Moving to New York: the paperwork checklist

Landlords in New York ask for more than almost anywhere in the country. Have all of this ready before you look, or verify once and skip most of it.

The standard packet

• Government photo ID
• Two most recent pay stubs, or an offer letter if you are starting a new job
• Last year's tax return or W-2
• Two most recent bank statements
• A credit report, or permission for the landlord to run one (they can charge you up to $20)
• Landlord reference from your current place
• Employer verification letter, for some buildings
• Guarantor's version of all of the above, if you need one

The rules that protect you

• Security deposit is capped at one month's rent (New York State, since 2019).
• Application fees are capped at $20 and can only cover a background and credit check.
• Under the FARE Act, you don't pay a broker you didn't hire.

Timeline

Good units go in one to three days. Start looking four to six weeks before your move-in date, not earlier; most listings are for immediate or next-month occupancy.

The Nessoo version

Verify your identity and income once, about five minutes. Homey shows you what you qualify for and sends your verified profile when you request a unit. The landlord sees qualification and ratios, not the packet. At lease signing you may still be asked for a document or two by that one landlord, and that is the last time you send it.