Temporary Accommodation Help
 

Good morning all,

I'm hoping someone can give me some advice re: finding accommodation.

Last week, after 6 long months, I was granted my L1-B visa.

Delight has now turned to stress, as I am trying to let out my house and sell my car, at the same time as trying to find somewhere to stay in NYC.

My plan is to find a place from September 20th - October 31st. This will not only give me time to get to know the city and plan where I'd like to live, but it also allows time for a colleague of mine to find out the result of his visa application; with the idea that we can apartment share when he moves here; saving a huge amount of money!

The thing is - finding a place when you live in another country is pretty intimidating, particularly as I have heard that 7 out of 10 adverts are scams.

What is the general rule of thumb here. I don't have anyone who can assist me IN NYC, so I'm working 100% remotely. What would you recommend?

If I did decide to risk it, how would you recommend I send a security deposit?

Any advice on moving or finding temporary dependable accomodation would be *hugely* appreciated.

Thanks,

Chris

Re: Temporary Accommodation Help
 

Absolutely no security deposit until keys in hand AND you have been inside the place.

Find a "corporate apartment" for the first week you arrive. That should be the term of art you search for on various websites. Barring that consider a cheap hotel out in New Jersey or Long Island while you work on your house hunting.

Another option is Airbnb.com, where you can rent a room or an apartment like it was a hotel. There is a third party (airbnb) that handles the money so it has some scam protection.

Re: Temporary Accommodation Help
 

Much depends on your budget.

You can search for "temporary accommodation" or "short term rentals" in New York City.

You could also try:
http://www.airbnb.com
http://www.vrbo.com
http://www.vacationrentals.com
http://www.homeaway.com/
http://www.craigslist.org
http://newyork.ebayclassifieds.com/

Re: Temporary Accommodation Help
 

Hi,

What part of NY are you looking to stay in? I know a few rentals in the Westchester area but not sure if that is suitable for you or not :)

Cx

Re: Temporary Accommodation Help
 

Seconded on all counts -- do NOT rent in NYC without actually having seen the place, especially as it appears that you are unfamiliar with the neighborhoods. Take some long-term accommodation as penguinsix suggests, get to know the city, and see what you are going to get for your money. As you will be on an L visa, you might want to enquire whether your company's HR dept works with a "relo" person who can help you.

Re: Temporary Accommodation Help
 

A company relocation expert is a great idea! A lot of them only know of/suggest NY City Centre though and not any of the external areas. So if you are looking to be a bit out of the city you need to do a bit of research yourself.

Cx

Re: Temporary Accommodation Help
 

padmapper is a great tool to use and craigslist to see about sublets, but the problem with the time of year will be college students taking up a lot of short term type places.

You pay deposit when you sign the lease and get the keys.

As you'll have no credit history, expect potentially a higher deposit, first/last plus 1-3 months worth as deposit.

Really should have got your employer to stump for that as part of relocation package as well as the use of a realtor to help you find a place because a realtor fee can be anything from 1-3 months rent in a finders fee and depending on the rental market, that's to the landlords realtor even if you didn't use one yourself.

Re: Temporary Accommodation Help
 

I used this company: http://www.oakwood.com/

Had it all setup before I came out and was no problem (got the deposit back without any issues). They appear to have some properties in NY so worth a look.

Re: Temporary Accommodation Help
 

I stayed in an AKA for 2 weeks. It was quite nice, but all organized by our company people

Re: Temporary Accommodation Help
 

I would try to arrive early, get a motel in north Jersey and look for something more permanent - nothing like seeing something up close rather than depending on others. If you want help with locations in north Jersey, ask - or pm me.