What is the certificate of occupancy and why is it such a big deal?

… When youre buying in New York City one of the documents you will need to obtain is the certificate of occupancy which is sometimes shortened … useand how many households are allowed at the address Whats more if youre a buyer seeking financing and the …

By Evelyn Battaglia |October 7, 2025 - 2:00PM
New landlord: 10 tips if you're renting out a NYC apartment for the first time

… maintenance paymentsbut a lot goes into your role If youre renting out your apartment for the first time you must know … tenants if the apartment is covered under the policyor why a building is exemptthrough a rider attached to the … retired or nonemployed people with cash assets also wont meet the traditional financial criteria for renters …

By Jennifer White Karp |September 30, 2025 - 3:30PM
9 mistakes to avoid as a first-time renter in NYC

… or letter from a CPA if selfemployed that states your annual income make sure that it is no more than six months … guarantor These thirdparty guarantors charge an average fee of 65 to 85 percent of a months rent for US … say apartments like that dont exist for that rent in that pricey neighborhood In these instances Lawton tells clients …

By Evelyn Battaglia |August 21, 2025 - 11:30AM
The insider's guide to NYC rent-stabilized apartments: Where to find them and how the program works

… Landing a rentstabilized apartment in New York City can be a lifeline for … in most cases stabilized tenants are entitled to automatic lease renewals This year the Rent Guidelines Board approved …

By Celia Young |August 14, 2025 - 12:30PM
FARE Act takes effect: What NYC renters need to know about the new broker fee law

… go into effect tomorrow after a judge denied a powerful real estate lobbys attempt to prevent the laws implementation Since the fee is usually 12 percent of the annual rent the Fairness in Apartment Rentals FARE Act removes a significant upfront cost to renterssaving renters an average of $5404 according …

By Jennifer White Karp |June 10, 2025 - 3:00PM
New York state budget greenlights more condo conversions, new housing vouchers, but no down payment assistance

… Some New York City renters could gain a path to buying their apartments under legislation passed in the whopping $254 … one of a handful of initiativesincluding a new statewide housing voucher programthat could have major impacts on NYC … buyers agree to buy Rentstabilized residents will be permanently protected A new Housing Access Voucher Program …

By Celia Young |May 22, 2025 - 10:30AM
Should you get a smaller rent increase under Good Cause? A new tool helps you figure it out

… Thousands of tenants across New York City are entitled to smaller rent increases this summer under a new law Good Cause … law just got a little easier Two nonprofits Housing Justice for All and JustFix launched an online questionnaire that …

By Celia Young |April 24, 2025 - 2:30PM