Here are 5 NYC rentals with longer leases that lock in a lower rent

By Austin Havens-Bowen | June 23, 2021 - 9:30AM

These days, lots of New York City renters are opting for leases longer than the standard 12 months.

That’s because many renters seem to think that rents have hit bottom and want to lock them in for a longer period. Landlords are amenable because it’s a way of offering a concession that doesn’t cost them any extra—and keeps their apartments occupied longer.

Of course, there are downsides to making a longer commitment, like if you have annoying neighbors or need to relocate unexpectedly. If that could be a possibility for you, consider asking your landlord to include a clause that would allow you to move out early without penalty.

Right now, you can find many apartments with 14- to 24-month leases that are also offering generous concessions. Many longer-term rentals listed on StreetEasy are also offering one or more months of free rent and landlord-paid broker fees.

So if you’re looking to lock in a longer lease, check out these rentals in Harlem, Greenwood, Middle Village, Carnegie Hill, and Lenox Hill.

315 East 108th St., #4E, Harlem

This no-fee studio is listed for $1,500 with two months free on a 15-month lease. The apartment is shown virtually staged above. It has hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, two windows, a large closet, and a newly-tiled bathroom. The building has a live-in super and laundry room. Thomas Jefferson Park is nearby.

287 19th St., #3, Greenwood

This no-fee one bedroom, one bath is listed for $2,400 with one month free on a 24-month lease. Apartment #3 has hardwood and tile floors, stainless steel appliances, several windows, and an in-unit washer and dryer. Green-Wood Cemetery and Slope Park Playground are nearby.

62-98 Woodhaven Blvd., #5S, Middle Village

This no-fee two bedroom, two bath is listed for $2,700 with a 24-month lease. The apartment features an open floor plan with hardwood floors, recessed lighting, oversized windows, stainless steel appliances, and a balcony. Amenities include a gym, bike storage, laundry room, and parking is included in the rent. Juniper Valley Park is nearby.

182 East 95th St., #26K, Carnegie Hill

This no-fee one bedroom, one bath is listed for $3,075 with two months free on a 14-month lease. Apartment #26K has stainless steel appliances, parquet floors, large windows, three closets, and central air. The building has a doorman, live-in super, concierge, laundry room, and parking. Central Park and the 96th Street 6 station are nearby.

230 East 79th St., #3#, Lenox Hill

This no-fee one bedroom, one bath is listed for $3,200 with two months free on a 24-month lease. It has parquet floors, garden views, stainless steel appliances, central air and heat, and four closets. Located in a co-op, amenities include a doorman, live-in super, package room, and laundry room. Central Park is nearby.

The Market With rents hitting bottom, apartment hunters are locking in longer leases

Roommates + Landlords My landlord won’t let me go month to month, but offered an opt-out clause if I renew. What’s the catch?

Rent Should I sign a one- or two-year apartment lease in NYC?

Austin Havens-Bowen

Writer

Austin Havens-Bowen is a writer and reporter. He previously covered local news for the Queens Ledger and The Hunts Point Express in the Bronx. He graduated from Hunter College with a BA in media studies. He rents a one-bedroom apartment in Astoria with his boyfriend and their two cats.

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