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Hi. We have recently purchased a brownstone and should in February be starting an 8 month renovation. FOr a lot of reasons, including being close to the renovation, we are planning to rent in Brooklyn for the duration. Our current apartment is under contract to sell by January.
One broker told us we should not volunteer the information that we are just going to be renting for only a year, as it would make us less desirable renters. (i.e. not long-term) In other words, financially etc, I think we would be excellent choices for a landlord. He said we shouldn’t lie, just don’t tell unless asked. However, I feel like it might be hard to find this line and I don’t want to be dishonest. So two questions:
a) Will a landlord hold it against me that I am only interested in a 1-year lease?
b) Should I tell him or her that my renovation might be finished in October? I of course would fulfill my obligation to the lease if the landlord required, but if s/he was willing to let me out once I saw the renovation heading for completion, that would be great. I could not say anything now and just bring it up in August and see what they say or I could mention it now. I’d definitely rather have the security of the 1 year lease rather than 9 months, as I don’t want to have to move a third time if I can help it.