The New York City apartment search is a daunting process and can be even more complicated if you’re looking for a short-term rental. It can be difficult to locate available units that fit your desired length of stay. However, short-term rentals appeal to many prospective renters, and this search fuels a large portion of the city’s rental industry. How can renters find short-term rentals in NYC?
Why are Short-Term Rentals Popular?
When we consider an apartment search, most renters default to considering a 12, 18, or 24-month lease. Usually, landlords and property management companies look for tenants to stay at least a year. This saves the landlord money from turning over the apartment and finding new tenants. A year-long lease (or longer) is also appealing for renters. It gives them enough time to settle into a home and short enough to leave if their living circumstances change or they do not enjoy living in the unit.
Not all rental scenarios are the same, though. Sometimes, renters do not want to live in an apartment for at least a year. They may need a shorter length of time due to travel, their job, or other personal reasons.
Short-Term Rentals Appeal to the Following Renters
Many people may need short-term rental opportunities at some point in their lives. Below are some popular reasons that renters will elect for a lease under one year in New York City:
- Students, interns, or apprentices who need to live close to their place of study but will not be studying there all year.
- Employees, business owners, and other workers who need to go on an extended work trip.
- Homebuyers who expect to purchase and move into a home in under a year. This can also apply to existing homebuyers who sell their current property before their next home is ready for move-in.
- Patients receiving treatment outside of their home area need easy access to their medical facility.
- Digital nomads or solo travelers exploring a new area.
- Savvy renters who want to sign a year-long lease in an off-peak time of year to avoid the higher cost of rent.
Differences Between Sublets and Short-Term Rentals
While searching for sublets and short-term rentals may yield similar results, there are some distinct differences between the two. In a sublet, an existing tenant in an apartment decides to leave their unit for a specific time, but they’re still responsible for paying rent. Therefore, they find a subletter to move in and pay rent for that period. The original tenant must get permission from their landlord to sublet the apartment. The subletter will not be on the lease and will likely pay rent to the original renter, who then pays it to the landlord.
Legally, short-term rentals are less than 30 days. In New York City, it is illegal to rent a unit for under 30 days if the owner is not also physically in the apartment. Colloquially, however, a short-term rental can apply to a scenario where a tenant rents for under a year.
Landlords may list their unit as a short-term rental if they live in a popular vacation spot or a market where short-term make more money than year-long leases. In some cases, the renter may sign an agreement or an actual lease for the duration of their stay. They will pay rent directly to the property owner.
Where to Find Short-Term Rentals
Renters have several choices for finding short-term rentals in New York City.
Listing Websites like RentHop
RentHop is an apartment listing platform where prospective tenants can find an apartment for lease. While most apartments offer a one-year lease, there are exceptions. Renters can specifically use the filter for “Short Term Allowed” to find short-term rentals on the site. On a typical day, tenants have hundreds of opportunities to choose from.
Search for short-term rentals in New York City.
Online General Marketplaces
Larger marketplace websites also host apartment rentals, though these sites are often less regulated than those specifically geared toward apartment searches. Renters can find opportunities on these sites but will need to take extra precautions to verify the legitimacy of the advertisement. While it can be more difficult to tour units when you’re looking for a short-term opportunity, tenants should try to visit the location in person before they send any money.
Social Media
Similar to online general marketplaces, finding an apartment on social media is not always the most reliable option. However, this does not mean that real people are not posting real listings on social platforms. Try searching through hashtags in the area, like #nycsublet. You can also try making your own post or story to appeal to your personal connections or match with someone trying to rent their apartment.
Some platforms also have groups that you can join to find apartment listings. These groups may be more tailored to your specific search and have listings in a specific area, at a certain price point, or in a certain type of building.
Personal Connections
Sometimes, your own network may be your best bet for finding a short-term rental opportunity. Connect with friends, family members, or colleagues to see if they know anyone in the area who is listing a short-term rental. In this large city, it’s possible to have a friend of a friend who is looking for someone to fill their apartment vacancy.
Tips for Short-Term Renters in NYC
Those looking for a shorter lease in New York City can follow these tips to find an apartment they’re happy with.
Research the City’s Rental Scene
Before you begin your search, take time to research the renting process in New York. Look for articles that highlight the warning signs of scams and fraudulent listings. While there are some general red flags, like asking for payment upfront or not letting you see the unit, some cities have more specific precautions. For example, short-term renters in New York City should know that there are strict requirements for listing on short-term rental transaction sites.
Familiarize Yourself with Pricing
The best way to make sure you do not get overcharged for an apartment is by getting familiar with the average rents in the area you’re looking to live in. However, remember that amenities increase the rental price, meaning a one-bedroom in a pre-war walk-up will typically cost less than a comparable unit in a full-service luxury building.
New York City has a varying rental scene, where rental prices are much more expensive in some boroughs and neighborhoods than others. Renters can use RentHop to find the average rents by neighborhood and room size. This can help build an accurate understanding of the current market.
View Average Rents in New York City
Get Proof of Legality
Ensure that the original tenant has written permission from the landlord. Ask for a copy of the email thread, letter, or other written confirmation. Look up the landlord or management company and reach out to them directly. If you do not find out about an illegal sublet situation until you’ve moved in, the landlord could have the power to force you out of the unit.
Local Law 18
New York City adopted Local Law 18 on September 9, 2022. Short-term rental hosts must now register themselves with the city, and booking service platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, etc., are not allowed to process unregistered short-term rentals. The law went into effect in September 2023.
Those posting apartments on these platforms must now adhere to a more strict set of regulations, and renters who use these sites should complete their due diligence to ensure they’re legally renting as well.
Examples of Regulations
These listings on short-term rental platforms must exceed 30-day stays for Class B multiple-dwelling buildings (only Class B buildings are allowed for short-term rentals). Renters will not find shorter durations on these sites.
The city’s office maintains a list of prohibited buildings that cannot have short-term rentals. These buildings include those under rent regulations or from owners who file their building with the office.
Building owners must apply to register for short-term rentals.
Conclusion
There are plenty of opportunities for renters to find short-term rentals in NYC. However, they must remain vigilant and take steps to ensure their security during this rental process. While prospective tenants can find listings on many sites and platforms, it’s easiest to find a short-term rental on an apartment listing platform where all advertisers must go through verification. This helps ensure the unit you’re inquiring about is actually a real apartment.
