Rental Q&A: How do I find an apartment without a broker?

August 17, 2:01 PMNY Rentals ExaminerAlicia Schwartz

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I have received this question a record 7 times in the last five days! Ask and you shall receive...

I have a basic question I think. I don’t want to pay a brokers fee. How do I find an apt on my own? My friend ended up renting an apartment she could have gotten on her own through a broker and is furious. I don’t want to make the same mistake.

I believe this question causes the most confusion for people who are new to New York City. What is the point of a broker? If you have read through HowToRentInNYC.com, I take a neutral stance of employing a broker. There is great value in hiring someone who knows the city, the landlords and the process inside and out. If you are on a time crunch or have been looking and can’t find the apartment of your dreams on your own, chances are a good broker will be able to help you immensely. If you plan on moving to a place for at least two years then a broker’s fee becomes even more valuable. Yes, brokers will show you apartments you could have gotten on your own and they will show you apartments that you would never have access too. Their job is to show you everything that your criteria matches and sometimes that means showing you apartments that with a little research you could have rented without them. In the end the questions becomes what is the service worth? It’s a business. You are a customer. Know what you are paying for before you buy it.

Now, if you have the time and energy, then yes, you can find an apartment in New York without a broker. Here are my tips on finding an apartment on your own.

1. No Fee Websites

There are many no fee websites for management companies where you can see their listings. These sites explain their rental process and usually allow you to make an appointment to view the units directly. HowToRentInNYC.com has a large list of management companies that you can either call directly or visit their website listed here: http://www.howtorentinnyc.com/review.php. There are also “search engine” websites such as Craigslist.com and Backpages.com that offer good leads. When browsing on any of these, look for “owner” listings and not those of a broker. Brokers use these sites to generate business, and again, you’re trying to avoid that fee.

2. Walk Around the Area You Want to Live In

Look inside buildings for the management company’s phone number. Call the company directly, but make certain that you are prepared to hear the words “we only talk directly with brokers.” Nevertheless, be positive and persistent because inevitably some companies will deal directly with you, even if they don’t list.

3. EMAIL/Twitter/Facebook/Myspace/Call All Your Contacts

Make certain to contact anyone and everyone you know who lives in the city. There is always someone trying to find a roommate or to sublet an apartment. This can mean no fee for you.

4. Random Roommates (Most People Are Normal)

Building off number 3, check out craigslist.com, backpages.com and other sites to find people you don’t know who are looking for roommates. It is a scary thought living with someone you don’t know anything about, but this is becoming the norm in New York due to high prices and low inventory. TIP- it is ok to ask the potential roommate about their history and ask for referrals for them.

5. Doormen Are Your Friends

Finally, remember to talk to NYC’s most knowledgeable people: building doormen. Most of the doormen are aware of the availabilities in the building that they work at, and sometimes they can put you in direct contact with the management company or the owner. Be polite, kind and gracious when you approach, because if things go well, you’ll be seeing a lot of your new doorman or doorwoman.