New Yorkers have no problem converting just about any space into a usable one. A closet can become a nursery nook or home office. And a 1-bedroom can be transformed to have 2, or even 3, bedrooms. So, yes, many residents live in basement spaces. But basement apartments have both pros and cons. 

Brooklyn Rentals Under $2,300 on StreetEasy Article continues below

Bedford-Stuyvesant

75 Hancock Street

$2,260 No Fee

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1

Bath Beach

8867 19th Avenue

$1,800 No Fee

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1

Brighton Beach

3100 Brighton 2nd Street

$1,825 No Fee

Studio |

1

Bay Ridge

71 71st Street

$1,950 No Fee

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1

Bay Ridge

8502 Ft Hamilton Avenue

$2,200 No Fee

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1

Bushwick

411 Suydam Street

$2,295 No Fee

2 |

1

Flatbush

181 East 32nd Street

$1,850 No Fee

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1

Kensington

540 Ocean Parkway

$2,299 No Fee

2 |

1

Weeksville

227 Troy Avenue

$2,100 No Fee

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1

Brooklyn Heights

89 Hicks Street

$2,077 No Fee

Studio |

1

Stuyvesant Heights

448 Jefferson Avenue

$2,000 No Fee

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East Flatbush

1634 Flatbush Avenue

$1,952 No Fee

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Lower rents and private entrances can make these spaces more appealing. However, as New Yorkers tragically saw during the catastrophic flooding of Hurricane Ida, subterranean spaces can be risky. It’s essential to know what constitutes a legal basement abode. To be legit, half of the height of the apartment must be above the street level. Requirements for single-family buildings with basement apartments start with the most crucial: a window in every room. They must also have ceilings at least seven feet high, and walls that are both damp-proof and waterproof. Also important to know: Basement apartments in two-family homes cannot legally be rented unless the building procures a new certificate of occupancy listing it as a multiple dwelling.

Not too long ago, the city unveiled a pilot program for building owners that provides funds for basement apartment conversions. While the budget was scaled back recently because of COVID-19, there might be more opportunities to rent a basement abode soon. But should you? Here’s what you need to know.

Manhattan Rentals Under $2,300 on StreetEasy Article continues below

Upper West Side

129 West 81st Street

$2,250 No Fee

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Central Harlem

265 West 146th Street

$1,960 No Fee

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Hudson Heights

353 Fort Washington Avenue

$2,200 No Fee

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Inwood

157 Vermilyea Avenue

$2,000 No Fee

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Inwood

248 Sherman Avenue

$1,850 No Fee

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Upper West Side

216 West 100th Street

$1,800 No Fee

Studio |

1

South Harlem

8 West 122nd Street

$2,274 No Fee

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Inwood

120 Sherman Avenue

$1,895 No Fee

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East Harlem

167 East 107th Street

$2,075 No Fee

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Upper West Side

149 West 95th Street

$2,300 No Fee

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Lincoln Square

235 West 63rd Street

$2,000 No Fee

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Manhattan Valley

56 West 106th Street

$2,195 No Fee

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The Pros and Cons of Renting a Basement Apartment in NYC

There are lots of factors to consider, but obviously, safety must always come first.

Pros of Basement Apartments

• Get more privacy: Many basement apartments have their own private entrance. This feature was particularly in demand at the height of the pandemic, when people wanted to minimize contact with neighbors and public touch points. (Think door handles, handrails, and elevator buttons.)
• Save on rent: Basement-level units are typically cheaper than similar units on higher floors.
• Lower cooling costs: Basement apartments are also usually a few degrees cooler than the rest of the building. That can lower your electricity bill during AC season.

Cons of Basement Apartments

• Flooding is possible: Basement apartments are in more danger of flooding during a massive storm, as was tragically seen during Hurricane Ida. Consider the exit points and windows of the unit very carefully. 
• Security is more of an issue: Being at street level makes a basement apartment slightly more susceptible to burglaries. So, make sure you keep doors and windows locked and that the lighting in front of the building is bright. 
• Space can feel cramped and dark: In some apartments, the ceilings may be lower than the units on the upper floors. Also, basement spaces often don’t receive much natural light. 
• Rodents and bugs could be more common: Make sure the building has regular pest control. And note where the garbage is kept in relation to the apartment — if it’s too close, it might be a deal-breaker. 
• Noise could be a concern: A street-level apartment could be noisier than those on upper levels. But thick curtains and reinforced windows can help muffle any outside sound.

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Whether you’re looking to rent or to buy, find your next NYC apartment on StreetEasy.