it is and its not. the question you're putting fwd in the end is that of a fully transparent market or not. With cl as it is, the market for broker apts, new ones etc is fairly transparent as these are listing you'll often find on all rental sites.

The market for shares / sublets / by owners is much less transparent and in a city as NY where some places are rent controlled, other have a an amazing history / layout etc, this is actually interesting.

In a sense it gives anyone a shot at being lucky and finding an amazing place with a bit of dedication. If it was fully transparent I think the challenge to achieve the same outcome would be to continuously for long periods of time, be looking for an apt. Which right now isnt necessary.

That's it. Nevertheless I'd be curious to see this done right and see the difference.