So you’re moving to New York… This “urban jungle” can be similar or quite different from where you’re coming from. Hey, you’ve probably heard it all about New York, including that is a tough city, but it’s almost certain you will love some aspects of NYC. By the way, I recommend this Huffington Post article on what 20 mistakes to avoid when first moving to NY. In any case, before you start enjoying the city and all it has to offer, you have to
“take care of business” as we New Yorkers say. There are things you have to organize and legalize, especially if you’re coming with your family. One of the things that may be most different from wherever you come from is the apartment rental in New York. Even if your company has found and rented an apartment for you, there are things you should know and do before you move in that will make your life much easier when time comes to move out.
The following is assuming you have already found a place to move into. If you haven’t and that hunt is up to you, I recommend the following very useful article: The Ultimate Guide to Finding an Apartment in NYC.
So, what you need to know and do/don’t do before you move in to your new NYC apartment:
- Don’t pay your landlord more than you’re supposed to.
Your landlord has a right to charge you for your first and last month’s rent plus a security deposit equal to a month’s rent. They can also charge you for the installation of a new lock or key. That’s it. There are no other payments your landlord is legally allowed to charge you for (besides what you pay your real estate broker –but that’s not the landlord).
Make sure to always get a receipt for every. single. payment you make and save them all in a drawer or file.
- Before you move in, inspect the place and take evidence (pictures, videos) of what condition the apartment is in. If you see any damage, inform your landlord in writing so that you cannot be blamed for it when you move out, which will be deducted from your security deposit.
- Expect a copy of the lease you signed, no more than 30 days after signing it. If you don’t receive it, request it from your landlord in writing.
- Have a box of cleaning supplies for finishing clean up of the new apartment. Yes, you are supposed to get it in neat and clean condition, but you may still have to do some light housekeeping depending on how much the landlord got done before you moved in.
Moving to a new city or country is an exciting life development, but can be intimidating and stressful because of the many steps involved. Thankfully, there are ways to organize every phase of the moving process, whether you are using a relocation company or not. There are many free checklists online that will help you with every stage.
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