Being a landlord in New York City comes with its own set of challenges. With over eight million residents, figuring out what appeals to the "average NYC renter" can feel nearly impossible. Some renters seek luxury and high-end amenities, while others focus on affordability and functionality. For some, proximity to public transit takes priority, while others primarily care about living in a trendy neighborhood.
Although there’s no single formula for what NYC renters want, certain features consistently appeal to nearly everyone. Understanding these key preferences can help you make smarter decisions for your property and thrive in the competitive NYC rental market.
In this article, we’ll discuss the amenities that NYC renters want most and ways to optimize your NYC rental listing. Here’s a preview of what we’ll cover:
- Understanding the NYC renter
- What amenities NYC renters want most
- Additional features unique to NYC
- How to list your NYC rental on Apartments.com
Understanding the New York City Renter
Before diving into all things amenities, let’s cast a wider net on what NYC renters want. In a recent survey from Apartments.com, we asked local renters about their budget, desired property size, and other features critical to their NYC living experience. Here’s a look at what we found:
Rental type
New York City is home to all kinds of rental properties. Whether you have a Manhattan penthouse or a historic Brooklyn townhome, all property types serve their purpose in the city’s diverse residential landscape. However, many renters consider apartments the best fit for a fast-paced, urban lifestyle.
Of our polled NYC renters, 93% said that they were searching for an apartment over other property types. This doesn’t necessarily mean renters aren’t open to condos, townhomes, or single-family houses in NYC. However, it does indicate something about renters’ priorities.
Apartments, particularly in NYC, are often associated with availability. When conducting a filtered search on Apartments.com, renters will find a much greater selection of apartments compared to other property types. As of April 2025, there are 8,000+ NYC apartments for rent on Apartments.com and only 456 collective listings for houses and townhomes. This quantitative disparity showcases the scarcity of other property types and makes it easy to understand why NYC renters may gravitate toward apartments.
Price
Pricing is another pillar of the NYC rental search. The average rent in New York is $3,926 per month – nearly 150% higher than the national average. However, most renters hope to find something priced below average without compromising their must-haves.
Our survey showed that 43% of NYC renters have a $2,000-$3,000 budget. This is important to remember when charging monthly rent. Pricing your rental competitively could attract more traffic, especially if it's in an expensive neighborhood like the West Village or Greenwich Village. With each of these areas commanding an average monthly rent of $6,000+, a slightly lower ask is sure to get renters’ attention.
To ensure your pricing aligns with NYC market trends, it’s best to use a Rent Comp Report. This will provide information on comparable rental properties in your neighborhood and help you make informed decisions about pricing. When evaluating a rent comp report, pay attention to the amenities, size, and location of the comparable properties. This will give you a better understanding of how your property measures up in the market.
Apartment size
When it comes to apartment size, most NYC renters look for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re a household of one.
To save on living costs, many NYC renters lease one-bedroom units and use flexible partition walls to transform the space into a multi-bedroom layout. These temporary walls provide an affordable way to enjoy the functionality of a multi-bedroom unit at a one-bedroom price. Often, a portion of the living room is sectioned off to create an additional bedroom or home office, offering more versatility for roommates, guests, or personalized living arrangements.
What Amenities Do New York City Renters Really Want?
Now that we’ve covered the basics of NYC renter preferences, it’s time to dig a little deeper. We know that most renters seek one-bedroom apartments in the city. But what exactly are they looking for within these specific units or buildings?
Below, we’ll unveil the top amenities NYC renters are searching for to show you which features are worth the investment.
In-unit laundry
At the top of many NYC renters’ wish lists is in-unit laundry. Though this feature is standard in most rental markets, it’s uniquely sparse in New York City. Of the 8,000+ NYC current apartment listings on Apartments.com, only 30% have in-unit washers and dryers. So, if your property is blessed with this coveted amenity, it could be a significant advantage.
Many NYC apartment buildings contain communal laundry rooms for tenants. Though not as convenient as in-unit appliances, these on-site laundry facilities are the next best option. If your property has communal laundry, it’s worth mentioning in your listing. For many tenants, anything that eliminates trips to the laundromat is a welcome perk.
Air conditioning
Air conditioning is another top contender for NYC amenities, specifically central systems. Many older apartment buildings, like pre-war units or brownstones, do not have central AC and rely on window units or portable air conditioners. Though these HVAC solutions help, they don’t offer the horsepower or convenience of central AC.
If your property features central air conditioning, be sure to showcase it prominently in your online listing—it’s a strong selling point. For older units without this upgrade, consider investing in central air. Tenants are often willing to pay a premium for properties with central systems, making it a valuable upgrade that can deliver an excellent return on investment.
Parking
Many renters in New York City do not have cars. However, those that do prefer to park them in designated garages or surface lots over street parking. If your property has on-site parking available, make sure to mention it as a selling point. Because parking is so scarce in the city (21% of NYC apartments on Apartments.com have parking), renters will be more willing to pay sizable parking fees, increasing your overall bottom line.
Dishwasher
Dishwashers take priority for many NYC renters. Though you’ll find them in most markets, they’re much less common in the city, mainly due to a lack of space or property upgrades. If your property is a part of the 50% listings with an in-unit dishwasher, you hold a significant advantage. Most renters are willing to pay a premium for the convenience of avoiding handwashing dishes or relying on disposable utensils, making a dishwasher a valuable amenity in the competitive NYC rental market.
Utilities included
Including utilities with rent is a great way to win over NYC renters. Being that they already face exorbitant living costs, tenants will appreciate the convenience and predictability of a utilities-included unit. As a result, they’ll be more likely to pay rent in full and on time, allowing for more seamless transactions and a stronger tenant-landlord relationship.
If you’re concerned that included utilities will hurt your bottom line, just remember that it’s all about balance. To compensate for the profit potential of fluctuating utility costs, consider charging a higher rent. This way, you’ll maintain strong profitability while still satisfying tenants’ budgeting needs.
Other Features to Attract Renters in NYC
If your property has all the amenities listed above, you may wonder what else you can do to attract NYC renters. Well, there are a couple of other features unique to the NYC market that can make your property stand out amongst the thousands of other available listings. Here are some suggestions:
No broker fee properties
Broker fees can be a huge hindrance for renters. Costing up to 15% of annual rent, these additional costs can really push tenant’s financial limits and turn what once was a budget-friendly property into a complete pipe dream.
As a landlord, offering a “no broker fee” property can really set you apart from the competition. Though you may have to pay the fee yourself, eating this cost is often worth maximizing potential leads. As a result, your listing will be more attractive to potential tenants, and you may even be able to raise rent due to high demand.
Transit options
Most New Yorkers rely on walking or public transportation to get around, making proximity to subway or bus stops a major selling point. If your property is conveniently located near public transit, be sure to highlight this in your listing. Include specific details, such as the distance to the nearest transit stop and estimated commute times to key destinations. Providing this information can make your property stand out and attract more local leads.
List Your NYC Rental on Apartments.com
Ready to take your rental business to the concrete jungle? List your NYC rental on Aparments.com! Our user-friendly listing platform makes it easy to showcase your property in the best light. Whether it’s a modern studio, a historic pre-war unit, or a charming brownstone, rest assured that you’ll reach the right renters on Apartments.com.
After you’ve listed, check out the other Rental Tools offered on Apartments.com. Screen applicants, generate a lease, track expenses, and more when you entrust us with all your property management needs. Get started today and watch your rental business soar in the Big Apple.
FAQs
What are NYC landlords required to provide?
According to NYC Housing Preservation and Development, landlords must “ensure that buildings are safe, clean and well maintained, in both common areas and in individual apartments. Among other responsibilities, owners must provide and maintain security measures, heat, hot and cold water, and good lighting.”
Do landlords have to provide AC in NYC?
In New York City, landlords are legally required to provide residential heating from October through May. However, when it comes to air conditioning, no specific law currently mandates its provision during the summer months.
As of November 2024, the New York City Council has been discussing a bill that would obligate landlords to maintain indoor temperatures below a certain threshold from June to September. If enacted, property owners without central air conditioning would need to install cooling systems in residential units.
As of April 2025, there have been no updates on whether the bill has passed.
