Finding a roommate on Craigslist in NYC.

Kendro

Kendro

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Hey CAGs.

I've been looking at apartments on CL, the ones where people are looking for roommates (for ex. 1 BR available in a 3 BR apartment). It just makes it much more economical from a financial standpoint to share an apartment and this gives me the best chance of exploring the different areas of NYC before settling down. I don't want to have to sign a lease for a year and pay broker fees.

What are some questions I should be asking after I determine that these are people I can see myself living with? Also, is giving info like your DOB and SSN to the landlord normal? One of my friends says that it isn't normal or safe to give out this information, but the other says it is normal because the landlord needs to make sure you haven't been to jail for child molestation and have a 400 credit score.

I guess deep down I'm paranoid that these might be scams where people are trying to collect deposit money and are con artists that don't even live at their apartment. Is there any way for me to determine the landlord is indeed the person that owns the place? What else should I be asking?
 
Before you give any info or money go to the apartment, meet them in person and see if they'll let you see the room you'll be renting. Have them verify the landlord or have the landlord verify them. Whichever seems more legit, ie. if the landlord lets you into the apartment ask them about the tenant or if the tenant is home ask them about the landlord. Just be smart about it, if something seems off don't do it.
 
I think it's normal for you to have to give up your SSN. They don't do that here at school, because students renting is a bit different, but I'm pretty sure most landlords require a background check of some sort.

Also, I would talk to a lawyer who handles these kinds of things. Here at school, we have a department dedicated to making sure apartment disputes are handled correctly. In the real world, you don't get it for free, but I'm sure there are people who do it. It might cost you a few bucks, but it could protect your ass from a bunch of legal and monetary nightmares.
 
You'll have to give up your SSN for any credit / background check but don't do those until you are ready to apply/make an offer on an apartment otherwise you would be dropping a lot of cash.

Depending on your budget, if you would try for 1 bedroom for just you, check streeteasy.com and NYbits.com for no-broker fee listings.
 
pretty sure if you ask for proof of residence, the landlord or renter should provide you their info for verification.

Also what part in NYC are you looking to rent from?

I am in the city too and can give you some pointers
 
[quote name='Finger_Shocker']pretty sure if you ask for proof of residence, the landlord or renter should provide you their info for verification.

Also what part in NYC are you looking to rent from?

I am in the city too and can give you some pointers[/QUOTE]

I think Astoria, Sunnyside, and Woodside are probably my biggest bang for the buck in Queens. Also looking at Park Slope in Brooklyn.

[quote name='Arakias']Depending on your budget, if you would try for 1 bedroom for just you, check streeteasy.com and NYbits.com for no-broker fee listings.[/QUOTE]

Nice. Will check these out.
 
Why do I remember a thread like this years ago turning into an epic thread? Or maybe I'm confusing this kind of thread with the thread where the CAG was asking people to let him/her live with them for a bit
 
[quote name='razrvamp']find a hot chick with self esteem issues[/QUOTE]

Has this ever happened to anyone? I know i've tried and I know you have to be quick if the ad pops up but don't they usually look for female roommates.
 
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