Forum
« Rebates for Energy Efficient Windows Locksmith and Lockset for 3" Entrance Door »
May 12, 2008
Landlords: How long did it take to rent your apt's
hi,
so my tenant who has been with us for 4 years just let us know she is moving out of the country and is leaving June 5th. Her lease was up July 1st - so she rents a 2 br 1.5 bath fully renovated nice duplex with w/d/dw on 14th street and 6th ave for $2500 - we are thinking of listing it for June 15th move in for $2800. Will I get serious interest? How long can I expect to have this apt sit empty.... or am I overpricing?
Comments
I am still trying to find a tenant of my own. I don't think you are over pricing the apt. My question to you is how are you going about screening prospective tenants?
Posted by: guest at May 12, 2008 2:49 PM
good question 2:49. How long have you had your apt on the "market"?
- at first, I was going to list it myself and give it a week to see if I get any interest - if not - then will give it to a few brokers so they can deal with the screening. I presume I can ask for their soc # to run a credit check and ask for previous landlord info...
Posted by: gemini10 at May 12, 2008 3:03 PM
I rented two apartments recently, very easily. However, it's not as easy to rent on the 15th as it is on the first of the month, and usually people don't get serious about renting an apartment until 2 weeks before. I'd rent it myself if I were you.
Posted by: Brooklynnative at May 12, 2008 3:13 PM
3:13 - did you just get the SS#'s of the serious candidates and run a check yourself? do you mind me asking how you go about doing that?
Posted by: gemini10 at May 12, 2008 3:34 PM
Ask your potential renter to bring a credit report (from annualcreditreport.com) 2 (or more) previous pay stubs, letters of reference or a reference contact (preferably from a previous landlord) and if they are not making enough money they need to have a guarantor. (who needs to be willing to give you all of this information as well)
In addition they will need one months security, first months rent and last months rent. I am not a big fan of signing leases but that is up to you and the tenant. I have always done all my renting myself (except once and that was the only time we got a deadbeat who wouldn't pay the rent)
Posted by: katiem633 at May 12, 2008 3:51 PM
Gemini,
I have an account with accurate credit. The renters send them a consent form and a copy of their driver's id, an hour later I get the report which lists their credit score, and any past bankrupticies or evictions. I only do this for one applicant at a time, it costs $30 - the applicant pays.
Posted by: Brooklynnative at May 12, 2008 4:00 PM
don't believe any documents that a prospective tenant might show you other than a govt. id. If you use a broker, run your own eployment and credit reports. NEVER rent to friends or friends of family. If you rent to family,only rent to relatives that are related by blood.
No kidding - this ain't no cbgb's, this ain't no fooling around
Posted by: guest at May 12, 2008 4:22 PM
In-law trouble, eh, 4:22?
If a man is known by the company he keeps, and the man won't rent to said company, what does it say about him?
Posted by: cmu at May 12, 2008 5:14 PM
Your apartment sounds really nice. I don't believe it will take that long to rent it.
My biggest concern is renting the apartment as soon as possible. That said, I usualy price the apartments a little below market rate. I rent them myself and post the apartments on craigslist. I usualy rent the apartment within a day. Rarly does it remain on the market for 2 or more days. My apartments (6 apt's) are in prime park slope which may be the reason.
I don't do a credit check which is not that smart. I should take katiem633 (3:51) advice. Luckly I never had to go to court and I have been a landlord since 1992.
Additionaly, I don't agree with the post made by 4:22. I have rented one of my apartments to a very good friend (we have been friends since high school), and he has been a model tenant. He even keeps an eye on the building when I am away.
I will have an apartment available soon and would probably list it with a broker this time. I don't have the patients to list the apartment and show it. Id rather have a broker do the footwork and the credit check at this time.
Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 10:29 AM
I've said this before:
Get the Nolo book:
http://www.amazon.com/New-York-Landlords-Law-Book/dp/0873379276
It pretty much covers everything.
Posted by: quig at May 13, 2008 10:55 AM
Those books are almost $700.00 on Amazon, was that a mistake?
Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 12:42 PM
The Nolo Press book is out of print, which is probably why the Amazon prices are so high. Their books are usually $25-30. Might be worth contacting them directly (www.nolo.com).
Posted by: laurie at May 13, 2008 12:53 PM
some local libraries carry nolo books.
if one branch doesn't have it maybe the librarian can get it from another one.
.
Posted by: Ysabelle at May 13, 2008 2:11 PM
My name is Ruthanne Pigott, Esq. and I am the owner of Brenton Realty on 5th Avenue in Park Slope. I am happy to offer my services to rent your apartment. We have applicants fill out an application with all the pertinent information including ss#, bank accounts, previous landlords, employment, etc. In addition, we will run a credit check. No hassle or cost to you. Stop by 322 Fifth Avenue or call anytime 718-768-4566.
Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 2:20 PM
Ruthanne...ill call you when the apt is available. My building is located very close to your office. ginger's bar building.
Posted by: guest at May 16, 2008 9:31 AM
Post a comment
Please be patient while your comment is published. It may take a moment.