This week readers visited Brick Underground for a snapshot of the New York City's rental market. The average rent in Manhattan hit $5,113 last month, another record for NYC rents, according to the latest Elliman Report. That means you (and probably a roommate or two) need to earn around $200,000 to qualify for the average-priced apartment.

Also of interest: The best questions to ask potential roommates to find the perfect match before you sign a lease together.

Here are this week's top five posts:

1) The average rent for a Manhattan apartment keeps climbing above $5,000. What happens when demand falls?

2) The 21 best questions to ask potential roommates to get the perfect match

3) Want that rent-stabilized apartment? You may need to win a broker fee bidding war

4) What you need to know about buying an apartment with direct elevator access

5) The buyer's and renter's guide to NYC's public and private elementary schools