NYC Rent Seasonality Study
We analyzed 15,000+ user-submitted rent data points across New York City to uncover the best times to sign a lease. This free study reveals exactly when rents drop, competition fades, and landlords become desperate to fill vacancies.
NYC Rent Calendar
Time your lease perfectly. See when rents drop, competition fades, and landlords become desperate to negotiate.
Sign in December instead of July and save up to $350/month (~$4k/year) on a typical NYC apartment.
Seasonal Price Patterns
How NYC rents fluctuate throughout the year
Price vs Average
How much rents differ from yearly average
Month-by-Month Analysis
Detailed breakdown with market intelligence
| Month | Rent Δ |
|---|---|
❄️ January winter | -3% |
❄️ February winter | -2% |
🌸 March spring | -1% |
🌸 April spring | +1% |
🌸 May spring | +3% |
☀️ June summer | +5% |
☀️ July summer | +6% |
☀️ August summer | +5% |
🍂 September fall | +3% |
🍂 October fall | +1% |
🍂 November fall | -2% |
❄️ December winter | -4% |
Tip: Hover over rows for details. Winter months (highlighted in teal) offer the best value.
Best Months to Sign
Maximum savings & negotiating power
Post-holiday lull. Less competition for listings.
Still slower season. Some negotiating room.
Slow season begins. Landlords more flexible.
Slowest month. Best chance for concessions.
Months to Avoid
Peak prices & fierce competition
Peak season. College grads flooding market.
Highest demand of the year. Maximum competition.
Still peak season. Limited negotiating room.
Strategic Timing Guide
Maximize your savings with these proven tactics
Winter Strategy (Nov-Feb)
- Ask for 1-2 months free rent upfront
- Negotiate on lease length for more flexibility
- Request reduced security deposit
- Ask landlord to cover broker fee
- Push for rent freeze on renewal
If You Must Rent in Summer
- Start searching 60+ days early
- Be ready to apply same day
- Have all documents prepared in advance
- Consider slightly less popular neighborhoods
- Look for newly listed units (less competition)
Current Market Prices
Real median rents from thousands of active listings
Historical Rent Trends
How NYC rents have changed over the past 15 years
NYC Rent Inflation Over Time
Median 1-bedroom rent, 2010-2025
Steady growth averaging 2.8% yearly. Market reached $3,200 pre-pandemic.
COVID exodus dropped rents 13%. Concessions peaked at 3+ months free.
Record surge in 2022. Market continues setting all-time highs through 2024-25.
Data sources: StreetEasy Rent Index, NYC Rent Guidelines Board, Census Bureau ACS. Values represent median asking rent for 1-bedroom apartments in NYC.
Understanding NYC's Rental Seasons
❄️The Winter Advantage
Winter months (November through February) offer the best opportunities for NYC renters. While overall vacancy remains tight at around 1.6%, fewer renters are searching, giving you more time to view apartments and make decisions without the summer frenzy.
- •Lower competition means more time to make decisions
- •Some landlords offer concessions to avoid winter vacancies
- •Better leverage for lease term negotiations
☀️Why Summer Is More Competitive
Peak season (June through August) sees the most intense competition. With vacancy dropping to 1.2% and apartments renting in under 10 days, you'll need to move fast and have all your documents ready.
- •College graduates flood the market in June
- •Families prefer moving when school is out
- •Limited negotiating power when demand is high
Pro Tip: Strategic Lease Timing
If your current lease ends in summer, negotiate a shorter renewal (9-10 months) or go month-to-month so your next lease hunt falls in winter. The initial premium you pay is often recovered through the better deal you'll get on your next lease.
About this data: Our rent calendar is based on historical NYC rental market data and seasonal trends observed across thousands of listings. Actual savings may vary by neighborhood, building type, and market conditions.