Car service tipping


What is the consensus regarding tipping car service and livery cab drivers. I do it, but am always unsure about it. A friend of mine never tips them claiming that they get a much higher cut from the fare and name there own price and therefore the purpose for the extra money is nullified.
Thoughts…?

Categories: Etiquette
By henrystreet | 01/12/2009 10:56 AM | Comment

Deposit return ???s


Hi All,

I’m writing mainly to the landlords of the bunch.

We moved out of our rental apartment on June 31st of this past summer and haven’t heard a peep from our landlady about the deposit. I spoke to her a few times regarding other matters fairly shortly after our move-out, but now she is not answering or returning our calls that specifically address wanting to get moving with the deposit procedure.

We painted before we moved out (as was agreed upon, although generous on our part given the state of the apartment) and left the apartment in better shape than it was when we moved in. Of course, this is my side of the story, but even if she feels strongly that she can keep the full amount (over $2000) she has to follow protocol and provide receipts – am I correct on that?

I know she hasn’t rented it and I’m sure she’s putting off returning the deposit until she can get some money from the new tenants, but I doubt it’s going to happen anytime soon and I don’t feel that I should have to wait the 7 months that it took her to rent the other apartments last year.

My question is, how is it best to proceed from here? I’m in touch with the broker that set up the deal initially, and they’re being semi-helpful. I believe they’re trying, but she is a very difficult person to communicate with. I’m willing to get lawyers involved if that’s what it comes to, but of course would rather deal with more in a more civil manner. Knowing that she is not famous for her professional handling of tenant relations, I fear that not only will we never get any portion of the money back, but that we won’t even get receipts or an explanation.

Given that there is no state required time for the resolving of this matter other than “reasonable”, I guess I’m asking what “reasonable” means in your opinions/experience?

Thank in advance!

Categories: Landlord
By henrystreet | 10/19/2008 11:50 AM | Comment

Zodiac counter tops


We’re re-doing our kitchen and are strongly thinking of using Zodiac counter-tops. Seem to be tough with good color options, and I like that it’s not granite and doesn’t require maintenance or re-sealing.
Any thoughts? Also, what are the general opinions with using it for the backsplash? I’m not sure if that would be hideous.
Any feedback, experiences or opinions are welcome.
Thanks.

Categories: Kitchen & Bath
By henrystreet | 07/15/2008 1:02 PM | Comment

Quick poll – What neighborhood is this?


What neighborhood would one consider 255 Eastern Parkway?

It’s on Eastern parkway, across from the BMA/Botanical Gardens and is between Classon and Franklin.

Some say Prospect Heights, others Lefferts Garden and others say Crown Heights.

Makes no real difference to me, I’m just curious as to what people think, especially those who live in the area.

Thanks!

Categories: Real Estate
By henrystreet | 05/30/2008 4:20 PM | Comment

Shady landlord lease question


My husband and I are have been living in our apartment since August of 2006, when we signed a one year lease.

When the lease was up for renewal last summer our landlady raised our rent by $200 and asked for an additional $200 in deposit (plus an extra $300 pet deposit for a second dog). We agreed and have been paying our rent in full and on time every month ever since.

However, she never gave us a new contract to sign. She claims to be too busy but, as is typical of her M.O., I suspect she likes to have the freedom to kick people out or raise rent at any moment and therefore has conveniently forgotten for what has now been nearly a year.

Now we have bought an apartment elsewhere and are planning to move out by the end of May (mid June if she’ll accept a pro-rated rent for that month). Am I correct in believing that we are free to leave as long as we give her 30 days notice given that we are technically now on a month-to-month lease?

I’ve done a little research online, but haven’t been able to find a concrete answer.

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Categories: Renters
By henrystreet | 04/23/2008 8:09 PM | Comment

Deck building costs?


Any thoughts on how much might it cost to build a deck on the roof of a first story space that juts out? The space seems ripe for it, it just needs the wooden floor, a rail of some sort and to be done legally, i.e. with all the city’s approvals and fees. The space is about 20 x 6. Any ballpark guesses would help.
Thanks!

Categories: Decks
By henrystreet | 02/28/2008 4:20 PM | Comment

Realtor search vs. no realtor?


We are looking to buy an apartment in the Boerum Hill, Fort Greene, Downtown Brooklyn, Clinton Hill and Prospect Heights vicinity – not so interested in all the new condos. So far we’ve been hopping around to a lot of open houses and making isolated appointments without having an official realtor. My question is two fold. One, what are the advantages of committing to a realtor rather than continuing looking on our own (I doubt that establishing a relationship with a realtor is going to cut down on my obsessive internet searching)? And two, can anyone recommend a realtor that knows the above areas mentioned above who is reasonably straightforward?
Any leads would help….

Categories: Real Estate
By henrystreet | 02/09/2008 4:04 PM | Comment