NewGreener's Profile
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July 26, 2008
heavy rains = leaks
During the recent heavy rains, we've noticed that after a few minutes of the storm, water starts to pour off our roof one side of the house. It flows down the side of the building, over the windows, and leaks into our top floor window. The wall around the window is completely soaked with water as well. We had a handyman refinish the windows (put new aluminum around the edge of the windows), but the rain is still getting in. We've checked the gutters, and they are not clogged, but we are thinking of having someone angle them more towards the downspout which is on the side of the roof that is not overflowing. However, we're still worried about the wetness in the walls around the third floor window. Could the water be getting into the brick of the building? It's a brownstone with brick wall in back that was stuccoed over.
We've had a few people come by to take a look, but no one seems to know what to do. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
January 30, 2008
Suggestions for tenant background checks?
We recently purchased a brownstone in Fort Greene and need to find a new tenant for the apartment above our unit. If we decide to not use a broker, how do we do our own background check (credit check, prior rental history, eviction history, etc.)? Are their websites/companies that people can recommend? Also, do people suggest calculating affordability on 41 times monthly income or closer to 50 times income? Finally, I know a lot of people use brokers. I did not have great experiences with any as a renter, so I'm reluctant to use one as a landlord. If we do decide to use a broker, how should we find one? just call the standard Bklyn firms and get assigned to someone?
Your help are much appreciated.