N
ew Yorkers cling to their leases far more than the national average. While the typical U.S. renter stays about 28 months, Brooklyn tenants average 49 months—longest in the country—followed by Manhattan’s 34‑month average and Queens’ 44‑day vacancy period.

    RentCafe’s latest survey shows Brooklyn’s occupancy near 96% in Q2, with two‑thirds of residents renewing and roughly 13 applicants per unit. The borough’s supply rose 0.81% during peak season, yet demand remains fierce. Manhattan, ranked fourth hottest nationwide, also hit 96% occupancy, but its supply grew only 0.19%. June’s rents spiked to the highest annual increase since 2008, and bidding wars began as early as February, fueled by the FARE Act and limited listings.

    Queens, though the 32nd most competitive market, offers a slightly calmer scene. Its renewal rate dipped to 61.4% during peak months, occupancy hovered around 95%, and vacancies lingered 10 days longer than Manhattan’s. Supply in Q2 barely changed, with a modest 0.19% uptick in Manhattan and 0.81% in Brooklyn, leaving few new options for hopeful renters.

    The city’s rental market is a high‑stakes arena, especially during April‑June when new graduates, families moving before school, and office workers returning to work swell demand. Rising mortgage rates squeeze the market further, pushing renters toward the few desirable units that remain.

    In short, New Yorkers prefer to stay put. Their long tenures, high occupancy rates, and willingness to compete for limited inventory underscore a city where holding onto a lease is almost a default choice.