“Million Dollar Listing” star Ryan Serhant and YouTuber Casey Neistat announced Wednesday evening they’re teaming up to pay someone’s New York City rent for one year.
“Had I not been in New York City, I would have never then followed the weird career trajectory that has taken me to where I am today, you know, a lot of which I credit to New York City,” Serhant told TheWrap ahead of the announcement. “New York City allows all the apartments and homes that I sell to be worth what I sell them for and allows me to have my own beautiful home. It’s where I met my wife, where we had our first baby… like, my career was made in New York City.”
Still, he acknowledged he saved up before his big move to the city back when he wanted to be an actor. Serhant and Neistat both know New York can be prohibitively expensive — especially for creatives.
“I try to give back as much as I physically and financially can, like every year we do as much as we can,” Serhant told TheWrap, though he was quick to point out the year’s rent won’t come without expectations. After filling out an application and being selected, the winner will be mentored by Serhant at a distance, expected to work on their dreams and goals, not just use the year to save money or explore the city. They’ll have public check-ins with Serhant and Neistat, too, so viewers will stay updated on their progress.
“How can I help somebody, right, like… New York has given me a lot,” he said. “I got a great career today and I’ve only just started and it’s important that I give back as much as I possibly can.”