Frequently Asked Questions:   Below you will find the most common questions asked by both past and  present clients when renting apartments in New York City.       Is the building pet friendly?   Where is public transportation?   Can I put a wall in the apartment?   Can I combine incomes?   Does the building allow guarantors? Will the apartment be painted?   Will the apartment be cleaned?   Do I have to pay for water?   What is included in rent?   What are utilities?   What is a security deposit?   What are the lease terms?  Can I paint the walls?   Will the apartment be pre-wired for phone and cable?   What paper work do I need for the landlord?   How long does it take for approval?   What does my guarantor need to do?   How much do I have to earn to be approved?   What is an alcove studio?   What is a convertible three?   What is a junior four?   What is a rent stabilized apartment?    What is a rent controlled apartment?   Can I put my own lock on the door? Q: Is the building pet friendly? A: Some buildings allow dogs and cats, some allow none at all, it all depends on the building. (top)   Q: Where is public transportation? A: MTA maps are available at all token booths -- Free of charge. (top)   Q: Can I put a wall in the apartment? A: This depends on each building policy. Many landlords allow tenants to construct pressurized walls, not a permanent one. However, many landlords do require that upon vacating the apartment it must be restored to its original condition, otherwise you may be penalized. (top)   Q: Can I combine incomes? A: Sometimes they will allow a combination of incomes, however they will require an individual to qualify on their own. (top)   Q: Does the building allow guarantors? A: At the discretion of the landlord, some allow New York State only, others allow Tri State and some allow United States residents only. (top)   Q: Will the apartment be painted? A: Not always. (top)   Q: Will the apartment be cleaned? A: Most of the time apartments are painted and cleaned, but you should ask first. (top)   Q: Do I have to pay for water? A: No, this is not charged to tenant. (top)   Q: What is included in rent? A: Usually heat and hot water. However, electric heat is not, that would be included in your electric bill. (top)   Q: What are utilities? A: Gas and electricity. (top)   Q: What is a security deposit? A: A deposit is generally one months rent, though this can vary in each building. This money is used in the event of damages to the apartment. This money may not be used to pay the last months rent. (top)   Q: What are the lease terms? A: Typical lease terms are one or two years. (top)   Q: Can I put my own lock on the door? A: Yes, but a copy of the key must go to the landlord. (top)   Q: Can I paint the walls? A: Yes, but they must be restored to the original color before you vacate. (top)   Q: Will the apartment be pre-wired for phone and cable? A: Most new buildings are pre-wired for cable and phone lines. If not, arrangements can be made to install these services. (top)   Q: What paper work do I need for the landlord? A: Paper work requires an application, credit check, letter of employment, pay-stubs and recent tax returns. (top)   Q: How long does it take for approval? A: It varies, a rental can take one hour to one week. A co-op sublet can take several weeks depending on when the board meets. (top)   Q: What does my guarantor need to do? A: A guarantor must earn at least twice the income requirements as the tenant. (top)   Q: How much do I have to earn to be approved? A: Your gross income must equal 40-50 times one months rent. (top)   Q: What is an alcove studio? A: Usually a recessed area within the apartment that may be divided into a separate space. Usually the apartment is in the shape of an 'L'. (top)   Q: What is a convertible three? A: A two bedroom with an alcove or dining room that can be converted into another bedroom. (top)   Q: What is a junior four? A: A one bedroom, often with a bath and a half that has a dining area that can be converted into a second bedroom. (top)   Q: What is a rent stabilized apartment? A: Rent stabilized units in New York City are those apartments in buildings of six or more units in buildings built between February 1, 1947 and January 1, 1974. Tenants are entitled to receive required services to have their leases renewed and may not be evicted except on the grounds allowed by law. (top)   Q: What is a rent controlled apartment? A: For an apartment to be rent controlled the tenant must have been living there continuously since July 1, 1971. When a rent controlled apartment becomes vacant, it either becomes rent stabilized or is removed from regulation. (top)   Q: Can I sublet my apartment? A: This depends on the landlord and building. for the most part, you must make your intent very clear upon signing of the lease. If you do sublet the apartment, you must reoccupy the space as your primary residence when sublease expires. (top)