Questions & Answers for Renters
Q: Where do I start?
A: You may have already selected an apartment on our website, or you may need one of our agents to run a search for you. In either case, contact us via email (by completing a rental form), or by calling us as soon as possible. We will be happy to check whether the apartment you chose is available, and/or to look through our inventoryfor units that best match your criteria.
Q: What kinds of documents are required to rent an apartment?
A: In most cases, the only documents you need to provide are a copy of your passport, two references, and a signed copy of the rental agreement. Sometimes, the owner will also request a letter from your employer or from your school.Some Co-ops and Condominiums may require that you complete a board package containingrequests for additional information and supporting documents such as tax returns, pay stubs and bank statements.
Q: How do the agency fees work?
A: The agency fees depend on the length of your stay as outlined below:
- Up to 45 days: 35% of total rent
- 45 days to 2 months: 50% of one month’s rent
- 2 months to 4 months: 25% of the total rent
- 4 months to 200 days: One month’s rent
- 200 days to one year: 15% of the total rent
Q: When is the fee paid?
A: The fee is paid when the rental agreement is signed.
Q: Do you provide a student discount?
A: Yes. There is a 10% discount of our fee to all students providing valid student identification.
Q: What do I need to pay upfront to reserve an apartment?
A: Typically, the agency fee and required security deposit are paid upfront. Sometimes owners request that one month (or more) rent be paid in advance.
Q: How do I make an upfront payment if I live overseas?
A: You can pay the agency fee to Urban Living by credit card through our secure on line server. You can pay both deposit and rentto the owner by wire transfer (we will provide you with all the necessary information and instructions).
Q: What is your cancellation/refund policy?
A: Agency fees are not refundable. However, if you have to cancel your reservation in particular in the case of “force majeure” and you submit proof to us, we will issue a credit to that you will be able to usetoward your next rental reservation in New York.
Q: Can I visit the apartments that I like?
A: Yes, our specialized agents will be happy to show you the apartments.
Q: Do I have to pay taxes or are those included in the rent?
A: Unless otherwise specified, taxes are included in the rent.
Q: I see an available apartment on your website. Why can’t I reserve it for three months from now?
A: Probably because if the owner reserves the apartment for you, they will have to turn away clients interested to rent now for a long period of time.
If you are looking for a March sublet (for exemple), we recommend that you look for units available from March 1st.
Q: Can I start renting on the 17th of the month?
A: You can rent starting any date of the month an apartment is available. However - typically, owners will want a tenant for the entire month - from the 1st to the 30th. Owners with shorter-term rental apartments are often more flexible, but also often charge more. In most cases, there is always room for negotiation, keeping in mind that a landlord is more likely to be willing to negotiate a six month lease than a six week lease.
Q: Can I clean the apartment myself and not pay the cleaning fee?
A: No matter how well you clean, owners prefer to use a professional cleaner in order to maintain a guaranteed condition for the next tenant.
Q. Our plane lands in the morning. How soon can we move into the apartment?
A. Once you get a confirmation of your booking, you will have to coordinate your check-in with the owner. Please keep in mind that most apartments are available beginning at 3:00 PM; however, some owners may provide you with an access to the property a little sooner.
Q. Our plane lands late in the evening. Will someone check us in?
A. Once again, you will need to coordinate your check-in with the owner. Keep in mind that late check-in fees may apply.
Q. How late can I check out?
A. In most cases, you will have to leave the apartment by 11:00AM at the latest.
Q. Would you please recommend an apartment in a quiet neighborhood!
A. Keep in mind that New York City is always in motion. Bars and restaurants pop up all over like mushrooms after the rain. Among quieter neighborhoods we recommend: Midtown East, Upper East Side, Upper West Side and Brooklyn Heights. These residential districts are favorites among those seeking more tranquility, or a family-friendly atmosphere.
Q. I use a wheelchair. Are any of your apartments adapted to my needs?
A. Unfortunately, we don't have any furnished apartments specifically adapted for wheelchair access; however several apartments in our listings are on the ground floorand have wide doorways or spacious elevators.
Q. Will my apartment have INTERNET access?
A. Many of our apartments are equipped with a high-speed internet connection (either ready to use, or provided by the owner upon request).
Please check the amenities listed with each apartment description to ensure that you choose an accommodation that features this service.
Q. When will I know that my reservation is confirmed?
A. As soon as you have paid the agency fees, your reservation will be confirmed. Urban Living will send you a confirmation in writing (via email). Please verify that the details of your rental are correct at that time.
Q. When do I pay the balance?
A. The balance of the rental cost must be paid to the owner of the apartment upon arrival. Prior to remitting the rental fees, please take the time to inspect the premises and ensure that everything in the unit is in working order (AC/TV, etc.). If the full balance is not provided, the reservation will be canceled and the agency fee lost.
Q. What means of online payment do you accept?
A. We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express. You have the option of paying through our secure on-line payment. This service allows you to pay in any way you prefer without sharing financial information. You may also send a wire transfer or pay online with PayPal.