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July 8, 2008
I Have a Problem Finding an Apartment... MY DOGS!
I can't seem to find an apartment that will work. Am I asking too much? I'm not sure. here is the situation:
We're 26, married, no kids. HHI is $90,000 per year, so we would like a rental of $2000 or less.
We MUST HAVE:
washer/dryer in unit
an exclusive, fenced-in/walled off backyard (the bigger the better)
one or more bedrooms
a first-floor apartment
an apartment in: western Williamsburg, Downtown Brooklyn, DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Red Hook, Gowanas, Boreum Hill, Park Slope, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill and maybe lower, western Greenpoint.
We would love to have:
a "busy" neighborhood
easy parking
really close access to a subway
We have three wonderfully trained and housebroken dogs with no plans on getting rid of them.
Am I never going to find what I need?
Comments
No, not where you're looking - except maybe in Greenpoint, and probably not there either. Why look for the impossible? Look further out in Brooklyn or Queens - where neighborhoods have exlcusive fenced yards, easy parking (LOL) - busy neighborhood and easy parking really don't go together.
I don't think the dogs are really your problem - don't blame it on them. It's the other stuff that you want that is hard to find, even without wanting first floor and a yard for the dogs' benefit. Finding just a W/D in apartment, with easy parking, close to subway, in a busy neighborhood is not possible in those 'hoods, dogs or no dogs. Where have you been?
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 1:12 AM
Cute dogs.
Posted by: Steve at July 8, 2008 1:21 AM
I don't think it's the dogs, it's the $2K for all those amenities in those 'hoods.
Go to Stuyvesant heights (Bed Stuy near Utica A), or Bed Stuy over by the J train. You will get everything but the "busy" neighborhood (although Stuy heights is getting a lot more amenities and will eventually become "busier")
Posted by: vanburenproud at July 8, 2008 7:38 AM
In all seriousness, maybe you should consider getting out of Brooklyn. I did so because of my dogs and now when we go back to our Brooklyn place, it feels claustrophobic, even with the backyard. Just humor me and check out places along the the Metro North line upstate, or Riverdale or parts of, dare I say, NJ. Your dogs will thank you for it! If not, what about Ditmas or even Coney Island (the beach!)? Bigger backyards=happier dogs.
Posted by: rh at July 8, 2008 7:54 AM
I'm really surprised that you can't find something suitable in Brooklyn Heights. Most of those nice apartments on the promenade with views of the city have private walled off gardens. If you could just find one where the landlord offers valet parking I think you'd be all set. Shouldn't be hard if you're willing to pay all of $2000 a month (or less!).
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 8:17 AM
Where would they offer valet parking?!
I currently own in Connecticut and know nothing of Brooklyn's rental market; I'm going mostly by what others have told me and what I've seen online.
Thanks for the ideas; we might end up looking farther out now. (Even, um, in New Jersey)
Posted by: AmberSantos at July 8, 2008 8:34 AM
Landlord here. The dogs aren't the problem, especially your collection of cute mutts. I have three myself and like to rent to people with dogs. The problem is your list of must-haves. I won't allow my tenants to have a washer/dryer in their units. And often busy neighborhoods near subways have parking problems. You may want to adjust your list, especially given your price range.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 8:34 AM
I would say that for your list and the neighborhoods you are looking at your price range should be around 2500. There are some good finds, but you should be willing to let go of some things on your list. I live on the border between Clinton Hill and Bed-Stuy. An amazing huge one bedroom about 900sf with office area and exclusive backyard about 600sf. At $2200. The only thing I don't have on your list is the W/D, but I just drop off at a laundry a block away and pick it 5 hours later washed dried and folded. Easier than me doing it myself! I also purchased an A/C and a portable D/W to make things a little more hospitable. I'm a bit of a walk away from the "busy" stuff, but it is creeping this way anyways. Just keep an open mind, and look on the eastern borders of the neighborhoods you listed and you should find something.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 9:01 AM
9:01 here again. I forgot to mention that I have one dog and didn't have a problem. Three is something else - but good luck!
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 9:05 AM
at the risk of bringing the trolls at, Crown Heights North is another place to check. It hasn't got the amenities of Park Slope- yet- but there's plenty of things close enough, great housing stock, and a landmark area. You could contact Denise Brown of the Crown Heights North assoc. (http://www.crownheightsnorth.com/)- she's a realtor and lifelong resident so she knows the area really well.
Posted by: bxgrl at July 8, 2008 9:07 AM
8:17 is being facetious...
You said you don't know the Brooklyn market, and I would have to agree. I don't think you'd be able to get everything on your list for even $3500. in any of those neighborhoods.
No matter what, I'd forget the W/D demand unless it's a brownstone/frame house rental or a newer condo. Forget the easy parking, too.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 9:23 AM
look in bay ridge. you might be able to find a garden level limestone apt that meets most of those requirements.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 9:24 AM
This has got to be fake..........
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 10:01 AM
What's wrong with letting a tenant have a washer and dryer? Just curious.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 10:55 AM
No, not necessarily fake, but, as the OP says, a Conn. owner who knows nothing of the Brooklyn real estate market, and clearly won't be moving to Brooklyn.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 11:07 AM
First, the landlord is paying for the cost of the water and heating the water. Second, in an old brownstone, if the washer floods, which happens rarely but does happen, it can cause a massive flood and cause the ceiling to collapse.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 11:22 AM
Great post 8:17 - except you forgot to mention that the valet parker whould have to drop them off at the subway entrance - I doubt that the promenade would meet the stated requirement of "really close access to a subway" to a Conn. resident who likely never walks that far (a few blocks).
And priceless that the irony went right over OP's head.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 11:42 AM
I'm in Bay Ridge, have a pit bull and rent a 2 bedroom apartment on the first floor with backyard, driveway, communal W/D in basement of a 5 unit house. 1/2 a block off 3rd Avenue shopping and a block and a half from the train. For $1600. Miracles can happen. But you have a better shot at one of your dogs curing cancer.
And I'm also chuckling at 8:17.
Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at July 8, 2008 12:05 PM
Fire Alarm Guy -
Bet you got your place by word-of-mouth from someone you knew who knew about it - bet it never hit the classifieds, and would never. Right? That's how it is with the good apartments.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 12:08 PM
@12:08: Actually it was in that tiny local newspaper (The Home Reporter) that only the old timers read.
Here's a tip for apartment seekers: Your landlord may be an old timer. They have no idea who Craig is and don't give a fuck about his list. Try the local papers, the pennysaver, and my favorite....the church. Alot of times the senior citizens with the below market rate rental that they want to keep the weirdos out of will go to the rectory and post a little note if anyone's looking. Also if you are a weirdo or a minority, get a realtor. In fact get a white guy as your realtor. The racist old coot won't know the score until the lease is signed.
The views expressed by dickhead old landlords are not necessarily those of Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy.
Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at July 8, 2008 12:19 PM
You are asking for way too much for 2K. A private back yard AND easy parking AND washer and dryer in unit in those neighborhoods? You do realize that you are in the NYC area, right?
Give up at least the idea of a washer and dryer. Neighborhood laundry places do the wash and fold and deliver.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 12:31 PM
You are asking for way too much for 2K. A private back yard AND easy parking AND washer and dryer in unit in those neighborhoods? You do realize that you are in the NYC area, right?
Give up at least the idea of a washer and dryer. Neighborhood laundry places do the wash and fold and deliver.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 12:31 PM
Who gives exclusive use of their backyard to the tenant especially when they will have 3 dogs crapping all over it?
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 12:54 PM
Thanks for the Bay Ridge apartment hunting tips, Fire Alarm Guy.
But as a potential 'weirdo' to some of the racist old coots (being gay), I wouldn't advice other weirdos and minorities to move into such places - the apartments are not rent stablized for the most part (small houses), so they may find themselves having to move again in a year. And I personally don't like dealing with the racist old coots, especially if they live in the same building with me.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 12:56 PM
Have you ever even been to Bay Ridge? Gay stopped being weird and/or special quite some time ago - if it ever was.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 1:26 PM
Hey -
See coop of the day on main page! As an above poster noted, there's a nice apartment in Brooklyn Heights with river views with a private garden. Only $1300 a month. Oh, and over a mil to buy it first. You'd have to see if they allowed dogs (doubt it.) And there's no valet parking mentioned.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 1:29 PM
Your dogs are cuties! Their size might be a problem, but like others have said the washer/dryer is a bigger problem. That probably seems strange but it is hard to find a place that will allow you to have that.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 1:29 PM
Bay Ridge here too. There actually are a lot of great deals to be had for large, pet-friendly rental apartments here. If you can find something on Colonial or Shore near Owls Head Park you also have the dog run.
Posted by: Steve at July 8, 2008 1:30 PM
I'll stay away from racist old coots - they generally seem to have multiple prejudices, however much the world around them has changed. (Wasn't suggesting anyone avoid bay ridge, just the racist old coot landlords - I realize not all landlords there are that.)
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 1:37 PM
Awwwwww.....
Couldn't care less about the apartment discusion, but really: AWWWWWWWWWW. What a cute trio! Can't believe there haven't been more comments on them. :D
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 2:00 PM
I just found exactly what you were looking for in Bushwick Brooklyn for $1250 for a brand new renovated 2 bedroom brownstone ground floor unit. The whole downstairs, private entrance, and exclusive backyard use. Fence needs work, but hey, nothings perfect. Just keep looking, they are out there.
Look on craigslist. Go talk to people and make them like you before you even mention the dogs. Sell yourself up. Discuss your income, good credit, good rental history, ect. Offer to put up an additional pet deposit. Provide references to your pets in previous units. Offer to let the landlord meet the dogs first. It helps if you are renting directly from the landlord, not from a management company. Also, another tactic is to even offer to pay a slightly higher rent than what they are asking to cover pets...anything to entice them.
I have a 90 lb sweetheart of a Pit Bull. So trust me, I feel your pain. 1 Giant Pit Bull is like having 14 small dogs as far as finding an aparment goes. Just be persistent. And like I said, sell yourself up as a GREAT tenant and then mention the dogs. You could always ask initally if they take pets, just to not completely waste your time. But don't mention you have THREE decent sized dogs.
Hope this helps!
Posted by: Aggiemare at July 8, 2008 2:45 PM
Guys, thanks for all the advice. (Sarcastic people, get a life!)
I had NO CLUE that a washer/dryer was asking a lot; I really thought the dogs were my biggest problem. I'll check out some local churches and small newspapers.
I also have never heard of laundry services!
Aggiemare, you've given me hope!
Posted by: AmberSantos at July 8, 2008 2:58 PM
8:17 here. If you move to Bushwick you'll need a dog that's a lot meaner than your current hounds.
Posted by: Brooklynnative at July 8, 2008 3:15 PM
Yeah, but there was some reason you listed "western Williamsburg" and not Bushwick in your list of neighborhoods.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 3:16 PM
9:23 If OP is too dense to get the snark in 8:17, what makes you think she knows what facetious means?
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 3:22 PM
You want easy access to the subway AND easy parking? Stay in the burbs, lady.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 3:37 PM
I still think that even in Bushwick, 2K for all of those amenities is unlikely. Also, it's Bushwick, which has a few drawbacks, like a "lively" street culture -- noisy, noisy, noisy. And beaucoup lots of trash. I'd check out Bed-Stuy, first. But landlords aren't dopes. They know they can get a lot for apts right now.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 3:42 PM
Easy Parking in Brooklyn??????????
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 3:52 PM
And, above advice aside, with 3 dogs, you should not waste your own or anyone else's time by not being upfront about them. Your landlord will be a dog-lover, or someone who doesn't care a whole lot about the property. Focus on finding a dog lover to rent to you.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 4:05 PM
And don't mind the sarcasm - peopled need a laugh! When you start your search in NYC you will come to understand why your post was such an easy and irresistable target to riff on.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 4:07 PM
yeh wait till this chick goes to ACTUALLY visit some potential >$2000/mo apartments.
Now THAT'S a reality [check] show I'd watch.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 4:19 PM
hey, as NYers, we've all starred in that little reality show, some of us multiple times over the years. I don't need to see it anymore.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 4:23 PM
Look, folks, apartment hunting is a nightmare, hugely anxiety-inducing, let's give her a break. She is unrealistic in her price range... that's the sad fact of the matter, she's probably figured this out by now. As 4:23 said, we've all been through it at some point, and it's no country hayride. The Brooklyn rental market is so inflated right now, she'll have to kiss a lot of frogs before she finds a place she can live with. The W/D will probably have to be let go as a MUST; it's too valuable an amenity to not jack up the price. Otherwise, what she's looking for isn't so out of the question, in a fringe-ish neighborhood.
What about Sunset Park, actually? Surprised no one's mentioned it. There's also Astoria, in Queens. Bay Ridge is too far out, for my taste. She name-checked all of the "known," desirable neighborhoods. For the reason that they're known, they're more expensive. I actually think the rents in Bed-Stuy are nuts right now, too -- we saw some 2500/mo dives when we were looking in Jan.
To Amber: word of mouth is always a plus. Know anyone in Bklyn? Start spreading the word like crazy.
Good luck.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 4:40 PM
we own a brownstone in stuy-heights and rent the newly renovated ground/parlor duplex with back yard to a family w/ a dog. washer dryer on the garden floor is shared by the other two apts (and coin op). its easy parking, v. close to subway. if you are willing to look in that neighborhood you'll find a place. you might find lots of brownstoners who hate bed-stuy but we love it there. except its not 'busy' but thats changing all the time.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 5:43 PM
Jersey City is the new Brooklyn, and I mean that in all seriousness. Ten minutes to Manhattan on the PATH. Problem is, getting to Brooklyn, where everyone else lives, is a huge hassle.
But I thought I'd mention it.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 6:39 PM
yeah, except that she's unrealistic not only in her price range, but in what city living is. She wants a desirable neighborhood (can't say I blame her, I like them too), but then she wants things you can't get, for love or for money of any amount, in a rental in those neighborhoods, and probably not in a million+ dollar coop or condo apartment. She wants all that stuff, in a non-fringish neighborhood, doesn't get that busy, close to the subway and easy parking is impossible - in short, she really doesn't want to live in Brooklyn!
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 6:43 PM
Jersey City is the new Park Slope, actually. Circa 1980s.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 7:22 PM
The dogs are going to be the biggest issue. It's hard to get an apartment with one dog, the more you add to that the harder it gets. Your best bet is really an absentee landlord or some kind of fixer-upper. And yeah, in that price range the prime neighborhoods will be hard. I think Bushwick's your best bet, as the landlords there are the most... how shall we say, flexible?
Posted by: Heather at July 8, 2008 8:13 PM
I'm in Jersey City in one of those 1890's Brownstones and for all the badmouthing I did about Jersey when I lived in Brooklyn it really quite lovely. Try looking here. The PATH is just as convenient and much more reliable than the subways I used to ride. Do not look along the "lightrail lines" they are a royal pain in the tush and not worth the effort. The real estate people love to try to lure you out to those areas.
What you want is not going to happen in Brooklyn.
Seriously, bring the dogs with you when you look because I don't think anyone could say no to those sweet faces!!
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 9:24 PM
those ARE some seriously cute pooches.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 10:54 PM
Also try Kensington or Windsor Terrace. Quiet neighborhoods for living, near the park and close to much more happening areas for eating and drinking. There is reasonable subway access if you consider the F train reasonable . . . Anyway, when we lived in WT the parking was so easy that driver's schools were always teaching how to parallel park on our block.
Posted by: guest at July 8, 2008 11:41 PM
Doubtful at price in this market, with a washer and dryer and backyard. Not mention the fuzzy inconveniences of the NY retal market.
I would suggest East Willie B IE Bushwick! You will get your space and that price.
Posted by: Pragonetti at July 9, 2008 12:44 PM
Amber
All of the neighborhoods mentioned do not have easy parking, (maybe Red Hook) and they are expensive. Quite frankly, some have improved crime rates, but I would not live in parts of them. You are better off looking in Midwood or further out towards Marine Park. Marine Park has lots of houses (1 and 2 families), no Alternate Side of the Street Parking, a great park for your doggies, a nature center and salt marsh, and you are not that far from the City with the B Express Train. You can probably rent a house for less than $2,000 a month around here. The neighborhood is not that "busy", but you can be in Coney Island, in 10 minutes or the slope in 15 minutes. If you are considering New Jersey, consider the outer areas of Brooklyn first!
Posted by: guest at July 9, 2008 8:56 PM
Dog owners in the city are selfish. Why do you need three dogs here? Dogs should be outlawed in the 5 boroughs.
Posted by: guest at July 10, 2008 12:13 AM
I think you should look in Bay Ridge. It's a nicer transition from the suburbs than some of the areas mentioned (Bushwick, Redhook, etc.). It's safe and quiet, with restaurants and other amenities that you would expect, and you should be able to find something that meets most of your requirements in your price range. The only drawback is that your commute won't be as short as you like.
The other areas in your range are on the rough side, and you may not be comfortable with that.
Jersey City might be good too, and it's closer to Manhattan than most of Brooklyn.
Posted by: seahag21 at July 10, 2008 12:19 AM
We have two dogs around the same size as your three. We had a difficult time finding places that would take dogs their size, not that they wouldn't take dogs. Apparently landlords have not caught on that smaller dogs actually bark - yip, yip - more than larger dogs. We had to get references from our previous neighbors for the dogs actually! Strange, but true. Oh, and often landlords will ask for a pet deposit, around $100 a dog.
Posted by: guest at July 11, 2008 11:16 AM
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