Renting · Westbury · Nassau · Queens
Finding a rental on Long Island or in Queens can feel like a race. Here is how it works with our team, from the first phone call to the day you get your keys, and the New York rules that protect you along the way.
Step by step
Most rentals follow the same path. Knowing it ahead of time is the easiest way to move quickly when the right place comes along.
Call us or send a message. Tell us your budget, your move-in date, the towns you're open to and how many bedrooms you need. The more we know, the better we can match you.
We set up showings and give you a straight answer about each place: what's included, what the landlord needs to see in an application, and anything that could be a dealbreaker.
That's your rental application plus the documents that back it up. The checklist below shows what landlords typically ask for, so you can start gathering now.
Sign in, fill out the application and upload your documents from your phone or computer. Everything goes straight to our team, in one place. Rather not do it online? Call the office and we'll help.
Call the office and we'll tell you the easiest way to get it to us. Questions about anything on the checklist? Just ask.
We send your package to the landlord, who makes the final decision. We'll let you know as soon as we hear back.
Read the whole lease before you sign, and ask us about anything that isn't clear. At signing you'll usually pay the first month's rent and the security deposit. Before you move in, the landlord has to offer you a walk-through to note the condition of the place.
Your broker package
A broker package is simply your rental application plus the paperwork that backs it up. Every landlord is a little different, but most ask for the same core documents. Here is what is typically requested.
Our own rental application is online. Fill it in on your phone or computer, add your documents, and it comes straight to our office.
Check things off as you gather them, and skip anything that doesn't apply to you. Your checkmarks stay on this device only.
Apply online
No pile of paper. You sign in, fill out the application online and upload each document from your phone or computer.
Sending your package
Call the office and we'll tell you the easiest way to get your package to us. We can also go over the checklist with you, in English or Spanish.
Call the office at 516-777-0385 and we'll talk it through.
Know your rights
These are federal, state and local laws. They apply whether you rent with us or with anyone else, and they're worth knowing before you apply.
Real Property Law §238-a
A landlord can't charge you a fee just to process an application. The only charge allowed is for a credit or background check: $20 or the actual cost, whichever is less. If you're charged, you have to get a copy of the report and the receipt. If you bring your own check from the last 30 days, the fee is waived.
General Obligations Law §7-108
For most rentals, the security deposit can't be more than one month's rent. Before you move in, the landlord has to offer a walk-through to write down the condition of the place. Within 14 days after you move out, they have to return your deposit, minus anything they keep, with an itemized list of what they kept and why. If they miss that deadline, they lose the right to keep any of it.
Human Rights Law, Executive Law §296
Most landlords can't turn you down because of how you lawfully pay your rent, including public assistance, Social Security, SSI, child support and more. Section 8 vouchers are the one open question under state law. In March 2026 a state appeals court ruled that the state law can't be used to make landlords accept them. The state appealed, that ruling is on hold, and New York's highest court will decide. Nassau County, Suffolk County and New York City have their own laws that also cover vouchers. Either way, we treat every lawful source of income as income.
Real Property Law §227-f
A landlord can't refuse to rent to you because you were involved in a past or pending landlord-tenant case.
Real Property Law §238-a
A late fee can only be charged once rent is more than five days late, and it can't be more than $50 or 5% of the monthly rent, whichever is less.
Fair Credit Reporting Act
If a landlord turns you down, or asks for a co-signer, because of something in a credit or background report, they have to tell you. The notice names the company that made the report, and you can get a free copy within 60 days and dispute anything that's wrong.
State and federal rules require these so you know your rights and who the agent works for. Neither state form is a contract. Signing the anti-discrimination form only shows you received it. The landlord and tenant form also has boxes where you can agree ahead of time to one agent working for both sides, called dual agency. Only check those if you mean to, and ask us if you're not sure.
Explains your fair housing rights and how to file a complaint. Every licensed agent has to give it to you at your first real conversation about a rental.
Explains who the agent works for: the landlord, you, or in some cases both. It's required for houses with one to four units and for condo or co-op apartments. You'll get it early on, and you sign to show you received it.
Every New York residential lease has to say whether the home is in a FEMA flood zone and disclose any past flood damage the landlord knows about or reasonably should know about. It also has to remind you that renter's insurance usually doesn't cover floods.
For most homes built before 1978, federal law requires the landlord to share anything known about lead-based paint and give you the EPA pamphlet “Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home” before you sign.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and we last reviewed this page in September 2026. For a question about your own situation, talk to an attorney or contact the agencies below.
Tips from our team
A complete, easy-to-read package gets reviewed faster. A few small things make a big difference.
On bank statements, cover every account number except the last 4 digits. A landlord needs to see your balances and deposits, not your full account number.
Scan to PDF if you can. With a phone, lay each page flat in good light, fit all four corners in the frame and include every page.
Good rentals can go fast. With your package ready, you can apply the same day you find the right place.
New job, short credit history, self-employed or using a guarantor? Tell us up front. It's easier to plan for it early than to explain it late.
Save a copy of everything you send, and get a receipt for every payment you make.
Don't send a deposit for a rental you haven't seen in person, and be careful with anyone who asks for cash, a wire transfer or gift cards.
Questions we hear a lot
Don't see yours? Call the office at 516-777-0385 and ask. We're glad to help.
Under New York law, the only charge allowed for a rental application is the credit and background check, and it can't be more than $20 or the actual cost, whichever is less. If you already have a report from the last 30 days, bring it and the fee is waived.
It depends on the property and on who hired us. Ask about a specific place and we'll give you a straight answer. In New York City, including Queens, a broker hired by the landlord can't charge you a fee.
Yes. We treat vouchers and rental assistance as income, the same as a paycheck. Include your voucher paperwork in your package so the landlord sees the full picture.
Yes. Let us know early. Tax returns, 1099s, bank statements or a guarantor can help a landlord see that the rent is covered.
It depends on the landlord and on how complete your package is. A complete package is always the fastest one to review. We'll let you know as soon as we hear back.
The people handling your rental: our team and the landlord or landlord's agent reviewing your application. Ask us how we store your documents and the best way to send them. Either way, black out any account numbers they don't need.
Yes. Alex Barbosa speaks Spanish, and you can switch this page to Spanish with the EN / ES button in the menu at the top.
Call the office at 516-777-0385 and we'll talk it through.
If the decision was based on a credit or background report, the landlord has to tell you which company made the report. You can get a free copy within 60 days and dispute anything that's wrong. And remember, a landlord can't turn you down over a past housing court case, and most can't turn you down over how you lawfully pay your rent.
Ready when you are
Not sure where to start? A quick call to the office is the easiest way. If you've already found the place, you can go straight to the portal and send your package.
Not sure where to start? A quick call to the office is the easiest way.
Office line: 516-414-2400 · info@planarealty.com
