Housing and Relocation

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As you begin thinking about what neighborhoods in New York City may be a good fit for you, it is helpful to learn as much as you can about each area.  Click here to explore the resources in each borough and consider the following:

Temporary Housing
When you first arrive in New York City, you may consider temporary housing options as you get settled and learn more about where you will be teaching and in which neighborhoods you feel most comfortable.  There are a variety of temporary housing options:

    • Friends and family
    • Sublets are the most common form of temporary housing.  They are available year round and vary in length (from one weekend to several months). Craigslist is a great resource for finding sublets.
    • Guesthouses and Community Center Housing
    • Hotels

    Finding an Apartment

    While it may seem like a daunting task to find an apartment in the city, there are many resources available to help you with your search.  You can also get advice from other new teachers coming to teach in NYC at www.facebook.com/ITeachNYC.   The City of New York provides:

    • Ten tips for finding an apartment
    • New apartment checklist
    • Online and print resources finding an apartment

    As you search for an apartment, be sure to have the following items and/or documentation available to complete a rental application:

    • Letter of employment
    • Bank statements for checking/savings accounts
    • Blank checks (for a partial deposit and/or credit check to secure an apartment)
    • Contact information of previous landlords and references (personal and professional)
    • Tax returns
    • Recent pay stubs
    • Photo Identification
    • Money to cover two month’s rent (first month and security deposit)
    • Money to cover a broker’s fee, if applicable

    Buying an Apartment
    As a teacher with the Department of Education, you have access to various programs that provide assistance for homebuyers:

    • The UFT , in partnership with community group ACORN and NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), has created a program to offer affordable housing opportunities in the city to UFT members.  This includes the following:
      • Holding Home buying Opportunities Seminars
      • Preference in city-sponsored lotteries for affordable rentals and home-ownership units.
      • One-on-one loan counseling sessions to finance your home at discounted mortgage rates and refinancing assistance
      • HomeFirst Down Payment Assistance Program offers grants of up to 6% of the purchase price of a first home, while banks, working with ACORN, offer grants of up to $8,000 towards a down payment or closing costs to qualified homebuyers
      • UFT Provided Discounts with a variety of financial lenders for home purchases
      • AFT Mortgage Program offers special provisions and financial assistance for home buyers
    • Banks may offer assistance in the form of reduced rates/points and/or assistance with closing costs.  See the banking section and contact your local branch for details.