Yes the new law has inflated the rent but seasoned New Yorkers will still find a way to pay a 1-month fee by hiring an experienced broker of 25+ years to find them a good deal . Don't pay $3100 for a studio.. Why not pay $2600 for a studio? Pay a reasonable rent the 2nd year you're living in an apartment, not an inflated rent. Hire Ray at very reasonable fee . Text Ray at 212-602-1137 and tell him you'd like to hire him to find you a reasonably priced apartment.