Problem Solving

Craigslist is a wasteland, Zillow owns everything, so try these slightly off-kilter, in-the-side-door tips instead. by margaret rhodes, matthew sedacca, and katy schneider

How to rent an apartment in the tight city market

renters were right to rejoice in June, when New York State stunned landlords by approving legislation with powerful tenant protections. Any lease that goes into effect after the laws were signed is subject to new rules: For instance, rent-stabilized apartments no longer can be reclassified as market rate (regardless of a tenant’s income or increases in monthly rent), and landlords may only charge up to $89 for improvements (down from $1,000). There’s also good news for those who aren’t fortunate enough to live in a regulated $800 studio in the West Village, like a cap on security deposits at one month’s rent and a $20 limit on application fees. And landlords are also required to give 30 days’ notice if they plan to raise the rent over 5 percent. But what about finding an apartment to begin with? Rents have exploded throughout the boroughs to record highs, Craigslist remains a cesspool of poorly lit scams, and Zillow— which owns StreetEasy, HotPads, Naked Apartments, and Trulia— has virtually monopolized the online-listings market, resulting in one company controlling prices as well as lifting fees, which brokers are passing on to renters. For many New Yorkers, going outside the system—whether by joining a Facebook group for vegans or stalking a certain cul-de-sac until you see a for rent sign—remains the best way to find a place. Here are their tales.