RDNY

I spent way too much time looking at so called no fee websites, but they have old, outdated listings and often, they lead you straight to brokers for big bucks. Looked at craigslist, one scam followed another. Finally asked a friend who had used RDNY and I called, somewhat cautiously. Excellent service, all valid listings, tons of help when I had questions, and can't beat the price. I found an amazing apartment in lower Manhattan through a private owner. This company also has the most amazing blog and renter's guide- so helpful. 5 stars!

I've used RDNY.com more than once. I even used them back when they were called Rent-Direct.com. Overall, they've always come through for me with apartments that I didn't see on any other site and I didn't have to worry about getting scammed. Sometimes the apartments I've called on were already rented, but usually "just" rented, so they didn't know about it yet. But by far, the information was accurate, without puffing up or hyping places. The listings were factual, and well supported with pictures, maps, street views, and other information about neighborhoods and businesses. They also have a very good renting guide that I learned a lot from. When my current lease is us, I'll use them again. I don't see any reason not to - I've also gotten expected service and good apartments.

There introductary teaser site is well done it sucks you in with promises of fabulous apartments and I did like the RDNY blog, but the reality is that you can spent upwards to $150.00 dollars and come up empty. Once you sign up for the site those fabulous listing disolve into a few nominal apts within a narrow price range. I saw the paltry listings and asked for a refund. I was told my price was not realistic in the areas I searched (yet I found two the following day on Craigs list, no fee and not too bad). And if you change you search parameters too many times you locked out. RDNY lists apartment owners or property management companies, the PM thought I was an agent calling "to show" the listing? I did mention RDNY but there was no acknowledgement on the end of the property owner. For high end listings this might be a tool to use, but if you are a struggling intern, student, or just starting out it is a lot to pay.

Can i give zero stars? This is the first review i've ever made time to write about anything… but I will copy into as many sites as I can.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE. RDNY IS A TOTAL WASTE OF MONEY. Despite what you might be told, you will not get your money back unless you cancel IMMEDIATELY. This service was completely mis-sold to me as a risk-free option, which it is not. I was told I would get my money back if I did not find somewhere after 2 months. The apartments offered were terrible, but I waited anyway in case something better came up. It didn't and I was told I should have cancelled on the first day to get my money back! I strongly believe you WILL NOT find your home here, Craigslist is far better – or a broker if you can afford. Though admittedly, I learned my lesson – ALWAYS read the damned sneaky terms and conditions (even when they are not pointed out to you).

Complete waste of money and my valuable time. Every listing I called was a broker who said that the listing was already taken, but for a fee of $7200 they had a similar apartment on a higher floor but I would have to pay 15% of the years rent to get it. Totally bait and switch! I am sure that the owners are involved in this scam. Why? Because they know most people won't bother to sue for their $200 back for invalid listings. Aparently they offer landlords and brokers the opportunity to list their apartments themselves, so what do they then do for you? Nothing. And no refunds as the department of state requires ($15) is all they are allowed to keep. Guess what? They have a NYC Brokers License too! Ok so know I get it they set this up so they could just create a list of active apartment hunters who are stupid enough to PAY for it! Just ask a friend about apartments, and if that doesn't work ask doorman, supers but avoid this at all cost. I wasted a week and go nothing but a higher bill at the hotel i was staying at. As soon as I moved on I found a place 1, 2, 3. Ps: The reason I am writing this is that they even had the nerve to request my rating of their service, even though they should have known I asked and was denied a refund.