✅ NYC Rental Application Checklist
Before you start viewing apartments—or at least before you fall in love with one—make sure you’ve gathered the following documents:
🔐 Personal ID & Legal Info
- Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Visa or Green Card (if applicable)
- Social Security Number (if applicable)
💼 Employment & Income
- Three most recent pay stubs
- Letter of employment (on company letterhead, stating salary, title, and start date)
- Last year’s 1040 tax return and W-2 (and/or 1099s)
- Last three months of checking/saving/investment statements
💾 Supporting Documents
- Landlord reference letter (if you’ve rented before)
- Pet documentation and vaccination history
- Letters of recommendation
💡 NYC landlords typically require income = 40x monthly rent (however, debt and liquidity are considered as well). Depending on the circumstances, you may need a guarantor (often 80x rent) or a lease guarantee service.
🤔 What If You Need a Guarantor?
Who Qualifies:
- Must be a U.S. resident
- Typically needs to earn 80–100x the rent and have a credit score of 700+
- Retirees are often still considered if they have significant assets
Documents They’ll Need:
- Pay stubs and tax returns
- Proof of assets or bank statements
- Signed guarantor form
Don't have anyone to act as a guarantor? Consider institutional guarantors like Insurent or The Guarantors—common for international students
📰 FARE Act Update: What Renters Need to Know
As of June 11, 2025, the FARE Act requires that landlords—not tenants—cover broker fees unless the renter hired the broker themselves.
This means renters no longer need to pay a broker fee by default, saving you thousands in upfront costs.
As of June 11, 2025, the FARE Act requires that landlords—not tenants—cover broker fees unless the renter hired the broker themselves.
This means renters no longer need to pay a broker fee by default, saving you thousands in upfront costs.
🏠 Move-in Readiness Checklist
Once approved, you’ll want to be ready for move-in without delay:
Once approved, you’ll want to be ready for move-in without delay:
- Have all required funds on hand and ready to go. Don't get caught waiting on bank transfers.
- Utility setup (electricity, gas, internet)
- USPS address change + updates to DMV, banks, school, etc.
- Move-in plans (hiring movers, DIY)
Need Help Finding a Rental in NYC?
At Destination Real Estate, we help renters navigate the process quickly and confidently—whether you're new to the city or just looking for a better fit.
At Destination Real Estate, we help renters navigate the process quickly and confidently—whether you're new to the city or just looking for a better fit.
👉 Contact Us Today
Let’s make your next move smooth, quick, and confident.
Let’s make your next move smooth, quick, and confident.