In New York, the types of buildings and the services they offer vary greatly. All buildings with six or more stories are required to provide elevator service. Rent in the different types of buildings is based on many factors, including location, apartment size, building services, and market demand. For more detailed definitions of the building types listed below and for other terms, see our website's Glossary.

Doorman/Elevator Building
Doorman buildings are typically more expensive, often offering a range of amenities and services which can include: health club, pool, maid service, package pick-up and delivery, and dry cleaning. In most cases, a doorman and/or concierge is on duty 24 hours a day, monitoring the entrance to the building and surrounding area.

Approximate rent range in a Doorman building in Manhattan (excluding broker's fee):

Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,970-$2,500
1 Bedroom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,690-$3,540
2 Bedroom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,600-$5,411

Elevator Building

This type of building is often smaller than a building with a doorman. For security, video monitors are often placed throughout the building and monitored from one location by a building staff member or contracted security service. Entry into the building may be accessed by voice or video intercom. This arrangement adds security without the cost of providing a full-time doorman. Acceptance of deliveries and packages when the tenant is not home is usually not provided in this type of building.

Approximate rent range in an Elevator building in Manhattan (excluding broker's fee):

Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,850-$2,360
1 Bedroom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,270-$3,520
2 Bedroom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,020-$4,960

Walk-Ups
Buildings under six stories are not required to provide elevator service. Walkups can include different types of buildings (brownstones, townhouses, or larger multi-unit dwellings) with varied levels of security. Most walk-ups have an intercom and buzzer system for entry. If you are looking at an apartment in a walk-up, it's a good idea to visit the building at night and at different times of the day to get an idea how safe the building appears and how safe you would feel living in it. Also, consider the price differential between a 1st floor and say a 4th or 5th floor apartment.

Approximate rents in Walk-up or buildings in Manhattan (excluding broker's fee):

Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$1,560-$2,260
1 Bedroom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,950-$3,260
2 Bedroom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,800-$4,480

*Market data rounded from figures provided in the Citi Habitats 2006 Black and White Report.

If you are interested in living in the New York City area and cannot afford the cost of an apartment on your own, you may want to consider a shared living arrangement. The following are some potential pros and cons of having roommates:

Pros

• Meeting new people


• Companionship


• Larger apartment (in most cases)


• Less rent


• Sharing chores


• Sharing monthly expenses

Cons

• Less privacy


• More noise


• Risk of unwanted long-term guests


• Sharing your belongings


• Having to divide and keep track of what? Rent? Expenses?

Picking the right roommate is very important and should not be done in a hurry. You can minimize the likelihood of problems by comparing your needs and preferences with those of a potential roommate(s).

Lifestyle

• Age


• Sexual orientation


• Quiet/social


• Pet/no pet


• Smoker/nonsmoker


• Morning person/night owl


• Study habits


• Other issues important to you

Apartment

• Number of roommates you are willing to have share the space


• Size (studio, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom)


• Rent payments


• Location/neighborhood


• Number of bathrooms


• Amount of storage space/number of closets


• Common space


• Layout of the space (e.g., Do you have to go through a bedroom to get to the bathroom?)

• Study habits and the expected study environment.
• Friends/family visiting and staying overnight.
• Cleaning the common spaces (e.g., bathroom, kitchen), including sweeping, dusting, etc.
• Will you share food and shopping responsibilities?
• What are the expectations in a roommate relationship? Are you looking for a friend, someone to do things with, or just someone to share your space and expenses? How similar or different are your roommate's expectations?
• Is your roommate financially secure? Ask to see a credit report if you are not sure.
• Is it possible to sign separate leases? This way, each roommate is responsible for his or her share of the rent.

Finding Roommates
The Off-Campus Housing Office's online database has a Roommate Feature, available to students who have access to their NYU email account, regardless of computer location. It lists other students who are looking for roommate(s), and allows students to provide their own profiles. The Village Voice also has a weekly listing of "Roommates Wanted." See 'Newspapers' in the Sources section.

For a printable copy of the apartment checklist, go to the downloads section of this website.

Location
Accessible to/from campus
Near subway or bus route

Layout
Bathroom(s) (full or half, shower or tub)
Adequate water pressure and age of the plumbing
Bedroom space
Sufficient closet space for one or more people
Location of closets
Number and location of telephone, electrical, internet, and cable TV outlets
Balcony/terrace

Kitchen
Major appliances (refrigerator, stove) included
Sufficient cabinet and counter space
Overall cleanliness/maintenance

Facilities in the building
Laundry facilities in the building or nearby
Long-term locked storage
Security system (doorman, intercom, etc.)
Roof access

Questions to ask
Are utilities included in the rent?
Are pets allowed?
Is pest extermination an additional expense or a service provided by the building management?
Does the superintendent live on site? If not, is one available by phone?

Safety and Security
Are the building and surrounding areas well illuminated at night?
How close is the building to high traffic, well-traveled areas?
Is there a security system in the building?
Does the building have a doorman or buzzer system for guests and deliveries?
Are the locks on the doors of the building and the space adequately secure?
Is there a peephole in the door to see who is calling?
Is there a sufficient number of working smoke detectors in the living space and hallways?
Are there adequate emergency escape routes in case of fire?
What is the area's crime rate? (Statistics of reported crimes can be obtained by visiting the local police precinct closest to the building.)