Renting an apt in NYC; need advice

craigslist.org

Tons of sites.

http://www.BrooklynNomad.com

Thank you, Maggie. Yes, I know there are tons of sites. It is so difficult to know where to begin.

Renting an apt. in NYC is a daunting task. Craigslist, IMO, is really only for people who know the city well or are located here and can go look at places themselves. There are many scams there. Poster NeoPatrick stayed in this apt. for a month and it would be ideal, but it's already booked. http://www.vrbo.com/65258

It's in a building called Worldwide Plaza and Executive Plaza across the street is another condo building that may have rentals. Oakwood.com is an agent that rents by the month and they may have some options for you. I'd proceed with great caution on a private rental.

The real difficulty in doing this is that most of these short-term sublets are illegal in NYC. Only some condo owners can legally rent out their apartments for less than a year at a time. Depending on the circumstances, some co-op and rental tenants can make short-term sublets with their board's or landlords's permission, but the vast majority of Craigslist postings are illegal. And a few are outright scams. There's no way to know one way or another, and it's simply not a chance I would take with that kind of money.

The best option for you would be to rent a short-term corporate apartment. However, I think the cost of these has been about $3000 to $4000 in the past since most are not studios. But it's worth looking into. There's a Mariott corporate apartment building on 3rd Avenue at 38th Street, and there are many others.

You might also be able to rent a "studio" hotel room for that kind of money. Affinia hotels has many suite hotels that are set up like apartments, but not all the studios have a real kitchen (most have just a microwave and small refrigerator). Still, with hotel occupancy the way it's going now, you might very well be able to get a monthly deal for $3000 or so. And some other hotels might also be able to give you a deal on a monthly rental, but it would probably be just a regular hotel room.

There are a few legitimate one-bedroom condo rentals out there. Neopatrick has rented an apartment at Worldwide Plaza in the theater district for a month, and he had a very good experience. You might search for his thread about being in NYC for a month last year. Unfortunately, that apartment tends to book up far in advance, but I think it's worth a look.

Several people in these forums have experience in doing short-term rentals in Manhattan, so I think you'll get some useful posts and information, so please keep checking this thread.

www.VRBO.com They list by neighborhood. Do you have any idea in which part of Manhattan you want to stay (assuming you want to stay in Manhattan)? How do you plan to spend the month? You could probably negotiate a price since you want to stay for a month.

Definitely do NOT touch Craig's list for this. There are definitely scams out there. Some are individual and there are even some companies (WooGoo and whatever it's calling itself now routinely scam people with bait and switch - and deplorable conditions). Agree that if you want something reliable you need to do one of the corporate renters. But, rental prices generally are down, so you may find something in your price range.

VRBO is better than Craig's list in terms of reliability - but is still not guaranteed. If you go that route you need to ask a LOT of questions - and preferably get someone here to actually check out the apartment. If you look at VRBO you will see that many of the owners in NYC take credit cards - and I would definitely insists on that for your own security. However, a quick look doesn;t show much in your price range. I would identify a few you think might be options and then come back here for specific advice on locations, etc.

Would you consider an apartment in Brooklyn?

Yes, the one month studio rental I did last June in Worldwide Plaza was great -- but it is always booked way ahead (only available by the full month -- 1st to 1st).
I'd really recommend Oakwood Apartments for what you're suggesting.

Thank you all, McLaurie, Doug, Ny Traveler, Tucsonbabe, and Neo. I checked Oakwood Apts. These apts would work, but there are no prices on their website. I had to telephone for information. I can get a studio for $99/night which would be the high end of my budget for a month.

I have NO idea what is a good location and where we should locate ourselves. I haven't been to NY for years and then only briefly for a few days or so.

ekscrunchy - As far as Brooklyn goes, I am totally clueless about where we should locate ourselves.

My husband is not a NY aficionado by any standards and will go to be a good sport, but during this search stage , he is frequently suggesting other ideas for places for us to go.

I suppose what we/I want is to be in a safe area, where we can walk easily to local restaurants, take short bus or subway rides to the the major tourist sights. A neighborhood ambiance would be nice, rather than in a hotel district, not interested in high-end shopping or food, just want to spend some time in NYC doing the usual tourist things, like going to the Met, MOMA, visit Ellis Island, see the Empire State Bldg, walk in Central Park, see a show, etc. Any suggestions will be appreciated!!

Many of the Oakwood apartments I'm familiar with are between 8th and 9th Avenue, between 42nd and maybe 56th Streets. This is the area I personally like. It's very close to the heart of the theatre district, yet 9th Avenue is a true neighborhood (sometimes called Hell's Kitchen, sometimes called Clinton) teeming with regular neighborhood type restaurants and services -- at very moderate prices. If five or six laundramats in a three block stretch doesn't prove that this is NOT simply for tourists, then I don't know what would.

The price per night does not always reflect what the month would be. Many will give you a discount for a longer stay. I've stayed in an apartment and a studio in NYC and really like them both. They are in the same building, same owner. She Owns at least 4 of the apartments - possibly all 6. You cannot get them for a month at $2k or $3k, but probably 3 weeks. If interested, http://www.vrbo.com/145694

Thank you, NeoPatrick and Austin. I, now have some information to begin a search. And thank you for the narrowing down of neighborhoods for me. Now that I know it is doable, it is just a matter of making the decision of whether or not to go. It would be easier if my husband were more enthusiastic. . . I like it better when we both agree on travel destinations and are equally pleased.

I asked about Brooklyn because a friend of mine may be interested in renting her apartment in Brooklyn Heights. You can think about that neighborhood and ask around and if you are interested, I will pursue further. It is about 2 blocks from the subway.

Most all of the Oakwood buildings are relatively new and the co. is reputable. Furniture is new and modern. The biggest shortcoming is the studio apts. I've seen are furnished like a hotel room so you have a comfortable bed, a desk, maybe one chair, but not necessarily a comfortable place for 2 people to sit and watch tv (other than in bed).

I would also say assume anything is negotiable. If they're quoting $99/night- for a month stay, I'd offer $2500 for a studio and see what they say. Summer is not generally a popular time to come to NYC. What month are you thinking about?

I'll add if your husband is not that keen and you really want to do this, what about considering the 3 week option (unless there's some reason you'd have to vacate your home for a full month)? 3 weeks sounds less of a commitment than a month.

I forgot about Corporate Housing by Owner. Here's a listing for a one bedroom on 49th between 8th and 9th (right across the street from where I rented at Worldwide Plaza) for $2900 a month.
http://www.corporatehousingbyowner.com/4457

There are also quite a few rentals -- studios and one bedrooms in Executive Plaza which is adjacent to the Michelangelo Hotel (same building actually) on 51st at 7th. It's a bid major "midtown", but they are in your price range. I'm drawing a blank on the name of the rental company within the building that handles them. Some are also listed on VRBO, etc. Empire Properties, maybe?

Regarding three weeks as opposed to a month, I've learned that normally a month is no more expensive and often even cheaper than three weeks! The apartment above for example would be $2997 for three weeks, but $2900 for a month!

This is a revelation. I've never heard of chbo. Some of these places rent by the night? Is there a catch? The place you posted about Neo is $150/night or $1000/wk for a 1 bedroom???? That's amazing!

Looking at this further, apart from the name, it seems somewhat equivalent to vrbo or any other website where "owners" pay a fee to list their rentals. I assume there could be the same risk with scams and illegal rentals. It doesn't look like chbo does anything to vet properties.

Yes, I think you're right. In all honesty that place I posted about isn't all that fantastic. I'm familiar with that row of buildings, simple walk-ups without elevators and not very glamorous, and certainly no doormen or other amenities. This appears to be a fairly nice "fix-up" in a small and very simple apartment with few amenities. But for the price it sounds very good. I'm curious about that one being an "illegal" sublet, as I can't imagine those buildings are condos or co-ops.

I called Oakwood Apts today for some follow-up questions. For anyone that is following this conversation, they may like to know that the first price I was quoted is NOT correct. It is $213 for a studio and $234 for a one bedroom. The price I was quoted was for the spring, even though I specifically gave them a July date! Also, there is a one month minimum stay, thus no discount or even the possibility of cutting costs by staying 3 wks. So thirty days is over $6000 and Oakwood is way out of my price range. I called Corporatehousing Housing, too. I was not able to get very far with them. After all, the warnings on here about scams, I must admit It makes me a little nervous. I have only once rented an apt (in Buenos Aires last yr and it was fine!), but I find all this very complicated. Maybe, I am just tired from work and tomorrow, Sat. it will seem easier. Thanks, everyone again.

I was looking through Fodor's 2009 Guide to NY this evening and they recommend www.manhatttangetaways.com Anyone have experience with them? The low end apts are $3400 for a month.

annetti, just make sure to ask a lot of questions. Many of the apartments being rented are in small buildings with no elevator. Since it's summer, you need good a/c. I would be more inclined to find a place in a highrise building with elevator that would also have more modern a/c. I also think it wouldn't be a bad idea to see about ekscrunchy's friend's place in Brooklyn Heights, a lovely area. But most important, before going through all this trouble (and it will become a job) is getting dh to agree.

mclaurie: You are a celebrity; you are quoted in Fodor's.

Thanks for the additional points to check in an apt. A/C is definitely a must. I think my husband will be okay with NYC. He's pretty much amenable, though he does ask some troublesome questions, like how much is this going to cost?! Meanwhile, we are going the home exchange route, too and maybe something will come up (probably not in NY; it's way too popular a destination, but perhaps somewhere else almost as interesting.) I will start telephoning some of my NYC leads Monday. Thanks again.

For Fodorites' info. I tried telephoning Fodor's 2009 guidebk recommendation, manhattangetaways.com on Mon. It's now, Thursday, around 8:30pm NY time. I left 3 messages and called numerous times, without leaving a message. No one in 4 days has returned my call. Not a good sign. So, I'm still up in the air about renting an apartment.

Neo -- if you don't mind my asking, was your studio apartment rental above my $3000 upper limit for a month? Thanks.

No. It was just under -- $2850 I think.

Thank you, NeoPatrick. You had a great deal. Whether or not I can find a similar deal is questionable. I don't know if I have the patience to keep searching for a vacation rental. I am either finding a lot of apartments I can't afford (in corporate places that are so-called reputable) or other apartments where where I worry about the owners' reliability. Renting a hotel room is so much easier, but so unaccommodating and cramped for space if you plan on an extended stay.

There are suite hotels where you could get something the size of an apartment but I'm afraid they'd be too expensive as they would still rent by the night or possibly by the week rather than the month. I would contact
affinia.com
and see if they would give you a deal on something for a month in the summer. They do have some weekly rates.

The other idea is some "b & b's" here are really like apartments and might give you a discounted rate for a month's rental. Some places to look at are

west-eleventh.com
wymanhouse.com
countryinnthecity.com
innnewyorkcity.com

You might also contact beaconhotel.com (another suite hotel) on the upper west side that's recently renovated.

Ah, and I forgot this site.

www.newyorkcitycorporatehousing.com

You can choose an area, length of time, price range, and find lots of apartments without a fee.

I entered a range of $2500 to $2995 for one month and got a ton of them.

Thank you Mclaurie. I have had time now to review your websites. The B&B apts look lovely, but are out of my price range for a month. Some of them are over $6000 and one is over $4000. Neopatrick: The website provides some reasonable prices that I can afford. Thank you. The penalties are steep if you cancel. I have to think about this. Thanks very much both of you for your help. At least I know it is possible now!

"The penalties are steep if you cancel."

Yes, that's nearly always true with renting an apartment. In fact many I've rented even in other countries have no return at all with a full prepayment -- or sometimes a refund only if they re-rent it (how do you really know?). I tend not to rent an apartment unless I'm 99.9% sure -- just like buying a non-refundable plane ticket.

By the way, you also have to consider taxes on rentals. With most serviced apartments or hotel apartments they add full tax to that -- what is it now, something like 17%? On $4000 that is another $680. Usually on regular apartments there is no tax. When I rent one by the night -- I look at $200 a night being the same price as a hotel room at about $170.

Hi Annetti,

I live in the upper west side of manhattan so perhaps I can offer you a bit of advice. First, I would highly recommend the neighborhood to you - Close to central park (beautiful and a must see in the summer time). My daughter and I are there every day in good weather. VERY neighborhoody - lots of families, lots of dogs, lots of restaurants. It really doesn't feel like you're in the city at all. Not many tourists putter around the UWS. Easy and plentiful bus and subway access. I would recommend staying south of 96th St (maybe even south of 90th St). That's just my personal preference. I know others who are perfectly comfortable in the northern part of UWS. The area around Columbia U is nice, you just have to be more careful the farther north you go.

As for resources for finding a place: I would first recommend Streeteasy.com. Streeteasy is a NYC real estate website that compiles inventory from all the major NYC real estate companies. Just do a search in your price range and enter "short term" or "summer" in the "description" portion of the search engine. There are condo and coop owners who will sublet their apartments for the summer months. Many do so through a real estate agency so I would NOT worry about them being "sketchy".

I will also add that my mother used Craigslist to secure a bedroom in someone's home last summer when we had our baby. We are in a 1-bedroom apartment and did not have enough room for her to stay with us. She stayed with a very nice couple who own a 3 bedroom and were looking to make extra money during the summer months. It worked out so well that she stays with them now when she comes to visit. So, Craigslist can be a success. I personally wouldn't rule it out. However, search with caution. My husband and I were able to view the space and meet the people before my mother secured it.

Best of luck to you.

Annetti - it took me all of 30 seconds to find a place like this,
http://www.streeteasy.com/nyc/rental/476047-coop-154-west-77th-street-upper-west-side-new-york

Literally blocks from where we live. Very desirable area of manhattan (if I do say so myself .

I would also add that brownstones/walkups can be very nice and very charming. We live in one. Wehave one wall unit AC (nothing too moder and it cools the place just fine...

The NYC real estate market is hurting these days, so if you do decide to go with a listing like this (through a broker), try very hard to negotiate that the owner pay the broker fee (if there is one). Almost no one in manhattan is paying broker fees these days.

nycmum, that's an interesting site, but am I missing something? I was looking at dozens and dozens of midtown listings and nothing is said on any of them about minimum rental -- particularly 1 month furnished. I suppose a call to them would tell me that, but is there something you check to get those only and not the hundreds for longer lease rentals?

Incidentally, maybe the one you listed is available for just one month. I had the impression it was a three month rental however. Maybe not. It only says, "available for the months of June, July, and August" but nothing says if they'll split that up.

Hi Neopatrick,

Right, most of them are regular long-term rentals (1 year or more) but some (few) are short term rentals. Kind of like finding a needle in a haystack, but they're out there. You can edit your search using keywords.

As for the rental link I posted, I'm sure the owners would prefer someone for the entire 3 month period. Will they get that? Who knows? It's certainly worth a phone call to see if they would be willing to lease for 1 month. There's a very good chance it won't lease at all. I've seen summer rentals sit all summer, so...

plus, if you're interested in the first month (june), they would be more likely to lease for just one month...

annetti - i know you're interested in july. i would still call and ask...

nycmum: Thanks for the ideas. June is out for us. I have to work then. Your neighborhood sounds wonderful.

Renting an apt in NYC is no easy task; it's a full-time job. I find it very fatiguing. I don't know if I have the stamina for all this searching. I have spent several hrs searching the various websites and writing e-mails and I am no closer to a decision than when I asked my question last wk. As Neopatrick pointed out: "I tend not to rent an apartment unless I'm 99.9% sure -- just like buying a non-refundable plane ticket." It becomes a very expensive proposition if we need to cancel for some reason. We have done this non-refundable bit a few times before, in Buenos Aires for an apt and in Fiji for a resort. It makes me very uncomfortable to put out that much money. I imagine there is insurance for this type of thing, although I have never investigated it.

Renting a room in someone's home might work, but unlike your Mom we have no NY connections to check out the apt for us and then I wonder if we really want the lack of privacy that staying in someone's home can mean. However, I want to say thank you again.

People on this board have been most encouraging and helpful and I continue to receive e-mails from some of the places I contacted. Meanwhile, we continue to consider NYC and other vacation options for the summer.

As a resident of NYC I've been following this thread with great interest. What a hassle it is to visit! I had friends in town from Maine last weekend and they were staying at the Off Soho Suites downtown (http://www.offsoho.com).The rooms are tidy, but very simple -- large bathroom, livingroom with fold out couch and workable kitchen (although they didn't seem to supply a lot of glasses or pots and pans). Upon checking their website I noticed they have a link to an extended stay property in the east village. Neighborhood may or may not be up your alley, but worth checking out.

Finding a place to stay/live in NYC is never easy - unless you have unlimited funds. thwn I bought y first apartment it took alost 10 months to find - and that was treating it as a second job - at least 10/12 hours a week.

If you want a really great deal - it's work.

Harlemite: Thanks for the website. I checked out the extended stay option. The cost is $3500 plus 17% tax for July. $75 cleaning fee (optional) NO REFUNDS. The apt is at 2nd ave and 12th St. This location means nothing to me, but it may be helpful for others reading the board. The man I spoke to on the phone put me on hold each time I asked a question -- not a very good feeling. We had trouble communicating. You ARE right; it is a hassle. Ditto to NYtraveler.

Second Avenue and 12th St is one block from where I live. It's a good neighborhood, the East village, very popular, full of restaurants and small local shops rather than large chain stores.

I agree with the location --- I used to leave nearby myself. Very close to Union Square with the farmer's market in summer -- yum. But if the price isn't right. I also wonder if you'll have better luck booking closer to your intended stay date. Hotels don't want to drop rates until they realize they have to. My friend booked the Off Soho Suites for $109 night vs. their posted rate of $159.

When I visit NYC (which is often, but never often enough), I will always stay in a residential neighborhood like the UWS or E Village or similar. Much more relaxing, much better "feel" on the streets. Plus, shops and restaurants tend to be higher quality and better price (though of course that's all relative in NY), because they depend on repeat business much more than do places in midtown.

Thank you, Harlemite and rizzuto. I am looking for a neighborhood feeling; I much prefer it to a hotel area. I am going to take a wait and see attitude. Perhaps, as we get closer, there will be more people willing to offer discounts. Meanwhile, we continue to look at other holiday choices. Thanks again. Annetti

I'm a little surprised no one mentioned New York Habitat in this thread. wwww.nyhabitat.com We've never used them (we always end up staying in a suite hotel), but I know a few people who have (it's been several years, though).

Is this company still considered a viable, reliable option for sublets in NYC?

Hi Brookside, I just tried nyhabitat.com but there was no website. Any chance that there's another spelling or form that it takes? Thank you. Annetti

It's right there - but I think you need to use the www. Although, I can;t vouch for the apartments.

Thank you nytraveler. You are right; I needed the www. The apts look pretty decent for the price. Lots of one bedrooms in my price range. Okay. . . anyone out there have direct experience with this company? Thanks in advance.

I did use nyhabitat once, about 7 years ago. There are individual owners. My experience worked out OK, but the owner, a rather young guy was very flakey. He was an hour or two late meeting us with the keys. He told me to contact him directly next time and it would save me money. I referred two friends to him and they rented for a week and it was disaster. They arrived to find someone else in the apartment, but he showed up and he was casual about it -- saying the other people were staying an extra day so he arranged for my friends to stay in a neighbor's apartment that he was 'watching' while the owner was out of town. My friends had the impression the owner of that one never even knew they stayed in it. But the next day they moved to the right apartment. Then my friends could never get their deposit back -- just a lot of stories from the guy, first he had sent it, then his secretary had failed to, and then it had been sent -- but it hadn't. They finally just gave up. I contacted nyhabitat and told them the whole story, making clear that we didn't hold them responsible as we hadn't booked through them and they simply replied that yes, there had been problems with that owner and they had "dumped" him anyway and no longer would rent his apartment.

Once again, anything can happen with any of this agencies that have various individual owners.

Renting an apartment is not the same as booking a hotel. Cancelation fees are steep, you're often asked for half or more upfront and it's usually not possible to read reviews of the particular place you're getting. You'll be asked I can't emphasize enough that MOST short term rentals are illegal in some way-either b/c the building doesn't really allow it or the city zoning doesn't allow it. This doesn't stop people from doing it, but you need to understand that it's not a common thing.

People are illegally renting out apartments that should be long term rentals to tourists and yielding two to three times the money they would otherwise.
Example: a studio apartment rents for ~ $2000/month (unfurnished). Instead, a coop or condo owner or landlord of a rental building puts some furniture in and can rent it for $200/night. The tourist thinks they're getting a bargain, the owner/landlord can get $6000 for the month if he can rent it for every night instead of the $2000 to a long term tenant and that more than pays for some furniture. Each renter is charged for cleaning and security in case of damage.

Imo, by definition people who do this are often a bit flaky.

I think if you like any of the b & b's I linked for you and any of them show openings, it doesn't hurt to ask for a price for a 3 or 4 week stay. I notice the Monet suite at west-eleventh.com is free the last half of June and all of July. (btw, a lot of NYers leave in July/August. I think it might be easier to get a deal for a month then than in June).

The other thing you might try is running your OWN ad in Craigslist and let people respond to you.

Hi mclaurie, I wrote to all the B&Bs you suggested. About three of them answered me. I can't remember who said what now, but one B&B would only do two weeks, said that more time was not in his self-interest and had no discounts at all for the 2 wk period. Another offered me a 15% discount and the third offered NO discount at all. He offered me the same rate as his day rate multiplied by 30. I think at the time, I did the numbers that all three places were over $6000. I did not inquire what their cancellation policies were since the prices were out of my price range. No doubt, they are a great bargain compared to a hotel room, but not a great deal for a long visit by someone constrained by budget. None of them seemed to be impressed by the possibility of a long stay, in fact as I pointed out above, one told me flat out he does not offer long stays.

Thank you for your thoughts on the illegality of subletting. Neopatrick's tale above is not a pleasant one to read. I have no doubts that it happened. Although Habitat removed this guy they "dumped," there is probably another dishonest guy/gal taking his place. I suppose you have to be unlucky and that most people will not experience this situation or at least I hope that the odds are small, but it seems like a lot of trouble and then to end up having a bad vacation. I am finding myself less and less enthusiastic about renting an apt in NYC this summer.

I think the best of all possible worlds (besides being extraordinarily rich or incurring debt) would be to have connections in NY who would willingly do some legwork for us. Unfortunately, we are NY relationless.

Thank you, NeoPatrick for your thoughts on Habitat.

Well - I think the problem is that you're looking for a great deal/price but don;t want to take the risks associated with it. $100 per night really isn't enough for something that's legitimate and guaranteed.

nytraveler: You are right; I am not a risk taker. Even if I spent twice the price, I still have no cancellation privileges in the apt.; I would lose $6000 instead of $3000 and I may end up with no nicer place than if I spent $3000, however I probably would have the guarantee that the apt I saw on-line would probably be the one I eventually rented.

Hotels are much easier; if you don't like the room, you pay for the night or maybe two nights and then you switch places. And usually you lose no money if you cancel within 48 hrs.

When I opened with my query, I did not expect the answers I received and in no way did I anticipate it would be this difficult. I just thought posters would suggest some reputable websites/narrow down the unlimited choices I saw when beginning my search and the rest would be easy, that I would narrow it down to a few choices, ask for some assistance on neighborhoods and rent an apt. No such luck. However, I am grateful for all the honesty and help I have received. Thanks everyone.

You sound so dejected. You DO have "relations" in NYC. You have us! ekscrunchy offered the possibility of her friend's apt. What about that? Brooklyn Heights is BEAUTIFUL and a short subway ride into Manhattan. I think you should at least entertain the idea. In your shoes, I would also contact management at Worlwide Plaza and Executive Plaza. The website for Executive Plaza is here http://www.empirestateproperties.com/ They also have a building downtown at Battery Park which can be quite nice in June.

I would also make contact with the person that NeoPatrick rented from at Worldwide Plaza and mention you're interested in a 1 month rental and while you see he's booked, you thought since things can change, you might just let him know in case he gets a cancelation. Who knows, he might know of another apt. This is all about networking.

I also think you have nothing to lose by running your own ad in Craigslist.

Btw, I've just reread the whole thread and I don't understand what's wrong with $99/night or $3,000 for the month from Oakwood? I don't think you'll find anything in Manhattan for much less than that for June that will be as nice. If you rent from Oakwood, their apartments are set up for visitors like yourself. When you rent from Ny Habitat or an individual, you're generally staying in someone else's apt. with their "stuff."

One other thought, www.apartments2book.com is a UK agency that generally deals in suite hotels but they have a few listings for 1 month rentals (although not sure they'd fit your budget). Here's one http://www.apartments2book.com/newyork22.htm
You might want to email them.

mclaurie, I lost any reference to annetti finding Oakwood at $3000. She mentioned above that they were all OVER $6000 for a month in July.

I have had similar problems with Oakwood both in New York and LA. I had good luck with them in Chicago (where they have their own building, not just a number of units in various buildings). However in New York, their prices seemed more like a come on. Every time we started getting specific they had nothing at the prices they first advertised. And they didn't want to confirm very far ahead for a single month. But they are sure an agency I wouldn't hesitate to trust for being on the up and up if renting through them.

Neopatrick and McLaurie, I think the confusion over Oakwood's prices were that I was originally given a spring bargain price of $99/night, but when I checked again for July prices, the second operator gave me a price of $213 per night. Thank you again, McLaurie. You have been very thoughtful.

I don't know if you've given up this idea but I suddenly remembered citylightsnewyork.com They are a clearing house for apartments and might have something for you.

Thank you, mclaurie. I must admit I have given up for the time being. We were offered and accepted a home exchange in Victoria for this summer. I still want to visit NYC very much!

what about www.homeaway.com
no one mentioned that site - i found that to be great site
we have yet to decide but will probably get a hotel over an apt but try that....

Thank you, ac291. I went on the website. It looks promising. I will take note of it.

I don't know where you live but a home exchange is a great idea. Have you considered that for NYC?

Mclaurie: I have been looking for a home exchange in NY, Phila. and/ or Boston for years. But, everyone I write seems to be Europe bound, particularly Paris, or have friends or family in Santa Monica near where I live and therefore are not interested! I did come close once or twice, but something intervened and it just did not work out. Needless to say, I was very disappointed, but I continue to scan the home exchange boards hoping for that NYC exchange offer! I am retiring in June, so I will be more flexible, hence I hope there will be more opportunities to find an East Coast exchange.

Gosh I'd think there'd be plenty of NYers who'd like a trip to Santa Monica. Have you actually posted your place for exchange? The only things I know about exchanges are what I've read here and on other travel boards. They say the best exchanges are with people similar to yourself (ie if you have kids, someone else with kids etc.)

I have posted and written. It is certainly not for lack of trying! Getting a NY exchange is a bit like winning the lottery or at least it seems to me. Perhaps, I have limited my chances since I don't offer a car exchange and a few people have drawn back when I mention that a car is not part of the deal. One couple expected a car, but were not offering one on their end. I think it will eventually happen, since with retirement coming closer I will have more options to travel more often. I am not adverse to renting an apartment, I just wish I knew a non-complicated way to go about it. Meanwhile, we have four exchanges lined up, so it may be hard to find time for a NY exchange. I am thinking Spring 2010 now for NY! And thanks again to everyone who has offered suggestions.

Check this article:

- How to rent or find an aprtment in New York City(NYC)
- Finding an Apartment in NYC – New York City
- How to rent or find an aprtment in New York City(NYC)
– Rentals Guidelines, Qualifications and Requirements

http://insiderater.wordpress.com/2009/06/18/how-to-rent-or-find-an-aprtment-in-new-york-citynyc-guidelines-qualifications-and-requirements/

http://insiderater.wordpress.com/

http://www.insiderater.com/

Best of luck