Renting an apartment on Long Island has become a price proposition.

Witney Comeau's apartment searching has been going for nearly three years. She commutes to the city from her family's home in Selden and has been looking for an apartment further west.

"The whole process is frustrating," Comeau says. "Trying to look for something affordable."

She says she has seen studios from $2,000 to $2,500 a month and larger apartments costing even more.

The latest Consumer Price Index showed an increase of .7% in shelter costs, including rents from July to August.

It marked the 18th consecutive month of increases. Prices were also 6.2% higher than August of 2021.

"The demand for rentals is very high but the inventory is very low on Long Island," says Holly Nelson, a realtor for Century 21 in Babylon.

Nelson says apartments can sometimes last only a day or two before they are taken.

She advises those who are looking to constant check for rentals and be vigilant.

"Keeping your credit strong is very important, you want to keep your financials very healthy," Nelson says. "You want to act fast and get as much information for the landlord as you need and get yourself a realtor to navigate that competitive market. And reallly, don't procrastinate."

Peter Elkowitz is the head of the Long Island Housing Partnership. It is a nonprofit that works with private developers to help create more affordable rental housing.

He says Long Island's town and villages have to take steps to allow for more rental units.

"I think it's important for local government to make certain that appropriate properties are zoned properly for affordable housing and obviously help minimize any controversy that may

come up during the approval process," Elkowitz says.

Comeau is hoping the local housing market improves before they are forced to leave the state.

Affordable housing programs on Long Island are overwhelmed but do attempt to offer help.