Most New York stories ultimately revolve around property, but one TikTok user has shown the world just how crushing the city’s rental apartment situation has become despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a 46-second viral clip, AJ Webber offered a tour of his minute, 75 sq ft, low-ceiling West Village dwelling that just barely contains a sink, a microwave, and a loft bed. The short video has now had more than 26m views on the platform.
Webber showed his small shelf space for food with one bowl, one plate and a window. “Here is what it’s like living in the smallest apartment in New York,” Webber, a musician, said. “Whatever your expectations are, lower them.”
Webber did not reveal the monthly cost of his apartment, though the New York Post estimated that a similar dorm-like room would be priced at $1,600.
Amid the many indignities of New York life, property is among the most contentious. In recent years, landlords have touted the charms of micro-apartments, and the efficiencies of enforcing a no-clutter life.
Two years ago, a 242-sq-ft studio on West 12th Street went on the market for $550,000 while developers were rushing to build micro-apartment complexes across the city with dozens of tiny dwellings.
Many of Webber’s TikTok correspondents noticed that something was missing from his hidey-hole – namely a bathroom.
“Did you not see the window,” he replied to one. In truth, there is a shared bathroom in the building. If he forgets toilet paper, he said, “you have to do a little waddle back to your room”.
Responding to Webber’s post, one TikToker wrote simply: “Whatever you’re paying is too much.”
