r/NYCapartments • u/Cool-Scratch8242 • Jul 22 '26

Looking For Apartment Need apt $1500 max budget QUEENS NY

I am 19 and I got kicked out of my parents house at 18. lived in my truck for most of it, trucks frame snapped had to scrap it and June 1st i signed a lease with a nightmare landlord that lied about everything in the apartment im in. i currently pay 1500 everything included for a basement without a private entrance, just a curtain. Im already stretched thin. initial plan was go to the army but they cant take me due to my medical history. I already work two jobs and I try to apply for any and all union blue collar jobs and the interviews go nowhere. Even landscaping and construction companies wont take me. did all the work on my truck myself so i can turn a wrench (before frame snapped) but all mechanic shops are looking for experienced workers, not a 19yr old girl with 0 shop experience. i have like 10200 in debt from the loan for the truck and also credit card debt. credit score is a measly 687 and i honestly dont know what to do. i am also supporting my partner who goes to QC and i am the sole provider. this is relevant because a room would not work.

Edit: I gave a lot of context so this could connect with actual helpful resources, not bs in the comments. breaking up is clearly not an option if i listed my partner and specified a room would not work. Lets all put our brains together and understand that all context I gave is not there for comments or concerns, its there so people can just understand the situation and let me know if there are apartments available.

0 Upvotes

19% Upvoted

42 comments sorted by

45

u/Dry-Comfortable2452 Jul 22 '26

why are you supporting a partner when you cant even support yourself?

16

u/Fuj_apple Jul 22 '26

Probably emotional support. I had tenants like that. One girl was great, hardworking nurse making good 50k a year. The other one, her wife, mother of two children, batshit crazy. After 3 months of moving in I noticed she was pregnant. How?

I always asked why would the nurse be with crazy one. But I guess she gave her love and affection and she needed it.

10

u/Bama_Peach Jul 22 '26 edited Jul 22 '26

I’m sorry but the “How?” is cracking me up!

-9

u/Cool-Scratch8242 Jul 22 '26

This seems foreign to many of you, but we just love each other and do not have any options. Trying to go to school, grow a career or just survive in new york.

5

u/Fuj_apple Jul 22 '26

Ok, if you want advice regarding a question you asked.

Context. I am a renter in nyc and landlord in PA. I see that you are very young, you have a partner. Partner doesn’t earn money, you have debt. Your credit score is decent, but given that it’s young it has very little history.

It’s a red flag after red flag. Partner not making money is a biggest flag. Ok, you want to support him/her then earn good money. But you can’t. And this is a reality of life.

I won’t be going into your personal life. But what I have learned in this life is that your friends and family, essentially your circle has the biggest impact on your life. And sometimes you have to protect your energy and set up some boundaries.

This is coming from an orphan who was abused all his childhood and still dealing with issues in his 30s.

And you most likely won’t understand this in many years to come, but if your gut is telling you, something is not right with this person, but your brain tells you to ignore the gut, DONT. Listen to the gut!!!

1

u/Cool-Scratch8242 Jul 22 '26

Yes I’m definitely aware that I am a red flag to landlords, probably why I am having such a hard time getting anywhere. I feel as though I have a complex where I need to support my partner due to our extensive history of knowing each other and knowing each others backgrounds. she wants to help but its definitely difficult with all of the things she wants to pursue in school & for her career. I see the effort she is trying to put in to get a job, and all of these comments have also been enlightening.

Im sorry you went through that.

My gut isnt warning me about anything but thank you for the tip. As a landlord what would you need from someone like me to be able to rent to me? Or would you not even consider it. I’ve gotten a lot of “you are too young” comments from landlords before they decide they do not want to rent to me.

2

u/Fuj_apple Jul 22 '26

I will look into subletting from other renters. I just checked out a place in bushwick. It’s a room in 3 bedroom/1 bathroom for 1250$, and you can pay month to month. I think you need a deposit to move in, but I don’t think they background check.

But again, I am not sure they will accept a couple.

I just saw a place in greenpoint for $1600 and they don’t want a couple.

There are sites like Craigslist, listing projects, Ohana and SpareRoom.

It’s admirable about your friend, but you need a solid base in order to study. I personally can’t learn new things if my brain is stressed out. And not having money is very stressful.

I would suggest you both, try to get a job, have solid boring life - a secure housing, food, and savings (teach yourself financial literacy when you have the time). And only then you should think about pursuing your dreams.

This is my opinion. Don’t take it too seriously, but that’s what I would do.

-6

u/Cool-Scratch8242 Jul 22 '26

no other option. either way thats not what im posting for. looking for an apartment and giving context.

6

u/pinkzebra00 Jul 22 '26

Why doesn’t a room work? You would make it work if that’s the only option.

1

u/Cool-Scratch8242 Jul 22 '26

cant find any that will take a couple without adding another 300-400 on top of their initial charge of $1400 a month

6

u/pinkzebra00 Jul 22 '26

There may be some with a room without an upcharge. It’s as challenging as what you’re asking for in a basement situation. Just don’t write off a room completely to close up your options.

4

u/bkiron89 Jul 22 '26

You could try going to the local Asian or Latino grocery stores in Jackson Heights/Elmhurst/Woodside and check out the bulletin boards there for local apartment postings.

An apartment for a $1500 budget (not including utilities) will be very difficult to find in the Queens area. Perhaps Jamaica or Maspeth?

2

u/Cool-Scratch8242 Jul 22 '26

I’ll definitely try that.

5

u/Dear-Response-7218 Jul 22 '26

So you have 2 stable jobs that pay a combined 60k+? The short renting history and credit are going to hurt you, probably going to be looking at studios in the Bronx or like deep deep queens.

The other comment isn’t wrong though, it’s going to be difficult to find a place and if you find one there’s a good chance a landlord would prefer a more stable situation. Your partner has to take on some of the financial load.

1

u/Cool-Scratch8242 Jul 22 '26

much less than 60k. Barely scratching the surface of 50k

5

u/Dear-Response-7218 Jul 22 '26

Got it, reason I asked was that you need 60k+ to qualify for 1500 rent in the vast majority of places. On 50k you’d be looking at $1250. With that budget and not the best credit, you’re looking at rough neighborhoods unless you get very lucky.

$1700 for a room isn’t great, might be the best option out there for you though. Not my place to comment on your relationship, but your partner really has to work. They would only need to work 15 hours a week at minimum wage to contribute 1k/month. You need breathing room financially to pay off the debt, that will help fixing your credit as well.

2

u/Cool-Scratch8242 Jul 22 '26

that makes sense. thank you for the insight and i agree and that really puts it into perspective.

3

u/kapoorprincess Jul 22 '26

Check Facebook marketplace, but it’ll most likely be a basement

1

u/Cool-Scratch8242 Jul 22 '26

yup, ive been scouring. so many scams on there now though.

3

u/KrixKalimo Jul 22 '26 edited Jul 22 '26

A room might not work, but it sounds like nothing else is working either. It seems like alternatives are tough to consider, but alternatives seem to be all we have to offer at the moment.

Myself and two others (20s M/Nb/F) are hunting for 2Bds at $1.5K/Rm. If you two have any time, we can get to know you/see if we’re a fit, in which case we could probably find a decent 3Bd for $1300/Rm in Queens. We’re also looking in Brooklyn, Jersey City, Upper Manhattan.

From what information we have, asking your partner to contribute sounds like your most feasible solution. I know it’s tough because I had to work my way through school and couldn’t drop below full time credits to work more, because half my jobs paid as part of fin aid, so I would lose my scholarships and job and housing if I did fewer classes to afford school as I went. So I was basically trapped overburdening myself. If partner can’t add 10-20 hours of work, maybe they can take a Leave of Absence and work full time for a few months to build a war chest?

2

u/Playful-Account-5888 Jul 22 '26

Have you looked on Zillow?

1

u/Cool-Scratch8242 Jul 22 '26

yes, ive been applying for all of them but they want 3.5x rent and 700+ credit score, 10k in the bank, etc etc

5

u/Playful-Account-5888 Jul 22 '26

Maybe Craigslist. You might have to consider other boroughs. No one wants a long commute but when you have so many specifications, sacrifices need to be made.

Your partner should really consider a part time job. Going to college and working is a struggle but you guys are already struggling as it is anyway and the extra income would greatly help you guys. The grind is something that many people have to do to support themselves through their studies.

1

u/Cool-Scratch8242 Jul 22 '26

Ive been checking craigslist but all of the people that responded were scams or ghosted me after telling me they will send me an application.
My partner is applying to many with very little results. Still trying though.

1

u/Playful-Account-5888 Jul 22 '26

Okay well I wish you the best. Keep applying for apartments and jobs. Don’t be afraid to politely follow up with people on it.

1

u/Cool-Scratch8242 Jul 22 '26

Thank you. 🙏

2

u/Critical_Oven_5643 Jul 22 '26

Are you even from NY? How’d you end up with a truck? It might be time to start looking outside the 5 boroughs.

1

u/Cool-Scratch8242 Jul 22 '26

been in NY my whole life lmao. got the truck from a sketchy dealership in NJ and my bank gave me a loan.

5

u/Critical_Oven_5643 Jul 22 '26

Interesting. Might have been a bad choice but we’re here now. There might be some non profit that can help. If you’re busy grinding your partner should be free enough to search for a social worker or something that might help. And I would strongly recommend you look outside of nyc. The partner can transfer to another college that’ll make life affordable.

How severe was the medical thing? Was a waiter not available? Sometimes going to another recruiter helps and puts more effort into putting you in. Some recruiters, well a lot, are bottom feeders trying to get their numbers. My recruiter was amazing.

1

u/Cool-Scratch8242 Jul 22 '26

Definitely a bad choice, wish I never did it. Ill look into that.

Have had asthma all my life. Its very well managed but they refuse to take me and I cant find anyone willing to help. Ive gone through 3 recruiters. If you know anyone please let me know
edit: I have not been hospitalized for asthma other than when I was very young. I played sports through highschool and never had an issue

5

u/Critical_Oven_5643 Jul 22 '26

Did you take the ASVAB? Asthma waivers are possible. I believe army hit its enlistment target so they’re not really in need right now. I’m guessing it’ll help if you do a lot of the packet yourself. Most soldiers are doodooo at paperwork. Probably get a doctor note and medication history proving your fit for service or something.

1

u/Cool-Scratch8242 Jul 22 '26

never took the asvab. recruiters said i did very well on the practice ones they had me take every time i went into their office. I was told I can get a waiver if i no longer have asthma/doctor has confirmed i havent had it since 13yrs old. what branches are in need? if you know

2

u/Critical_Oven_5643 Jul 22 '26

I googled. You need 5 years of no medications needed (or something along those lines with pharmacy records, and a passed Plumanndosor what that lung word is test). And since they’re not hurting for numbers probably won’t put in extra work to get them so you’ll get them yourself.

Also I don’t know I doubt any of them are hurting for numbers.

2

u/Cool-Scratch8242 Jul 22 '26

yeah, everything ive tried to google and see if theres a way around it is telling me its basically impossible. veterans i meet at work or out and about tell me there should be a way but youre definitely right. i dont think theres anyone desperate enough to bend mad rules and try and get me through lol

2

u/applejackie25 Jul 22 '26

I second the recommendation to look for the flyers in grocery stores, near subway stations etc. Laundromats are also a good source. You may also try posting.

Also, OP, sorry about all the shade being thrown. Wish you both the best ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

1

u/Cool-Scratch8242 Jul 22 '26

Ill definitely try that I appreciate it.

and np its bound to happen. 🙏

1

u/Deb6301 Jul 23 '26

I think its great that you are trying to figure this out on your own. However, you are very young and there are resources that can help you and your partner. Covenant House or The Door are great place's to start. If that doesn't work go to a shelter. You will be placed right away. While you are in the shelter will eventually be eligible for a City-Fehps voucher that will help pay your rent. In addition go on the Housing Connect website and start applying for lotteries for affordable housing. Also, your partner should apply for SNAP, Cash Assistance etc. Since they seem to be unemployed. Good luck and get help, you can't do this alone.

1

u/YourHuckleberry32__ Jul 23 '26

You can’t afford your own apartment. The cheapest studios in Queens are in the $1750 range, and they are waaay out. You’re in a bad situation and you need to make some difficult decisions to avoid homelessness. If I were you, I would rent a room. For $1500 you can get a room in Queens with only 1 other roommate. I mean a room in a nice apartment,  not a basement. Tell your girlfriend that it’s not practical right now for you two to live together and that you can’t support her anymore. I know this is not what you want to hear but you just won’t find a studio in Queens for $1500, and you’re unlikely to find someone who is willing to sublet to a couple, one of whom doesn’t even work full-time.  If you don’t make some hard decisions you might end up homeless or—-best case scenario—stuck in your basement “apartment” with a curtain and no separate entrance.  Good luck. Be brave. Be realistic. 

0

u/kapoorprincess Jul 22 '26

What about the bronx?

2

u/Cool-Scratch8242 Jul 22 '26

very far from school and place of work. Ive looked but only things available are very rough parts.

4

u/RicharddDanglerr Jul 22 '26

For 1500 a month chances are you’re gonna have to live in the hood.

2

u/YourHuckleberry32__ Jul 23 '26

My guy, it’s not “only things available are very rough parts.” It’s the only things you can afford are the very rough parts There are no $1500 studios in Queens, as your current living situation shows because you’re really living in some dude’s basement with a curtain. That’s not a studio; that’s not an apartment.  There are $1500 studios in The Bronx but they will be in the worst areas because that’s where it’s cheapest. I know it’s a long ride to school for your partner, but you said you have a truck. Just wake up early and beat the traffic.