It would be easy to fill a page about how quickly you can find room rentals using Your New Roommate. Even still, there are times you have to find a place to stay yesterday, or within a couple of weeks, and it’s really hard to sit still and wait when you need an apartment now. So, if you’re a doer or feel like you must be working every possible angle, here are a few things you can do to speed up the search while you’re using Your New Roommate.
- Get Help from Your Friends Using Social Media
Ask your friends to help spread the word that you’re looking for room rentals in NYC. You can even link your profile here so that potential landlords can read about what you’re looking for and learn about you. Social media is a valuable tool, because your post can get shared a ton. Plus, even if you don’t know your landlord personally already, getting a direct referral to them can help you seal the deal.
- Utilize Professional and Alumni Networking Sites
The neat thing about utilizing professional and alumni networking sites to find room rentals in NYC is that you’re automatically connected with people you may not even know. Try to keep your posts as brief as possible, but include all the facts a landlord might need to know or link back to your profile here. On sites like these, there’s a good chance someone who didn’t plan to rent their extra space will see your post and might consider leasing to you because of the connection.
- Use Your Community Ties to Find a Place
If you’re a member of any community outreach group or social group, be sure your companions know you’re looking for a place. Whether it’s a local mom group, a heritage society, or even the people you play cards with on Friday nights, they can help spread the word. Any time there’s a social link between you and your potential landlord, in increases the chances that they’ll rent to you. It also helps set you up to have a positive relationship, since you’ll already have something in common.
- Visit the Buildings You Want to Live In
If you’ve narrowed your search down to a specific area of the city, consider visiting the individual buildings or looking for an online community that caters to the buildings you’re interested in. A lot of times, a doorman will be aware of who in the building is looking for a roommate. You might also find a community board or info section in one of the community rooms, like a lobby. Some complexes have official and unofficial forums, so it’s worthwhile to read through posts if you can find a dedicated website.
- Expand Your Search
Unfortunately, some of the best places to find room rentals in NYC stay booked tight for long periods of time. You may have better luck finding a short-term rental in your desired area while you wait for something long-term to open up. On the other hand, you might want to look at nearby areas, to speed up your search.
- Partner Up With Someone
If you can’t find a single room rental in NYC that you want at the moment, consider partnering with someone. The two of you can co-sign on a lease together and might have a different apartment selection available to you. Just be sure you get to know your rent buddy well before you commit. It’s incredibly important to make sure you are like-minded and that the other party is responsible when you sign a legal document together.
- Have All Necessary Documents and Items Prepared
Room rentals in NYC go fast, so you’ll need to be ready to act quickly. Be sure you have set aside enough money to cover first month’s and last month’s rent, as well as your security deposit. Bring you checkbook with you whenever you go look at an apartment, so you can lock in your deal right away when you find the right one. You can also increase your odds of being chosen if you bring personal references, letters from your prior landlord, proof of income, and a credit report with you.