‘Now [$12,000] looks like chump change’: 20+ NYC renters share their most frustrating experiences in the real estate market

Ah yes, the city of dreams. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere! But, seriously, if you don't come from some sort of privilege and you decide to move to NYC tomorrow, it would be very very difficult for you. I moved here many years ago when rent was closer to $700, but now… Pffffffft, fahgettaboutit! Seriously, I was already struggling as a person trying to make it on their own even with that "cheap" rent. (I know, someone who isn't a nepo-baby moved to NYC, impossible!) Even that being said, I still had more privileged than many others who try to move here—I had a college education and friends/family who always knew someone who knew someone in NYC that could help me out with some weird under the table gig to help me make rent. So, though I survived off of a can of peanut butter for months and the free cheese puffs at the bars, I was still cruising. But now, I fully believe if I had moved to NYC today in the same way, I would not be able to afford rent. Unless I lived in a questionably legal artist complex deep in Brownsville, that has like 5 people to a room, I would definitely fail.

Rent has always been a contentious point for New Yorkers—the landlords and brokers want more money and the renters just want to be able to afford an actual functioning roof over their heads while they try to chase their dreams. And don't even get me started on the children of the wealthy parents coming in and not caring for either side…

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New York is working on a law that bans broker fees for renters. If you have never rented in NYC: Brokers are the people who unlock the door of the apartment for you to go view it. For the past several years, they've been charging a percentage of a YEAR'S worth of rent to the potential renters. Sometimes that fee can be $4k-$6k. It's insane. Hopefully, this summer a law passes that bans that and the only people who have to pay the brokers are the people who actually hire them.

That being said, New Yorkers are used to being teased with these kind of renter laws, just for their hope to get lost within the courts. It's exhausting. So, some have turned to Reddit to vent and share their frustration with it all. See the most annoying experience with brokers and landlords below!
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