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New York Habitat's Frequently Asked Questions


  • How far in advance should I contact New York Habitat?

Usually, 2 months prior to the beginning of the lease (date you enter the apartment) is the optimum time frame required. We can also work much further in advance (6 months to a year) or closer to the lease date (a couple of days prior).
The research process is greatly improved if you select one or more apartments on the website along with your request. [more info...]

  • Do you own the apartments you list on your website?

No, we do not own or manage any of the apartments we work with. They are either owned by individuals, managing companies or in case of a sublet, leased by tenants.

  • How can I contact you?

The best way is through our website, filling out a request form (for New York, Paris, London or the South of France). If you find apartments of great interest (if dates of availability, prices, location match your requirements) you can select them directly online, they will be forwarded to us along with your request.
Of course you can also contact us directly by phone, fax or regular email.

  • I filled out a request form on the web, then what?

We receive the form in real time, and it is then forwarded to one of our specialized agents. You will receive a confirmation that your request has been received along with the name of the agent in charge of helping you. Usually, you will receive a proposal by email or a phone call to further discuss your needs.
After the first contact, it is basically a back and forth communication between you and the agent until we find the best proposal. [more info...]

  • Which means of payment do you accept?

Agency Fees: Credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Amex, Dinners, Discover, JCB), Wire Transfer to our bank account, Certified checks, Bank checks, Money Order, Travelers Checks, Cash, Pay Pal account.
Rent and/or Security Deposit for the owner/tenant: Since we do not own or manage these apartments (as noted earlier), any money due to the owner is sent or given directly by you. Most of the time, they accept money transfer, certified or bank checks, money order and sometimes Pay Pal accounts.

  • How often do you update your apartment listings on the website?

We update our listings on a continuous process. As soon as new dates, prices or apartments are made available, the website is updated.

  • Can I rent an apartment without being present (in advance and/or from another town/country)?

Yes, absolutely.
We can send you pictures of apartments plus information related to the rental including descriptions, features and sometimes even apartment layouts via email. You can visualize what it is like without seeing it in person. Our apartments are visited by someone from our team who takes digital photos that are then posted on the website. Furthermore, our agents are knowledgeable about the local rental markets. You can turn to them for more information.
[more info...]

  • What can I do if I don't have the time to search online or if I don't find what I'm looking for?

That's easy, send us an email with your requirements (dates, type of apartments, number of people, price range, location) or call us directly to speak to an agent. We will go out of our way to make proposals as fast as possible. [more info...]

  • Are you a listing agency?

No. Listing agencies sell lists of apartments with which you have to deal on your own. We, at New York Habitat, are here to accompany you in your apartment search. You don't have to call the owners, we do it for you.

  • Do I have to pay something to have access to the apartment listings?

No, not at all! Browsing our website and getting information is totally free.

  • Do you charge fees?

Yes, only once the apartment has been found and the rental procedure agreed upon by all interested parties. Bed and Breakfast and Very Short Term Rentals (Vacation Rentals): prices on the website already include the agency fees.

  • Who are your customers?

Our customers are from around the world. They are individuals, families, tourists, business travelers and corporations.

  • Can you tell me more about New York Habitat in a few words?

Business started in 1989. New York Habitat is a full service real estate agency licensed in the United States by the State of New York. There are two subsidiary companies: New York Habitat-Europe Sarl in France, approved by the Syndicat National des Professionnels Immobiliers, and New York Habitat-London Ltd. in the United Kingdom.

If you want to find out more about the company, you can read our Company Profile (pdf).

New York Habitat by the Numbers:

- 350,000 Visitors to our website every month
- 12,000 Total apartments in the company database
- 200,000 Digital apartment photographs in the database
- 600 Rentals per month
# 1 "The best sublet service in New York" New York Magazine

  • What languages are spoken at New York Habitat?

Our agents and staff speak English, French, German, Spanish, Hebrew, Italian, Chinese, Swedish, Dutch, Romanian.

  • What if a problem occurs?

We are always here to listen to your demands and in case you need to contact a manager or someone in a higher position you can do so at any time. You can call the office. The management is ALWAYS here to help you. Also we do have service improvement personnel available to you through email at: Contact us

  • Do you contribute to charity work?

Yes, we are proud to be one of the very active member of United Device Cancer Research project.

  • Do you know how I can get travel insurance?

There are many insurance companies. For your information, New York Habitat has a relationship with Travelex, a sound and well-known insurance company. You can find a lot of information about travel insurance on their website (flight, car rentals, personal properties, health risk, cancellation).

  • How and when do I get the keys for the apartment and do I return them?

When a lease agreement has been signed between yourself and the owner, the owner will, for the most part, greet you at your arrival and give you the keys. If this is not the case, the owner will make arrangements for you to get the keys prior to or upon your arrival. The same applies for returning the keys upon departure.

  • What happens if I want to stay longer than initially expected?

First, contact us to tell us you want to stay longer. We will contact the owner to find out if the apartment is available for the required extension term. If this is the case, we will be only too happy to extend your reservation.

  • I'm an owner. How can I list my apartment with you?

Please call us at any time. If you prefer, you can also send us a fax, an email or fill out our request form. As soon as we receive your request, you will be contacted by one of our agents. [more info...]

  • I don't see my question in this list.

You may Contact us by email or call us at +1 (212) 255-8018+1 (212) 255-8018.

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