When searching for an apartment, we recommend that you set aside ample time. If possible, begin the process atleast four to six weeks prior to your move-in date. You should expect to make routine internet searches and appointments during this time to find what you are looking for in a living situation. Patience and persistence are crucial, particularly if you plan on searching in Manhattan.

The Off-Campus Housing Office (OCHO) makes available, exclusively to the NYU community a Housing Registry (database) that provides listings of available apartments and shares through private landlords, property managers, brokers, real estate agents, and tenants looking for roommates.

Listings within the Housing Registry are constantly updated and are searchable based on individual preferences, including location, apartment size, cost, and other criteria. The Housing Registry also features a roommate-matching service, which allows NYU students seeking off-campus housing to connect with one another. The Housing Registry is available online and is accessible through your NYUHome account.

To access the database, go to home.nyu.edu, log on with your Net ID and password, then click the Research or NYU Life channel. Once you have clicked either channel, click the Housing Registry link within the Off-Campus Housing section to access the database.

If you have never logged on to NYUHome, make sure to activate your account. Information about eligibility for NYU Home accounts is available at www.nyu.edu/its/students/.

You should begin to get acquainted with the New York City area as early as possible. If you are able to visit the city, at least two to three months prior to your desired move date, it will help your search considerably. If you are planning to visit the city during the summer or Winter Recess, keep in mind that hotels are expensive and in high demand. As an alternative, we suggest that you contact the NYU Summer Housing Office during the spring to inquire about the reasonably priced accommodations it provides from mid-May through mid-August, on a short-term basis (minimum of three weeks to a maximum of 12 weeks). For additional information, call the Summer Housing Office at 212-998-4621.

There are many Short-Term Options available around NYU Campus. As short-term spaces go quickly - early application (Jan. - Mar.) is recommended for Summer occupancy. The Lodging
page on this website offers a comprehensive list of New York Hotels and Bed and Breakfasts as well.

As an additional resource, NYU has negotiated special rates at Club Quarters, a moderately priced hotel in Manhattan offering quality accommodations for NYU-affiliated guests. For more information on Club Quarters, call 212-269-6400. Your local travel agent will also have lists of hotels and motels throughout the New York City area.

If you have the time, you will find it useful to walk around the neighborhoods you are considering living in. Doormen and/or building superintendents can be valuable sources of information, and often know about upcoming vacancies. They can tell you the name of the building's management company and provide contact information. If you find a building that you are interested in, but no apartments are currently vacant, see if you can fill out an application, or be placed on a waiting list, and make sure to follow-up in a few weeks!

Use your network. Contacting relatives and friends who live in the New York area will increase your chances of finding a suitable place. Reach out to anyone you think may know of an available apartment. If you are a recent high school or college graduate, contact the alumni association of your alma mater. Many associations have chapters in major cities and may be able to help you make contacts.

You will find that apartments with occupancy dates within your desired move-in will become available within 30 days prior to vacancy. As, leases generally require tenants to give a minimum of 30 days' notice before vacating, landlords will begin seeking new tenants 30 days before the current tenant moves out. This is a good time to actually begin applying for apartments you may be interested in and contact management companies, private owners, brokers, or tenants looking for roommates.

» Your Local Bookstore
If you are unable to come to New York City in advance and visit its various neighborhoods, visit your local bookstore or go online and choose a good guidebook. These books often give detailed descriptions and maps of NYC boroughs and neighborhoods. The Off-Campus Housing Office offers a list of recommended books within the Resources section of this website.

» Newspapers/Periodicals - Classifieds
While the internet has nearly eclipsed traditional newspapers as a resource for up-to-date classifieds, good listings for Manhattan's Outlying areas (Brooklyn, Queens, NJ...) can still be found in the major and more neighborhood focused papers.

1. The Village Voice:
This weekly newspaper is the quintessential guide to living in New York City. It provides information on events, neighborhoods, and most importantly, an extensive listing of properties for sale and rent in the city. The Voice is free in Manhattan and is available in many locations, or you may visit their Web site at www.villagevoice.com.

2. The New York Times:
The Sunday edition real estate section is available at newsstands, bookstores, and libraries. The New York Times also maintains a comprehensive Web site with real estate listings and information at realestate.nytimes.com.

3. The Daily News: Daily newspaper.

4. The New York Post

5. The Brooklyn Paper: Brooklyn.

6. Courier Life: Brooklyn.

7. Newsday: Daily newspaper. Queens and Long Island.

8. Times-Ledger: Queens.

9. NJ.com: New Jersey.

» Online - Websites
We have compiled a list of popular apartment information websites in our Resources section on our linkspage. Included are links for Apartment Hunting Websites, Owner/Management Companies, Pay Services, and Tenants Rights Information.

In addition to the listings provided by the Off-Campus Housing Office, you may want to consider working with a real estate broker. Brokers are professionals who charge a finder's fee for locating housing options for their clients. A broker's fee, due when the lease is signed, is customarily 15 percent of one year's rent.

When you meet with a broker, manager, or landlord, be prepared and have a clear idea of what you are looking for in a living situation. Some things to ask during your meeting are listed below.

• Can you take in a roommate at a later date?


• Can room dividers and shelves be added, or can other alterations be made to the space?


• What costs are the responsibility of the tenant(s)?


• Is the deposit refundable if you choose not to take the space or are turned down at a later date by the landlord?


• Is a security deposit required? If so, how much? Is last month's rent required?


• Are pets allowed?