Renting in Brooklyn in 2026: what changed

The FARE Act in plain English

Since June 2025, New York City's FARE Act means the party who hires a broker pays that broker. When a landlord hires an agent to list an apartment, the tenant cannot be charged that agent's fee. Listings must also disclose any fees a tenant will pay.

In practice most Brooklyn rentals marketed by listing agents are now no-fee to tenants. Some landlords have adjusted rents to absorb the cost, so compare the total cost over the lease, not just the headline number.

Income and guarantor rules

Landlords still commonly ask for annual income of about 40 times the monthly rent. For a $3,500 apartment that is $140,000 a year, combined across all applicants. Guarantors are typically asked to earn about 80 times the rent.

If you do not meet those thresholds, insured guarantor companies can stand in for a personal guarantor for a fee, usually a percentage of one month's rent or of the annual rent.

Documents to prepare before you tour

Prepared renters win in competitive buildings. Have these ready as PDFs:

• Government photo ID
• Two recent pay stubs or an offer letter
• Employment verification letter
• Most recent tax return or W-2
• Two recent bank statements
• Guarantor documents, if applicable

Timing your search

Most apartments are listed three to five weeks before they are available. Start seriously looking about 30 to 45 days before your move date. Summer is the busiest and most expensive season; November through February usually has more negotiating room.

How to judge a building quickly

Before you apply, check a few things that are hard to change later:

• Open HPD violations and complaints for heat and hot water
• Laundry: in unit, in building or down the block
• Real commute time at rush hour, not the map estimate
• Noise from bars, trains and trucks, ideally on a weeknight
• Pet policy and any breed or weight limits

Negotiating a lease

In a strong market there is little room on rent, but you can sometimes negotiate a later start date, a longer lease with a fixed renewal, a free month on a two-year lease or permission for a small pet. Ask politely and in writing after you are approved.

Where we fit in

Our leasing team pre-qualifies renters, books clustered tours and prepares applications so you can act on the same evening. For relocating renters we offer live video tours and remote lease signing.

Figures in this article are general sample ranges for 2026 and are not legal, tax or financial advice. Confirm with your attorney, accountant or lender.