Get Those Docs!

Bad news first: getting a place in New York isn't easy, especially in Manhattan. New York City law heavily favors the tenant, meaning it is very difficult for a landlord to evict somebody. This translates to strict income and credit requirements for the prospective tenant.

What's the bright side, you say? As with most areas in life, where there's a will there's a way, and you can make yourself a much stronger candidate for your dream apartment by coming prepared with the right documentation. Here's a list of essentials:

1. Letter of employment - on company letterhead stating salary, position, and length of employment
2. Pay stubs - three most recent
3. Current bank statement
4. Tax returns - two most recent (2006 & 2007), first two pages of each
5. Additional proof of income - funds, stocks, etc., if applicable
6. Landlord reference letter - stating how long you've lived at your current address and that you've been a good boy or girl, paying your rent on time and playing nicely
7. Photo ID

If you don't make 40x the rent, you will most likely need a guarantor, and all of the above documentation for him or her as well.

Whew! That's a lot, right? But it is worth it! Coming prepared means being first in line for the apartment you want, because as soon as you see an apartment that fits, you can holler "I want it!" as you jump up and down for joy, and then whip our your documents and get that apartment! You won't have to waste time scrounging up those documents while someone more prepared takes that perfect apartment away from you. If you're ready, it pays.