How do I rent an apartment in NYC without a guarantor?

When you need a guarantor or co-signer to rent an apartment in NYC can it be someone else than your parents?

• I am a student and I will rent a studio soon. My parents will pay a great deal of it but they live far away and don't speak english. I don't know anyone who lives in NYC so canI make someone at my bank sign for me for instance?

• Answer:

  If it's a lease and not a purchase, any guarantor or co-lessee which is acceptable to the lessor is fine, relative or not. You cannot "make" anybody do this against their wishes. It would be unlawful, coercive, etc. You may request a letter of recommendation from your bank, and they may or may not give it to you. If they do, the landlord may or may not accept it as sufficient. My suggestion is to offer first 6 months rent in advance, so they will be able to see a steady payment record before considering themselves to be "at risk". Don't give a large deposit, however. Often it's near impossible to recover a security deposit, even though you fulfill all terms of the agreement and leave the premises in excellent condition.