Where to look for good rentals? (apartment, broker, house)

[yiplong]

We are a family of 5 moving to Westchester from upstate NY. We plan to rent for 2 years and then buy a house if we like our new jobs. Budge is $3-4k. Where should we look for rentals? Also, how do we know who pays the broker's fee on a rental? We are not using a broker ourselves, but the landlord may list her apartment with a listing agent. Some listings require 2 month deposit. Is that the norm in this area?
Thanks.

[streetsmart]

Where to look for rentals depends entirely on where you will be working. How do you wish to commute? Train? Car? How long a commute is tolerable for you? If you answer these questions we'll be able to help you more.

I believe first, last, and a security deposit is pretty normal. As for brokers, you'd have to ask.

[dr.strangelove]

Originally Posted by yiplong

We are a family of 5 moving to Westchester from upstate NY. We plan to rent for 2 years and then buy a house if we like our new jobs. Budge is $3-4k. Where should we look for rentals? Also, how do we know who pays the broker's fee on a rental? We are not using a broker ourselves, but the landlord may list her apartment with a listing agent. Some listings require 2 month deposit. Is that the norm in this area?
Thanks.

Zillow is where I listed my rental property, no broker fee. Most brokers charged a one month fee, on top of that we ask for first, last and a security deposit, so its three months rent up front without a broker and 4 months with a broker. So it is a lot to ask.

I assume by "where" you meant where to look for listings, not which part of this county to look? But if you need help on locations, just let us know. I tell most commuting to Manhattan who want to have a bit more land, look in croton. Rents are lower, the schools are great and its a 45 minute train to grand central as it is usually a direct train with no stops until you get to the city.

[YorktownGal]

Grads on deciding on rental first. It is great idea!