Question about NYC apts?

I see a ton of apts listed that say "must meet income requirements" and i assume that means that the landlord will want to see my paystub for income verification. I am finishing up my MA right now and want to move to manhattan from NJ because there are some decent jobs there, but I will need to get an apt obviously first. How can I get an expensive apt ($3k a month) without having a job? I know that a lot of people move to nyc for work, so how do they meet the income qualifications before they actually get a job? I have about $10k saved up for the move, so i'll be fine until i get a job but I don't want to go into a rental office looking like some unemployed loser that may or may not pay the rent. Any tips on how to deal with this? What percentage of apts in manhattan have income qualifications?

You can't afford a 3k apt with only 10K. You need first, last, and secutiy deposit and a broker fee for that level of apartment will be at least 3-4k. You need to set your sights lower or find a roommate until you land a job. Simple as that. 99% of apartments are going to need pay stubs, tax returns, letters form employers or some other proof of assets if you want to be the leasee.

Most decent apts in Manhattan have income requirements. Simple solution - get a GUARANTOR. That's how everyone does it. Have your parents or other family member be a guarantor for you. As long as they make enough $ to meet the income requirement & have decent credit, you should be fine. If you have no one to do it for you, you're pretty much screwed. Unless you can pay a years worth of rent up front, it'll be extremely difficult to get an apt. If you can't get a guarantor, my advice is look in Queens or Bkln...you can find apts there w/o income requirments. Good luck.

Side note - it's a bit frivalous to spend $3K a month in rent. There're much less expensive decent apts in the city. And it'll be easier for you to get them. For $3K a month you're looking at a white glove doorman building. Unless you plan on making upwards of $150K, you may want to consider other price ranges. As a lifelong NYer I think it's foolish to pay that much, especially when your living expenses will be much higher in Manhattan. Groceries are outrageously expensive in the city.

They will want to see some proof of employment or financial records that will more than prove that you have liquid assets. You say you have 10k saved up. Well, you want a 3k a month apartment, that's 3k for the first month, 3k for the security deposit and most places want the last month too. So that total is 9k. Now there is also electric, phone, gas, etc. At the 3k level, 99% have income qualifications. It takes a lot to live in Manhattan. If I may make a suggestion. For the first year, get yourself a one bedroom for about $1500. After your established, then move to your 3k a month apartment.

hmm you could stay at a hotel until you find a job and put your stuff in storage if it is a big issue or maybe you can provide bank statements but I don't think it would fly over well being unemployed.

Don't move into the most expensive places in town. In Manhattan that means check out Inwood, the East Village, Morningside Heights for affordable places. Or don't move into Manhattan. 6+ million New Yorkers live in the other boroughs, and somehow manage to bear the shame. You can find reasonable housing at affordable prices in Kingsbridge (Bronx), maybe Parkchester (Bronx), Flatbush (Brooklyn), Sunnyside, Astoria, Flushing (Queens), Jamaica (Queens), St George, Clifton and elsewhere on Staten Island. Or live in Hoboken or Jersey City and take the PATH into Manhattan.
If you don't have a job, you will probably need a co-signer on any lease, a responsible, employed adult.

Hmmmm.... I don't know, seems kinda scary signing a lease on an apartment without a job... how do you know you will have the salary to afford a $3k/month apartment?

If it were me, I would secure the job first before the apartment. Besides, some employers will help pay for your move. Then that way you can show the landlord your bank statement with your $10k and the letter that you are actually employed, I think you will have better luck this way.

If the apartment is being listed with an agency and they want income requirements and the rent is $3K, you need to make a deal and put up a deposit like $50K and show them you are not an aspiring actor who will screw them on the rent. Otherwise find an apartment thru a friend of a friend.

they want you to make 40 times the monthly rent. If you don't you will need to sign with a grantor who does meet these requirements. Remember when you sign the lease you need 3 months rent at once and if you go thru a broker you'll need another one.