sprinkler system installed throughout the building. There should also be fire extinguishers and fire axes equipped in the hallways. Fire escapes should also be well-maintained and accessible on every floor. If a potential apartment is lacking any of these key features, just walk away. A building that does not adhere to fire safety regulations is nothing more than a deathtrap.
6. Budget is Key
If you are going to move to the Big Apple, you should make sure that you have a set budget. Remember that you will have to pay for your rent on a monthly basis. You will also have to pay for the rent and security deposit. Most New York apartments also check your credit and will have you sign a lease obligating you to rent the apartment for a specific amount of time. Be sure to consider the option of a guarantor application nyc as well.
So even if you grow tired of the apartment, and you want to leave, you won’t be able to because you already signed a contract. So it is imperative that you double-check every aspect of the apartment. That way, should you find any aspect of the apartment that you don’t like, you will be able to back out.
Conclusion
Renting an apartment in New York City is notoriously difficult because of the lack of space and the number of people inhabiting the big apple. So before you even think of moving to the big city, you should know what to look for in an apartment. You don’t want to spend a fortune on an apartment that is uninhabitable and full of issues. Use our quick list above on what to look out for, it will help immensely in your search.