NYC Apartment Hunting Checklist: Everything to Check Before Signing a Lease

Signing a lease commits you to 12+ months and significant money. These are the things worth checking before you commit: organized by category so you can work through them systematically.

Before You Even View the Apartment

Check the building on HPD Online Go to hpdonline.hpd.nyc.gov and search the address. You will see:

• Open violations (heat, hot water, pests, structural)
• Complaint history
• Inspection results

A small number of resolved violations is normal. A large number of open violations, especially for heat/hot water or pests, is a warning sign about the landlord.

Look up the property owner Use ACRIS (nyc.gov/acris) or the NYC Department of Finance property lookup. Verify the owner's name matches who you are dealing with.

Research the landlord's name Search "[landlord name] NYC reviews" or "[landlord name] NYC court cases." NYC Housing Court records are public. A pattern of tenant harassment cases or nonpayment judgments is worth knowing about.

Check the neighborhood at different times Visit the specific block at night and on weekends before committing. A block can feel completely different at 11pm on a Friday than it does at 10am on a Tuesday.

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During the Apartment Viewing

Building Common Areas

• [ ] Lobby condition: clean, maintained, secure?
• [ ] Mail situation: secure mailboxes, package storage?
• [ ] Elevator condition and age (if applicable)
• [ ] Hallway cleanliness and lighting
• [ ] Any evidence of pests (droppings, traps) in common areas
• [ ] Laundry: in-building or do you need a laundromat?
• [ ] Basement/storage if applicable
• [ ] Building entry security: buzzer, key fob, doorman?

The Apartment Itself

Structure and systems:

• [ ] Run the shower: test water pressure and hot water temperature
• [ ] Run the kitchen tap simultaneously with the shower
• [ ] Test heating: is it radiator or forced air? What fuel?
• [ ] Is air conditioning included or are you responsible for window units?
• [ ] Ventilation in bathroom: window or fan? Does fan work?
• [ ] Cell signal in the apartment (check your phone)
• [ ] Test all lights and electrical outlets
• [ ] Open and close all windows: do they seal properly? Any drafts?

Physical condition:

• [ ] Look at ceiling corners and around windows for water damage stains
• [ ] Check under sinks for signs of leaks or mold
• [ ] Open cabinets in kitchen and bathroom: look for evidence of pests
• [ ] Check behind refrigerator and stove if accessible
• [ ] Condition of floors: scratches, soft spots, water damage?
• [ ] Condition of walls: major cracks, visible patches, damp?
• [ ] Closet space: adequate for your needs? Measure if important.

Kitchen:

• [ ] Stove: do all burners work? Does the oven work?
• [ ] Refrigerator: does it cool properly? Ice maker if present?
• [ ] Dishwasher if present: run it briefly
• [ ] Counter and cabinet space: adequate?

Natural light:

• [ ] Which direction do the windows face?
• [ ] Is there any natural light in the bedroom?
• [ ] What is outside the windows: another building 10 feet away? An airshaft? Street level?

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Questions to Ask the Landlord or Agent

About the lease:

• [ ] Is this apartment rent stabilized?
• [ ] What is the exact lease start and end date?
• [ ] What notice is required to not renew?
• [ ] What is the renewal policy?
• [ ] What is the security deposit amount and conditions for return?

About costs:

• [ ] What utilities are included in rent?
• [ ] What utilities are the tenant's responsibility?
• [ ] Are there any fees not included in the advertised rent (amenity fees, parking, storage)?
• [ ] Is there a broker fee? If yes, who pays it?

About the building and management:

• [ ] Who do I contact for repairs?
• [ ] What is the typical response time for repairs?
• [ ] How is heat provided and included?
• [ ] Is there a superintendent? Are they on-site?
• [ ] When was the last major renovation or repair to the apartment?

About policies:

• [ ] Are pets allowed? (get this in writing if yes)
• [ ] Are subletting or additional roommates allowed?
• [ ] What is the guest policy?
• [ ] Are there quiet hours?

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Before Signing the Lease

Read the entire lease. Every page. Ask about anything you do not understand.

Check for these specific lease clauses:

• [ ] Renewal terms and notice requirements
• [ ] Subletting policy
• [ ] Pet policy (even if not relevant now: circumstances change)
• [ ] What constitutes grounds for eviction
• [ ] Security deposit return conditions and timeline
• [ ] Responsibility for repairs (what is landlord's responsibility vs tenant's)
• [ ] Lease break policy and penalty

Get everything agreed verbally confirmed in writing. "The landlord agreed to paint before I move in" is meaningless if it is not in the lease or in a written email.

Verify the lease start date matches your planned move-in. You are paying from the lease start date.

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Move-In Day Documentation

Do this immediately before you move any furniture in:

• [ ] Walk through every room and document the condition with photos and video
• [ ] Photograph every wall, floor, ceiling, appliance, and fixture
• [ ] Note any pre-existing damage: scratches, stains, holes, marks
• [ ] Email the documentation to your landlord the same day with subject line "Move-in condition documentation - [address] - [date]"

This documentation protects your security deposit when you move out. Without it, landlords can claim damage you did not cause.

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FAQ

What is the most important thing to check before renting in NYC? The building's violation history on HPD Online. This is the fastest way to understand if you are dealing with a responsible landlord before committing.

Can I get my security deposit back in NYC if I move out in good condition? NYC law requires landlords to return security deposits within 14 days of lease end, minus legitimate deductions. Document the apartment's condition at move-in and move-out to protect yourself.

What should I do if I find problems after signing the lease? Report all repair issues in writing (email is fine) immediately. Keep records. Landlords in NYC are legally required to maintain habitable conditions. If they do not respond, the NYC 311 system and HPD can help.

Is it worth hiring a lawyer to review my lease? For standard residential leases, usually not. Reading it carefully yourself and asking questions about anything unclear is generally sufficient. For unusual leases or high-value situations, a brief attorney review may be worthwhile.

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See what renters are actually paying in your target NYC neighborhoods before committing to any apartment at RentNYC.live.