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Home finder Aude (New York)

Aude or another of our home finders will handle your search.

Reliability of listings
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Your home finder is there to select the goods, he visits them, alone, with you in person, or with you by video. And above all, he knows how to rely on reliable business partners who only present him with quality goods.
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Market access
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Your home finder can offer you his own goods, he also has access to all the offers published on the market, and he knows the local agencies and landlords
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Scam risk
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At Remoters, we no longer count the number of French people who have signed a rental contract abroad, without understanding it. Some unscrupulous sellers take advantage of this to insert conditions that are disadvantageous for the tenant. This cannot happen when the contract is reviewed by our home finder.
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Access to local prices
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When you search alone, about 85% of the time goes into searching and 15% into viewings. With a home finder, you only do the viewings
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Application accepted
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In areas where homeowners have plenty of candidates to choose from, they rarely choose foreigners first. Your home finder will use his influence (and his mastery of the language) to put your case before others.
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Satisfaction
Only 20% of satisfied buyers according to the 2018 Crédit Foncier study. For its part, Remoters gets a score of 4/5 or 5/5 in 95% of cases
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Browsing online listings

Weak
Weak
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Uncertain
20%

Finding with Remoters

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Weak
Very likely
95%
New York

Finding a long-term rental in New York City is a complex, fast-moving process that requires preparation, local knowledge, and a strong application dossier. The market is highly competitive across all five boroughs, with median rents around $3,500 USD/month citywide (Zillow, April 2024) and strict income and credit requirements that can be particularly challenging for international renters.

Key factors to navigate successfully include: understanding the 40x income rule, preparing a complete rental dossier in advance, knowing which neighborhoods match your budget and lifestyle, and being aware of your rights as a tenant under New York State and NYC law. The FARE Act (effective June 2025) has shifted broker fee responsibility from tenants to landlords, reducing upfront costs for renters.

Working with a rental search specialist significantly improves your chances of finding the right apartment quickly, avoiding common pitfalls, and securing a lease that meets your needs — especially if you are relocating from abroad or have a non-standard financial profile.

In short: renting long-term in New York City means navigating a highly competitive market with strict financial requirements, fast-moving listings, and complex administrative rules. Median rents sit around $3,500 USD/month citywide (Zillow, April 2024), with significant variation by borough and neighborhood. International renters face additional hurdles including the absence of a U.S. credit history and demanding documentation requirements. Working with a rental search specialist gives you a wider search, expert application support, and the local knowledge needed to secure the right apartment efficiently — saving time, reducing stress, and avoiding costly mistakes.

The New York City rental market is widely regarded as one of the most competitive in the United States. Several structural factors make finding a long-term rental particularly challenging:

  • Extremely low vacancy rates: demand consistently outpaces supply across all boroughs, keeping vacancy rates very low and giving landlords significant leverage in tenant selection.
  • Speed of listings: desirable apartments in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and increasingly Queens are often taken within 24 to 48 hours of being listed online.
  • Rising competition across boroughs: according to a RentCafe Rental Competitiveness Report (2024), Queens saw its rental competition score rise by 12.8 points year-over-year, while Manhattan and Brooklyn maintained high competition levels throughout the summer 2024 peak season.
  • Limited affordable inventory: rent-stabilized units are rarely advertised publicly and are difficult to access without local knowledge or specialist contacts.
  • Opaque listing practices: some listings are inaccurate, outdated, or used as bait-and-switch tactics, requiring renters to verify availability before visiting.
  • High upfront financial bar: the 40x income rule and credit requirements immediately disqualify a large share of applicants, especially newcomers and international renters.

Renting an apartment in New York City involves a demanding administrative process, particularly for international renters and expatriates. The main challenges include:

  • No U.S. credit history: most landlords require a strong U.S. credit score. Foreign nationals arriving for the first time typically have no credit file, which can lead to automatic rejection (source: Brick Underground, 2024).
  • Income documentation: landlords generally require two years of U.S. tax returns, recent pay stubs, and an employment letter. Self-employed applicants or those paid in foreign currencies face additional scrutiny.
  • Guarantor requirements: if income or credit is insufficient, a guarantor is required — typically earning 80 times the monthly rent with a credit score above 680. International guarantors are often not accepted by landlords (source: RentHop, 2024).
  • Visa and lease duration alignment: for international renters on a visa, the lease term must generally not exceed the visa's validity period, which can limit options.
  • Speed of the process: the NYC rental market moves extremely fast — apartments are often rented within 24 to 48 hours of listing, leaving little time to gather and submit a complete dossier.

New York City's rental market is exceptionally demanding, and navigating it alone — especially from abroad or without prior local experience — significantly increases the risk of a poor outcome. A rental search specialist (chasseur locatif) provides structured, end-to-end support that goes far beyond what a standard listing platform can offer:

  • Local network: specialists maintain networks with building managers and landlords, which lets them act quickly for their clients.
  • Time savings: rather than spending weeks sifting through hundreds of listings, a specialist filters options based on your exact criteria — budget, neighborhood, size, commute, and lifestyle.
  • Application coaching: for international renters or those without a U.S. credit history, a specialist can advise on how to structure your dossier, identify suitable guarantor solutions, and present your profile in the most compelling way.
  • Negotiation support: an experienced specialist knows what is negotiable in a NYC lease — from move-in dates to minor repairs — and can advocate on your behalf.
  • Legal and administrative guidance: understanding NYC tenant rights, rent stabilization rules, and lease clauses requires local expertise that a specialist brings to every transaction.
  • Reduced risk of scams: the NYC rental market has a documented history of fraudulent listings; a specialist verifies every property before you visit or pay anything.

A rental search specialist (chasseur locatif) working in New York City carries out a thorough verification process on your behalf before you commit to any lease. Key checks typically include:

  • Lease terms and rent stabilization status: verifying whether the unit is rent-stabilized or market-rate, and reviewing all clauses for hidden fees or unusual obligations.
  • Building and landlord reputation: cross-referencing the landlord's history with NYC Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) records, including open violations and complaints.
  • Apartment condition: physical inspection for structural issues, pest history, heating reliability, and compliance with NYC housing codes.
  • Neighborhood fit: assessing commute times, proximity to services, noise levels, and safety data relative to your personal criteria.
  • Application eligibility: pre-checking whether your income, credit profile, and documentation meet the building's specific requirements before you invest time in an application.
  • Upfront cost accuracy: confirming the exact move-in costs (first month's rent, security deposit, any permitted fees) so there are no surprises at signing.

Working with a rental search specialist in New York City follows a clear, structured process designed to maximize your chances of securing the right apartment efficiently:

  1. Initial briefing: a detailed consultation to define your search criteria — target neighborhoods, budget in USD/month, apartment size, lease start date, and any specific requirements (pet-friendly, furnished, proximity to transport, etc.).
  2. Market analysis: the specialist assesses current availability and realistic expectations based on your budget and timeline, flagging any gaps between your criteria and market conditions.
  3. Active search: the specialist searches across public platforms, local agencies, and direct landlord contacts to identify matching properties.
  4. Pre-screening and verification: each shortlisted apartment is verified for accuracy, landlord reputation (via HPD records), lease terms, and condition before you are presented with options.
  5. Accompanied viewings: the specialist organizes and accompanies visits, providing on-the-spot analysis and helping you ask the right questions.
  6. Application preparation: your rental dossier is assembled and reviewed to ensure it meets the building's specific requirements, maximizing approval chances.
  7. Lease review and signing support: the specialist reviews the lease with you, flags any unusual clauses, and supports you through the signing process.
  8. Move-in coordination: final checks on the apartment condition, key handover, and utility setup guidance to ensure a smooth start.

Rental search support in New York City is particularly valuable for the following profiles:

  • International expatriates and foreign nationals: renters arriving from outside the U.S. face the steepest barriers — no U.S. credit history, unfamiliar documentation requirements, and no local network. Specialist support is often essential to secure a lease.
  • Corporate relocations: professionals transferred to New York by their employer often have tight timelines and need to find housing quickly without being physically present in the city during the search.
  • International professionals: those seeking furnished, flexible long-term rentals in specific neighborhoods benefit from a specialist's knowledge of the niche furnished rental market.
  • Families relocating to NYC: finding a family-sized apartment near good schools and green spaces in a competitive market requires targeted local expertise.
  • Students and young professionals: first-time renters in NYC often lack the income documentation or credit history required by landlords and need guidance on guarantor options and application strategy.
  • French expatriates and Francophone renters: a significant French-speaking community lives in New York; bilingual rental specialists can bridge the language and administrative gap for this profile.

New York City's five boroughs offer very different rental environments in terms of price, lifestyle, and commute. Here is a comparative overview of the main areas to consider for long-term rental:

  • Manhattan (Midtown, Upper East Side, Chelsea, SoHo): the most expensive borough. Average 1-bedroom rents range from approximately $3,500 USD/month in more accessible areas like Harlem or Murray Hill to over $6,000 USD/month in Chelsea or SoHo (source: Rent.com, 2024). Ideal for those prioritizing proximity to business districts and cultural amenities.
  • Manhattan (Harlem, Washington Heights): comparatively more affordable within Manhattan, with rents typically between $2,500 and $3,000 USD/month for a 1-bedroom (source: Rove Travel, 2024). Good transport links and a strong community feel.
  • Brooklyn (Williamsburg, DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights): highly sought-after, with rents approaching Manhattan levels. Average 1-bedroom around $3,000 USD/month borough-wide, but premium neighborhoods command significantly more (source: Rove Travel, 2024).
  • Brooklyn (Bushwick, Bed-Stuy, Ridgewood): more affordable pockets, with 1-bedroom apartments available from approximately $1,500 to $2,500 USD/month (source: Rent.com / Rove Travel, 2024). Popular with young professionals and creatives.
  • Queens (Long Island City, Astoria): strong value for money with good Manhattan connections. Median 1-bedroom rent in Queens is around $2,500 USD/month (source: FreshNYC, 2024). Long Island City and Astoria are particularly popular with young professionals.
  • The Bronx (Bronx Park, Fordham): the most affordable borough for renters, with average rents around $2,200 USD/month for a 1-bedroom in areas like Bronx Park and Fordham (source: Steadily, 2024).
  • Staten Island: the least densely urban borough, with average rents around $1,700 USD/month in Mid-Island areas (source: Steadily, 2024). Best suited to those who prioritize space and quiet over proximity to Manhattan.

The New York City rental market is one of the most expensive in the world. According to Zillow data (April 2024), the median rent in New York City stands at approximately $3,500 USD/month for all apartment types. Budget planning must account for several upfront costs beyond the first month's rent:

  • Security deposit: typically one month's rent, capped at one month under New York State law for most residential leases.
  • Broker fee: as of June 11, 2025, the FARE Act (NYC Local Law) prohibits landlords and their agents from charging tenants a broker fee — this cost now falls on the landlord's side.
  • Credit check and application fees: landlords may charge a small administrative fee for background and credit screening.
  • Income threshold: most NYC landlords require annual income of at least 40 times the monthly rent. For a $3,000 USD/month apartment, that means a minimum annual income of $120,000 USD (source: Insurent / PropertyClub, 2024).

Renters should also factor in moving costs, utility deposits, and potential guarantor service fees if they do not meet income or credit requirements independently.

Renters searching for long-term accommodation in New York City frequently make avoidable mistakes that cost time, money, or result in a poor housing outcome. The most common errors include:

  • Not having documents ready in advance: in a fast-moving market, submitting an incomplete application even one day late can mean losing the apartment. Always have your ID, proof of income, bank statements, and references prepared before you start visiting.
  • Underestimating total move-in costs: focusing only on monthly rent and forgetting the security deposit, application fees, and moving expenses can leave renters financially unprepared at signing.
  • Ignoring the 40x income rule: applying for apartments whose rent exceeds your qualifying threshold wastes time and can damage your credibility with landlords and brokers.
  • Skipping the lease review: signing a lease without carefully reading all clauses — including subletting restrictions, pet policies, and renewal terms — can lead to costly disputes later.
  • Relying solely on online listings: many of the best apartments in NYC are rented through word of mouth or specialist networks before they ever appear on public platforms.
  • Choosing a neighborhood without visiting: commute times, noise levels, and neighborhood character vary enormously across NYC. Visiting at different times of day before committing is essential.
  • Not verifying the landlord's record: failing to check HPD violation records can result in renting from a landlord with a history of maintenance neglect or legal disputes.

Here are the most effective practical tips for securing a long-term rental in New York City:

  • Prepare your dossier before you start searching: have your passport or ID, proof of income (pay stubs, employment letter, bank statements), and references ready to submit immediately when you find an apartment you like.
  • Know your qualifying budget: divide your annual income by 40 to determine the maximum monthly rent you are likely to qualify for. For example, an annual income of $80,000 USD qualifies you for approximately $2,000 USD/month.
  • Explore guarantor options early: if you lack U.S. credit history or sufficient income, research institutional guarantor services (such as Insurent or TheGuarantors) before you begin your search, as they can significantly expand your options.
  • Visit neighborhoods at different times of day: noise levels, foot traffic, and the general atmosphere of a neighborhood can vary dramatically between morning, evening, and weekends.
  • Check HPD records: before signing any lease, verify the landlord's open violations and complaint history on the NYC Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) website — it is free and publicly accessible.
  • Read the lease carefully: pay particular attention to subletting clauses, pet policies, renewal terms, and any fees not mentioned during the viewing.
  • Act fast, but do not skip due diligence: the NYC market moves quickly, but rushing into a lease without proper checks can be costly. A rental specialist can help you move fast without cutting corners.
  • Consider emerging neighborhoods: areas like Astoria (Queens), Ridgewood, and parts of the Bronx offer significantly lower rents than Manhattan or prime Brooklyn while maintaining good transport links.

Remoters connects renters relocating to New York City with vetted rental search specialists who have hands-on local expertise. Whether you are moving from France, another European country, or from within the United States, Remoters can match you with a specialist who understands your profile, your timeline, and the specific challenges of the NYC rental market.

Through the Remoters platform, you can:

  • Describe your search criteria and receive a tailored match with a local rental specialist.
  • Access support in French or English, depending on your preference.
  • Benefit from transparent service terms with no hidden fees.
  • Get end-to-end assistance from the initial search through to lease signing and move-in.

Remoters is designed for international renters, expatriates, and anyone navigating an unfamiliar rental market who wants professional, accountable support rather than going it alone.

A Home Finder based in New York follows listings in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, where attractive flats go within 24 to 48 hours, and filters out inaccurate, outdated or bait ads. They target the right area according to your criteria: commute, noise, budget.

They check your eligibility before you waste time on an application, arrange viewings with photos or video, consult the landlord's HPD record and review the lease.

You first talk, free of charge and with no commitment, to a Home Finder in New York who speaks English. They then send a quote setting out what is included and what happens if the search does not succeed.

They shortlist, view with photos or video, help prepare the application and the guarantor, then follow it through to signing. You pay online; the funds are held during the search and released to the Home Finder once it is complete.

They check whether the home is rent-stabilised or market-rate, and look in the lease for hidden costs or unusual obligations. They cross-check the landlord's history against the HPD register: open violations and complaints.

They also inspect structural problems, pests and heating reliability, confirm the listing is still available before the viewing and work out the exact move-in costs.

Most landlords require annual income of at least 40 times the monthly rent: a flat at 3,000 USD/month means 120,000 USD a year. Without a US credit history, a guarantor is required, generally earning 80 times the rent with a score above 680.

Foreign guarantors are often refused: services such as Insurent or TheGuarantors widen your options. Prepare your passport, employer letter, bank statements and references.

What are you looking for in New York?

One of our home finders will look for the ideal property for you
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Long-term rental

standard lease, for 12 months or more
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Short rental

for periods of 1 to 12 months
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Colocation

a room in an existing shared flat
Floor plan of a home with its rooms and furniture.

Long-term rental

Standard lease, for 12 months or more
Blue backpack and folding chair: short-term rental.

Short-term rental

For periods of 1 to 12 months
Illustration of three flatmates.

Colocation

a room in an existing shared flat

How does it work?

1

First contact:Your home finder offers a free call to understand your needs.

2
Quote: If you’re ready to move forward, you’ll receive a personalized quote via Remoters.
3
Mission start: Once approved and paid, the housing search begins.
4
Support: Your home finder assists you through to the lease signing and your arrival.
5
Feedback: Share your review — your satisfaction is our priority !
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We are present around the world!

Remoters continues to grow!
We are recruiting new home finders everywhere, do not hesitate to apply
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Frequently asked questions

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What does a Home Finder do to find you a flat to rent in New York?

A Home Finder based in New York follows listings in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, where attractive flats go within 24 to 48 hours, and filters out inaccurate, outdated or bait ads. They target the right area according to your criteria: commute, noise, budget.

They check your eligibility before you waste time on an application, arrange viewings with photos or video, consult the landlord's HPD record and review the lease.

A hand pointing at a laptop screen while the other types.
How does a flat search in New York work while you are still abroad?

You first talk, free of charge and with no commitment, to a Home Finder in New York who speaks English. They then send a quote setting out what is included and what happens if the search does not succeed.

They shortlist, view with photos or video, help prepare the application and the guarantor, then follow it through to signing. You pay online; the funds are held during the search and released to the Home Finder once it is complete.

A hand pointing at a laptop screen while the other types.
Which traps does a Home Finder check for before you rent in New York?

They check whether the home is rent-stabilised or market-rate, and look in the lease for hidden costs or unusual obligations. They cross-check the landlord's history against the HPD register: open violations and complaints.

They also inspect structural problems, pests and heating reliability, confirm the listing is still available before the viewing and work out the exact move-in costs.

A hand pointing at a laptop screen while the other types.
What income and guarantor do you need to rent in New York without US credit?

Most landlords require annual income of at least 40 times the monthly rent: a flat at 3,000 USD/month means 120,000 USD a year. Without a US credit history, a guarantor is required, generally earning 80 times the rent with a score above 680.

Foreign guarantors are often refused: services such as Insurent or TheGuarantors widen your options. Prepare your passport, employer letter, bank statements and references.

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