I landed in the big apple in the July of 1999 on an H-1B. Initially I stayed with a friend of mine in his single room apartment. However, I could not stay with him long and I had to search one for myself. Then I started my search with a strong idea in my mind that I would not be shedding more for the sake of an apartment.

I started looking for cheap apartments and that was the most difficult to find in the city of New York. I was ready to forgo some comforts to find a cheap apartment.

Finally, I succeeded in finding a rent-controlled apartment. I was very happy to find this apartment. The happiness dint last long. I discovered that I had to forego more comforts than for what I actually was ready.

Initially I was happing that I could find an apartment for a cheaper price but later I discovered that the maintenance charges are quite high and you have some problem or the other very frequently. Regularly there was water leaking into the building or some other problem.

I lost my peace of mind for my stingy attitude. If you are considering the option of cheap apartments, research all the pros and cons of it and before moving into the apartment have a thorough look at the property.