Welcome to your new Brooklyn home

Moving into a new apartment should feel like the start of something good, not a scramble. This guide walks you through exactly what to do before, during, and after move-in day as a Yak Management tenant — so nothing important slips through the cracks. Whether you're new to the city or just crossing borough lines, use it as your new-tenant checklist for NYC.

For more on the neighborhoods, transit, and lifestyle side of the move, our Moving to Brooklyn guide goes deeper. This page focuses on the logistics of getting into your specific unit.

Before move-in day

Handle these in the two to three weeks before your lease starts. Getting ahead here is the single biggest thing that makes move-in day smooth.

1. Finalize your lease and payments

  • Read your lease fully and keep a signed copy. Note your rent amount, due date, and lease term.
  • Pay your first month's rent and security deposit as agreed. In NYC, your security deposit is generally capped at one month's rent under state law.
  • Watch for your AppFolio tenant portal invitation — you'll use it to pay rent and request maintenance. Set up autopay so you never miss a due date.

2. Set up utilities in your name

  • Electric and gas: open accounts with Con Edison or National Grid (whichever serves your building) effective on your lease start date.
  • Internet: schedule installation early — appointment windows fill up fast in Brooklyn.
  • Ask us if you're unsure which utilities are your responsibility versus included in rent.

3. Get renter's insurance

Many leases require it, and it's worth having regardless. A policy protects your belongings and provides liability coverage for a small monthly cost. Some buildings need proof before handing over keys — see why renter's insurance matters in NYC and buy your policy early.

4. Book your move

  • Reserve movers and, if your building has an elevator, confirm whether a Certificate of Insurance (COI) is required from your moving company.
  • Schedule the move for a weekday when possible, and confirm building rules on move-in hours.
  • Measure doorways, stairwells, and the elevator so large furniture actually fits — Brooklyn brownstones and pre-war buildings often have tight turns.
  • Reserve a parking spot or plan for alternate-side rules on your street the day of the move.

If you have a guarantor on your lease, make sure they've signed everything as well, since your move-in can't be finalized until all paperwork is complete.

On move-in day

Do a move-in inspection first

Before you unpack a single box, walk the entire apartment and document its condition:

  • Photograph walls, floors, ceilings, windows, appliances, and fixtures — with the date visible.
  • Test faucets, toilets, outlets, light switches, and the heat and hot water.
  • Note any pre-existing scratches, stains, or wear.

Submit this record through your tenant portal right away. It protects your security deposit down the road by establishing exactly how the unit looked when you arrived.

Collect your keys and essentials

  • Confirm you have all keys and fobs — apartment, building entrance, mailbox, and any storage.
  • Locate your circuit breaker, water shut-off, and radiator valves.
  • Find where trash and recycling go, and learn your building's pickup schedule.

After you've settled in

Report anything that needs attention

Found a leaky faucet or a fixture that isn't working? Submit a request through your AppFolio portal — our team triages by urgency and responds quickly, with immediate response for true emergencies. Learn the full process in our guide on how to submit a maintenance request, and see everything our team covers on the maintenance services page.

Set up your first week

A few small tasks in the first week save headaches later:

  • Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and confirm they work. Your building is required to provide them, so report any that are missing or dead through your portal.
  • Confirm your heat and hot water are consistent — NYC landlords must supply heat during the cold-weather months and hot water year-round.
  • Locate the nearest pharmacy, grocery store, and subway line, and program building or super contacts into your phone.

Update your address

Change your address with USPS, your bank, employer, and the DMV, and re-register to vote at your new home. Don't forget subscriptions, delivery services, and your renter's insurance policy, which should list your new unit.

Know your rights and your building

As a NYC renter, you're entitled to essential services like heat and hot water, a habitable home, and protection under Fair Housing law. Get the full picture in our overview of NYC tenant rights. If you've landed in our home turf around Bed-Stuy, take time to explore the local spots that make the neighborhood feel like home.

We're here to help

You'll deal with real people who know your building — not a call center. Bookmark our tenant resources hub for quick access to rent payments, maintenance, and answers, and reach out to us anytime with a question. Welcome to the neighborhood.

This guide is general information for Yak Management tenants and is not legal advice. For questions about your specific lease or legal rights, consult a qualified attorney.