WOW! This is America - It never hurts to ask.
So I would say No.
Nothing gained, nothing loss...

I want to put a new tile floor and vanity in my tenants bathroom, I was thinking of asking them to give me advance notice as to when they are planing on going on vacation, and doing it then. Then hope it is done when they get back!

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at November 2, 2009 10:20 AM in response to Tenant Compensation?

It's on the corner of Dorchester across from a not so nice apartment building.
Not the greatest location!!

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at June 11, 2009 2:32 PM in response to House of the Day: 1600 Dorchester Road

I saw this house, there is a reason it sat on the market for as long as it did. It was not a nice house and did not have that much going for it.
Photo's can be very mis-leading

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at February 18, 2009 5:46 PM in response to 1304 Glenwood Road Sells 20% Below Original Ask

What about the good people who pay there bills on time have had good credit all of sudden you lose your job have not been able to find a new one and have kids at home, now what?

It's ok that they lose there home... I think there has been a fine line.

No one said it was going to be easy. We have dug ourselves on big hole and it is not going to be easy to get out of it. We are a nation that spends spends and spends and reality has hit and we just can not spend anymore. It sucks!!

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at February 13, 2009 10:20 AM in response to Housing Rescue Plan: For Some or For All?

Nope and a year and a half later the previous owner stills owns my house. Maybe they got it!!!

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at January 2, 2009 1:56 PM in response to Poll: Have You Gotten Your Rebate Check Yet?

That is a sad looking house. Looks more like an investment property to rent out.

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at December 17, 2008 1:24 PM in response to House of the Day: 87 Woodhull Street

For over $1.4 million, a high end kitchen would be nice like 169 Stratford that sold this summer for $1.26M. A master bathroom would be a must. I would not want asphalt siding. I would also want a private yard and a separate driveway not a driveway / yard combined.

and well if we are comparing homes 169 Stratford had a finished basement so for $1.4 I guess I should have that also.

But that's just me.

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at December 2, 2008 6:41 PM in response to House of the Day: 277 Stratford Road

Kaz Oplustil 917 528 3054
Has been renovating Victorian homes for over 20 years and owns one...

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at November 1, 2008 9:27 PM in response to Contractor for a Victorian in historic district

IDT is a alternative provider that CON-Ed has on it's list.
Are any of these alternative providers any good?

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at October 17, 2008 11:27 AM in response to Energy Scammers Plaguing Brooklyn?

I was at the opening. The place is really nice. The lobby looked like a luxury Condo. The rooms were lovely.
The back garden was magnificent, you forgot that you where right on Flatbush Ave.

CAMBA is doing an amazing job.

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at October 2, 2008 8:34 PM in response to Morris Manor Opens Today

How do we get one in our hood in Ditmas Park!
Is there a list as to where they will be opening?

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at August 8, 2008 8:34 AM in response to Closing Bell: Happy Fruit Men Everywhere

The bricks came from France.

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at July 23, 2008 2:40 PM in response to Foreclosure of the Week: 445 East 19th Street

One of the first few comments on my original post one person wrote -

(Google "adverse possession", maybe with the added phrase "New York". If the fence line has been there more than 10 years and she can prove it, your neighbor may be perfectly within her rights to claim the land as her own.)

Posted by: johnife at April 1, 2008 2:37 PM

Now I wanted to get rid of both fences which are on my property. That was not the problem getting rid of the 2 fences the problem was pulling the bushes out and putting a new fence on the property line. Both Real Estate Attorneys told me the same thing as did many people who commented on this Post, that I would not be able to pull them out that she could claim Adverse Possession.

So I am sorry if you felt I wasted your time, but isn't this what this Forum is all about.
To get info, to inform and to get useful information so both the person posting and people reading can get advice.

I am sure this is a common problem that many home owners have. I am a first time home owner and I know I have a lot to learn.

You are right that I went Thur a lot of grief and I am not getting what I want. Which Sucks!!! But I am sure we have all learned that we can't always get what we want or what we deserve.

Needles to say eventually I will get what is mine, maybe not today and maybe not next year, but eventually she wont be living there.

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at April 2, 2008 6:26 PM in response to Property Line Phots 2x

I would like to thank everyone on Brownstoner for there great advice.
I have spoken to 2 Real Estate lawyers. Both agreed that I can take down both fences, but I can not take down the bushes, with out her consent. One did mention adverse possession that she MAYBE could claim that since the bushes have been there for more then 10 years.

The bushes have been there before she bought the house in 1983, so we do not know which owner planted the bushes and we will never know.

Both lawyers said I could remove both fences and that would be with in my right and then I essentially will gain that space back just from the pure fact that she is most likely not going to spend a dime to do anything.
At this time I do not want to remove them because I have small children.

Thanks to all I did learn a lot. My only advice is hope and pray you have nice neighbors, as your neighbor does affect your quality of life more then you think.

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at April 2, 2008 9:53 AM in response to Property Line What to do??

I would like to thank everyone on Brownstoner for there great advice.
I have spoken to 2 Real Estate lawyers. Both agreed that I can take down both fences, but I can not take down the bushes, with out her consent. One did mention adverse possession that she MAYBE could claim that since the bushes have been there for more then 10 years.

The bushes have been there before she bought the house in 1983, so we do not know which owner planted the bushes and we will never know.

Both lawyers said I could remove both fences and that would be with in my right and then I essentially will gain that space back just from the pure fact that she is most likely not going to spend a dime to do anything.
At this time I do not want to remove them because I have small children.

Thanks to all I did learn a lot. My only advice is hope and pray you have nice neighbors, as your neighbor does affect your quality of life more then you think.

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at April 2, 2008 9:52 AM in response to Property Line Phots 2x

6:09 I agree with you and that is why we did nothing with the fence and said nothing about the driveway. But I am also feeling that I am letting her win and getting the best of me with her idol threats.
I feel, I have rights and I don't want to pay a savvy lawyer for property that is mine . I have no reason to believe this survey is not correct it was only done last July.

I am at a complete loss, and very frustrated and annoyed. I do not want to sound petty, but what's mine is mine and why because she is a "big bully" with a son in law as a Lawyer get the best of me.

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at April 1, 2008 6:25 PM in response to Property Line Phots 2x

So I can just call the Building Department on her? I really do not want to start getting into claims. I rather just call them, and have them deal with her.

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at April 1, 2008 5:43 PM in response to Property Line Phots 2x

The chain link and wood fences are mine. My main reason for not wanting to take both fences down is that I have small children and if I take both fences down the kids can easily run out of the yard.

So yes that would be the simple solution to take both fences down, but then my kids would be running out of the yard every time.

The bushes do thin out in the back and are not as full as they are up front.

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at April 1, 2008 5:31 PM in response to Property Line Phots 2x

Now do not get me started on her driveway. She got a permit in 1991 to put in a curb cut for the driveway. When she cemented her driveway she did not break up the old cement she just cemented over the old driveway which raised it about 1 to 2 inches above our walk way. So when it rained all the water came into my basement. I had to shell out $1,600 to re cement my walk way to the stop the water. Her driveway is still above mine. The cement guy said what she did was illegally? I do not know if it is or isn't.

I am just exhausted over this women..
To top it off all she does all day long is look out the window and watch everything you do, and I mean everything. I think she has 6 eyes!!!!!

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at April 1, 2008 5:26 PM in response to Property Line Phots 2x

I was able to post the photo, thanks to the help of my husband. It's up on another post.

So now you can all see it.

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at April 1, 2008 4:58 PM in response to Property Line What to do??

I get the whole possession issue and I know I am a broken record but I can not load the photo so you all can see what it looks like.

But is it her possession if no one can actually use that 1'7" because of the bushes and the 2 fences.

I could remove the wood fence and gain 7" and leave the chain link fence which is 1' from the property line.

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at April 1, 2008 4:30 PM in response to Property Line What to do??

I am going to fax him a letter with a copy of our survey and ask for him to offer me the same courtesy and fax me hers so we can come to an amicable agreement as to where the line is.

I am sorry everyone I have tried several time to post a photo but I keep getting a survey error.

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at April 1, 2008 4:02 PM in response to Property Line What to do??

I love the shot gun Idea!!!

I am think and agree with just removing both fences and leaving the bushes. Her daughter did say I do not care what you do with your fences...

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at April 1, 2008 3:24 PM in response to Property Line What to do??

I get what John Ife said but it's not just a fence what about the row of bushes along the line, I spoke to my Real Estate attorney and she said since the bushes are the property line and they basically are so over grown they are on both property that I can not just pull them out with our her permission.??

Brownstoner is there a problem with loading photos? I tried to create a new post but I keep getting an error message.

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at April 1, 2008 2:54 PM in response to Property Line What to do??

I tried to post a photo but it won't load up. Did I mention her son in law is Real Estate Lawyer. The bushes have been there for well over 30 or so years, which is the exact line. I can not say how long the chain link fences has been there. The wood fence the last owner put up so less then 10 years. Really no one can use any of the space. I do not think it is as easy as just pulling these 10 feet high row of bushes out.

I will try to post photo's again.

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at April 1, 2008 2:44 PM in response to Property Line What to do??

Has anyone mention the TAXES in Westchester, they are really high. I have a friend who is paying just over $9,000 a year and they are not in a McMansion.

So to think they will be come the slums with those types of taxes.

I doubt it!!

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at March 18, 2008 4:01 PM in response to Little Boxes, Big Slums

I went last night. I downstairs is like a typical restaurant. You order your food downstairs and it is delivered upstairs. You are given a number to match your order to where you sit. The food was okay but the portions were small for an adult. I ordered a philly cheesesteak (small for an adult) and my sons large ravioli was cold. The chicken fingers, fries, and my wife's burger were decent. The play area was pretty good for the 2-8 year set. The service staff delivered food, took out toys, and cleaned up tables. I was surprised that when my son spilled his drink that the service staff had to clean up the mess with napkins. There was a similar mess downstair's (spilled milk) that was there for a good hour.
Beer is on the menu but for now it appears to be BYO.
Another downside is that while refills are free the drink machine is downstairs. So one parent with young kids might have to haul along the brood to get a refill of juice. Also, they should consider getting tops for their drinks.
I think with a couple of weeks/ months under their belts they will do just fine.

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at March 15, 2008 7:37 AM in response to StreetLevel: Kiddie Grub Grows Up on Atlantic Ave.

What does that post have to do with a new family restaurant??????

Did I miss something, I mean I only read the first few sentences, I guess I have to wait for the Cliff Notes...

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at March 14, 2008 5:22 PM in response to StreetLevel: Kiddie Grub Grows Up on Atlantic Ave.

The home is described as a "Unique home with a Side Entrance"

But if you look at the windows in the front they do look original.

Where is Erin when you need her?

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at February 20, 2008 2:58 PM in response to House of the Day: 491 East 17th Street

http://www.franmar.com/

Soy Gel works great, not cheap but good stuff...

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at February 14, 2008 2:39 PM in response to any advice for stripping paint?

http://www.franmar.com/

Soy Gel this stuff is amazing, you would not believe how well it works. It's not cheap but you do not have to use as many coats and takes less time...

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at February 14, 2008 2:37 PM in response to Strip Happy

Mondial Tiles on 1402 65th Street and 14th Ave
718 232 0800

They really did a excellent job installing my granite counter.
Price based on the stone and how much you need.

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at January 4, 2008 9:19 AM in response to countertop sources in new york

All I every read on this website is that "the prices are to high" over and over and over again.
Yet they all seem to sell and sell fast and since they have contract pending it's not that hard to figure out that they either got asking or pretty close to asking.
It's only been on the market for 2 weeks....

So I guess it's not to high...

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at October 17, 2007 7:00 AM in response to House of the Day: 795 East 19th Street

I have to agree with 2pm, they are selling. For big #'s.
Look at that place on Howard Pl. that sold for $1.370M
That house is only 17' wide with no driveway.
If anything was a crazy price that was but guess what it sold..

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at September 11, 2007 2:11 PM in response to House of the Day: 1306 Albemarle Road

Time to Sale = Current For Sale Price Date - Contract Sign Date

- Not the first day on the market to the closing date

Sale Price Percentage = Current For Sale Price/ Sold Price

- Not the original For Sale price/ Sold Price

Methodology: Complete Assumption

Posted by: Absolute Beginner at August 14, 2007 10:51 AM in response to Is the Times Sugarcoating Local Sales Statistics?

bxgrl,

My points were that:

1) it was a major inconvenience
2) we are only hearing one side of the story ("he assured me it was no problem" is soft information. these things are often not the understanding of both parties)
3) the LL would have little recourse "worth your time". I doubt the housing court would be worth his/her time over $500. Maybe I'm wrong here. I admit I know little of housing court.

I don't think you can make the insinuation that the renter is greedy or inconsiderate based on a kind of fishy story told by one side. It sounds like things got out of hand for the LL and he/she made some bad decisions with good intentions.

Posted by: Brokedeveloper at November 2, 2009 1:21 PM in response to Tenant Compensation?

brokedeveloper you cant just withhold rent without going through the steps stated in lease.

Op the tenant is ungrateful and smells your "newbieness" I would say no to reduction and I would make an appointment to swap the fancy water works head with a cheaper shower head from Target.

Posted by: jack slade at November 2, 2009 1:42 PM in response to Tenant Compensation?

wow, jack. See- we can agree on something :-)

Posted by: bxgrl at November 2, 2009 1:56 PM in response to Tenant Compensation?

broke- true, it's only one side of the story but the main point is the tenant asked for the upgrade. He was inconvenienced for 2 weeks by having to shower somewhere else- we're not talking the loss of a leg or having to sleep in his car. For him to ask the landlord to do something that wasn't really necessary and then expect to be compensated when the landlord did it, is really a stretch. He now has the use of a rainhead- which cmu points out uses more water.

Posted by: bxgrl at November 2, 2009 2:04 PM in response to Tenant Compensation?

virtual fist bump Bx;) We actually do agree on a lot of things.

Posted by: jack slade at November 2, 2009 2:17 PM in response to Tenant Compensation?

come back to the OT, jack!

Posted by: bxgrl at November 2, 2009 2:25 PM in response to Tenant Compensation?

I have two bathrooms and when I moved into my apartment one of my showers wasnt working...my rent was deducted for the 15 days my ONE shower was not operating. Why? Because I was renting an apartment with TWO showers, not one. That's why you give the tenant a contract that you ask them to sign. You ask them to abide by it and you are to do the same. It's business, not personal...when money is involved.

And let's be honest...you like the upgrades. Your story sounds romanticized and you sound proud of the work that was done. If you were without a shower, would you have asked for your rent to be deducted? Times are hard, money is tight. If it's not on paper it doesn't exist.

My question is...WHAT'S THE REAL STORY with the shower? What made you replace it? I just believe you replaced it out of the GOODNESS OF YOUR HEART...sounds FISHY.

Posted by: cillmylandlord_again at November 2, 2009 2:47 PM in response to Tenant Compensation?

rob, a true rain shower head system (not just a shower head) is an unconscionable waste of water as it delivers much more than the statutory 2.5gals/min of a loflow head. It is probably illegal; faucets for example are limited to 2-2.5gpm. And it needs larger valves and plumbing, hence OP's tale of woe. I think he should give 2 weeks rent to tenant for inhabitability.

bxgrl, so tenant is responsible? how? he just asked. LL did not have to do it.

Posted by: cmu at November 2, 2009 2:50 PM in response to Tenant Compensation?

I'd like to know if he's go another apartment available and if he'd upgrade the appliance to an Aga Range and Traulsen fridge and freezer.

Posted by: TownhouseLady at November 2, 2009 3:03 PM in response to Tenant Compensation?

Hmmm...the initial posting said:

" I am a landlord who recently got a new tenant. When showing him the apartment initially, he asked if we would install a new rainshower shower head in the bathroom, and I agreed to do it, as I like to improve my properties.

..followed later by...

"Just an update on what I posted: I had a whole thermostatic system installed, not just a showerhead, as long as I updated the shower."

This is a classic case of a one sided story. I have no idea what really is going on here, but "guesting" is undoubtedly holding back on some relevant details. The first post said the tenant-to-be asked for a shower head. In the 2nd post it's upgraded to a thermostatic shower system.

If I had to completely guess, I'd say that the tenant asked for a shower head and you took it upon yourself to do a major plumbing overhaul, and the tenant is reasonably upset. This is only a guess but it seems to fit the facts better than what was presented here.

P.S. Showering at someone else's place for two weeks isn't quite a minor inconvenient. Go ahead, try it yourselves for the next two weeks. I'll wait :-) If someone did agree to this they are a 1st class idiot or have lots of free time on their hands.

Posted by: northridger at November 2, 2009 3:08 PM in response to Tenant Compensation?