If you are looking for an apartment in the New York City area, you should consider going through a real estate agency. In New York City, in most cases, to get a rent controlled apartment, you would have to have lived there before July 1971. Once a rent controlled apartment becomes vacant, the rent will usually be stabilized or removed from regulation. There are many very nice, rent stabilized apartments, but they can only be found through an agency.
Generally, the rent stabilized apartments are pretty near the market rate, but the tenant gets protection in that they will not get kicked out, and the rent will not change even if the neighborhood real estate values soar. If this happens, the city regulates rent increases.
The Hecht Group is an agency that can help you find a rent controlled apartment. They offer a 100% guarantee and specialize in the Manhattan area. They renew list openings daily since most of the apartments they have usually go within a couple of days.
Vantage Properties has hundreds of retail and residential apartments in the most respected neighborhoods. Vantage uses cutting edge techniques to provide tenants with affordable rates and great service. Savoy Park is one of the Vantage Properties. These apartments offer granite counter tops and maple cabinets. The living areas are large and have hardwood floors. Savoy Park has 13 acres of manicured gardens, complete with paths and playgrounds. Some of the apartments have wonderful views of the park. Electricity is included in the rent.
Flatbush Gardens is a lovely apartment community. It offers studios to three bedroom apartments for less than $1,400 a month. All apartments have 9' ceilings and new hardwood floors. The Gardens have been recently renovated and the kitchen and bathroom are up to date. Flatbush Gardens is located at 1403 New York Avenue.