I've recommended Thad Simerly several times on this blog. He is great and easy to work with. His phone number is: (646) 831-8319

Posted by: bergenbabe at November 5, 2009 8:33 PM in response to Old World Plasterer Needed

I've used Eliezer Kraus on several occasions. His law practice is all tenant/landlord based and he will be able to provide a quick evaluation if your case is worth pursuing. Are you more interested in keeping the tenant and getting your back rent or are you willing to forgive some of the rent due and get your apartment back. I recommend the latter. Kraus phone number is : (718) 677-9523

Posted by: bergenbabe at October 1, 2009 12:48 PM in response to Non-Payment of Rent

I've used Eliezer Kraus on several occasions. His law practice is all tenant/landlord based and he will be able to provide a quick evaluation if your case is worth pursuing. Are you more interested in keeping the tenant and getting your back rent or are you willing to forgive some of the rent due and get your apartment back. I recommend the latter. Kraus phone number is : (718) 677-9523

Posted by: bergenbabe at October 1, 2009 12:24 PM in response to Non-Payment of Rent

Thanks for your appreciative response. I'm glad you liked Thad, I think he's wonderful and I consider myself lucky to have found him. In addition to plaster repair, Thad and his partner did a marvelous restoration of my brownstone last spring. I found them to be real artisans-practically knowledgeable as well as talented.

Posted by: bergenbabe at August 5, 2008 11:41 AM in response to Good ornamental plaster repair

I've recommended A & T for ornamental plaster repair on this site before. I have found them easy to work and their work is excellent. Call Thad (646) 831-8319

Posted by: bergenbabe at August 3, 2008 2:20 PM in response to Good ornamental plaster repair

Chelsea Gardens is over-priced and its selection of plant material is unimaginative and poor. Fortunately Gowanus Nursery and Liberty Gardens located nearby are much more competitive price wise and their nursery people know plant material. However if you find the tree you like at Greenwood by all means use them rather than Chelsea.

Posted by: bergenbabe at July 16, 2008 4:20 PM in response to Brooklyn tree nursery

Yes, but you have to be able to substantiate increases. Call rent stabilization and they may be able to clarify for you what they consider capital improvements. Of course you will also be able to get the standard increases including the vacancy increase.

Posted by: bergenbabe at June 23, 2008 5:33 PM in response to Rent Stabilization

yes, use Soxco they are all about staircases and if they charge a price it is for experience not hubris. I do not know anyone who has had a good experience with Heights Woodworking either as far as skill(woeful) or economically.

Posted by: bergenbabe at June 16, 2008 6:41 PM in response to Fixing a Brownstone Staircase

I've used Antonio Gomez to repair and replace intercom systems. You may contact him at : (347) 400-0908 I have found that he fair and knowledgeable.

Posted by: bergenbabe at June 14, 2008 7:49 PM in response to Intercom Repair

I totally agree. How can someone be so dumb and so smart. Don't print anymore of his/her comments-it's a waste.

Posted by: bergenbabe at April 28, 2008 3:44 PM in response to New Windows

I had an unfinished basement for years and liked it because it made a good wine cellar because it was cooler. However, I needed to put in a finished floor as part of my washer/dryer installation. Shortly after I discovered I had major termite damage and was told that the dirt floor contributed to the natural growing conditions.

Posted by: bergenbabe at April 1, 2008 7:38 PM in response to Dirt Floor

I have been dissatisfied with my own local post office(Times Plaza) for some years. The only salvation was our regular postman Stanley who unfortunately retired. When I order anything by mail I know opt for an additional expense and request UPS or even FedEx. I think that privatizing the postal system may be the answer. Perhaps the rates will be higher but the service has got to be better.

Posted by: bergenbabe at March 4, 2008 10:24 AM in response to Brooklyn Post Offices: Endless Bummer?

I found a very clever fellow located in Manhattan on 25 th St. The name of the fellow is Seock Roy, his number is:(646)486-2039

Posted by: bergenbabe at February 27, 2008 2:29 PM in response to restoring a metal lighting fixture

There are numerous vintage artifact stores that sell old tiles-try Olde Good Things on 24 th St. They also have a web site that might show some others. There is a vintage place on 125 th St that is loaded with vintage items but expensive. You might get lucky and find something at Build It Green, it's worth a trip.

Posted by: bergenbabe at February 26, 2008 12:42 PM in response to Vintage Bathroom Reno - Where to find deco tile

First one strong caveat-I used Garfield Kitchens (now known as Brooklyn Kitchens ) on Fifth Ave and Garfield. I like my cabinets very much, Rich Maid. I do not recommend Garfield to anyone-their pricing is questionable, they are not welcome to changes and you will make changes and last it was necessary for me to appeal to the sales rep. to get work done. However, this lack of judgement was more than made up by my selection of two fellows who functioned as my general contractors, project supervisors and therapist during my entire renovation. A & T is the name they give themselves, initials of their first names. Call Thad at (646) 831-8319 if you're interested.

Posted by: bergenbabe at February 20, 2008 3:58 PM in response to Renovation - price comparisons

These estimates are exceedingly high especially since you have not figured in the countertop, tiles, cabinetry and appliances in your kitchen. I did a great kitchen, marble counter, backsplash, semi-custom cabinets, great appliances for almost the price your contractor quoted for preparation. Remind him times are changing and painters and yes contractors will have to change their expectation about what the traffic will bear.

Posted by: bergenbabe at February 20, 2008 3:12 PM in response to Renovation - price comparisons

Beware, they were sold to another owner. I understand their work is shoddy and they are unreliable.

Posted by: bergenbabe at February 17, 2008 12:27 PM in response to best windows for landmark brownstone

You seem to have a feel for what is going on with your plaster work. I would suggest consulting a plaster restorer for some of the more difficult and intricate work. I used A&T at (646) 831-8319 Smart guys, wonderful work

Posted by: bergenbabe at January 22, 2008 12:19 AM in response to Plaster question (long & complicated)

Go to a high end showroom like Hastings, formerly at Park Ave. in the 20's. now in the D&D Bldg. near Bloomingdales. They are pricey but creative both in use of tile and fixture. Then as suggested go online and shop for the same or cheaper version. I hardly agree with you regarding Garfield, they are difficult.

Posted by: bergenbabe at January 10, 2008 3:49 PM in response to kitchen and bath showroom

Seock Roy of Lamp 25 was recommended to me. He did a great job and seems to be totally comfortable repairing old fixtures such as mine. is number is (646) 486-2039

Posted by: bergenbabe at December 17, 2007 3:35 PM in response to Old light fixture rewiring?

Your engineer gave you erroneous advice. The beams must be wood when replaced to allow movement not steel as advised. This is information was passed on to me by every engineer and architect I ever consulted. Perhaps you should consult someone more knowledgeable.

Posted by: bergenbabe at December 10, 2007 12:11 AM in response to main beam (girder) replacement

I agree, Empire Pest Control is great. Ed will tell you more than you really want to know about any bug but he is especially good for termite infestation. Nice fellow also

Posted by: bergenbabe at December 6, 2007 5:18 PM in response to Termites Got Me Down

Antonio Gomez, clever, honest and reasonable (347) 400-0908

Posted by: bergenbabe at November 27, 2007 1:39 PM in response to The scream and scramble method is not working

If the plaster molding, medallions are beautiful, you should try to give them a proper setting. I can recommend a duo who do plaster restoration that is exquisite and possibly not a great deal more expensive than sheetrock ANT (Thad) 646-831-8319

Posted by: bergenbabe at October 26, 2007 4:02 PM in response to When to Repair Plaster or when to Sheetrock

Yeah, he's a character but he and more importantly his father and grandfather go back a long way with the building department in Brooklyn. Stick with them.

Posted by: bergenbabe at October 25, 2007 1:30 PM in response to Scott Schnall

Michele of Gowanus Nursery is wonderful. She has a very interesting collection of plants and has a good color sense but more important she is a real plant person wanting each plant to be happy. She honestly looked for some vacant lots for my invasive meadow rue. You should at least visit her nursery on Summit St. near Columbia, she is a Brooklyn treasure!

Posted by: bergenbabe at October 3, 2007 3:40 PM in response to Garden Help

The seal is broken. Call Mega Glass and show them, they should replace if it is under warranty.

Posted by: bergenbabe at October 3, 2007 3:29 PM in response to condensation

The seal is broken. Call Mega to view problem and compensate.

Posted by: bergenbabe at October 3, 2007 3:27 PM in response to condensation

Do yourself a favor contact ANT, Thad (646) 831-8319 You will never regret using them, they are simply the best , You may contact me personally for reference

Posted by: bergenbabe at October 3, 2007 11:51 AM in response to Plaster Repair

A broken lease in Brooklyn? In pragmatic terms, you should just rent it out to someone else and move on. Not satisfying in terms of justice, or even in legal terms, but this is the reality of the situation.

You can try to go after them, but from what I've seen you will probably lose money and time and hair in the deal. And likely never recover anything from them at all.

Posted by: northridger at October 1, 2009 12:46 PM in response to Non-Payment of Rent

I've used Eliezer Kraus on several occasions. His law practice is all tenant/landlord based and he will be able to provide a quick evaluation if your case is worth pursuing. Are you more interested in keeping the tenant and getting your back rent or are you willing to forgive some of the rent due and get your apartment back. I recommend the latter. Kraus phone number is : (718) 677-9523

Posted by: bergenbabe at October 1, 2009 12:48 PM in response to Non-Payment of Rent

If I understand you- they are not living in the apartment? Is their stuff still in it? If they are gone and no longer paying rent, that should constitute a broken lease. They sound awful (and I speak as a tenant myself)- you're well rid of them and will only lose time and money in courts.

Posted by: bxgrl at October 1, 2009 12:51 PM in response to Non-Payment of Rent

This is a case of breaking the lease. We have a month and a half deposit and are doing our damndest to fill the place but it is a tough market out there. And until we find someone else feel that they are obligated to pay the rent since we both freely signed the lease.

Posted by: janus125 at October 1, 2009 12:54 PM in response to Non-Payment of Rent

Janus125 - legally you're right.

But in practical terms, you're not going to be getting anything from a court in this situation. The fact that there's no back rent involved clinches it. Not to sound cruel, but there are judges out there who would most likely laugh you out of court.

Not very fair to the landlord, but that's the way it works in NYC.

Posted by: northridger at October 1, 2009 1:02 PM in response to Non-Payment of Rent

wow. You could have saved a lot of posters from huffing and puffing if you had been more clear about your situation. Long and short: People suck, seems you are screwed, and sadly it's the risk you take being Mister Landlord.

Posted by: MAT at October 1, 2009 2:22 PM in response to Non-Payment of Rent

Janus- courts may favor tenants in that they don't want to evict people, but you should not have a problem getting back rent and other money damages if you have a signed lease that was not paid. you may have trouble enforcing it, but i bet once you get a judgment your former tenant will pay up if they do have the assets.

Posted by: cortnyc at October 1, 2009 2:28 PM in response to Non-Payment of Rent

What you have is a tenant who is trying to manipulate you into letting them off the hook.

My suggestions is for you to gather enough evidence that they vacated and settle up with an attorney to do the eviction for a flat fee.

You should also do the following.

1. Track down where they moved to.

2. Check if the tenant terminated their accounts with the electric, telephone, cable, internet and gas companies.

3. Check if their mail is being forwarded and to what address.

4. Enter the apartment and take pictures of its current condition.

Once you have all or much of the above. Hire Eliezer Kraus 718-677-9523 for a flat fee to do the legal work. Remember, any monies paid to the attorney will most likely not be re-couped.

When you appear in Court, do not settle. In this Court, settlement means forfeiting most or all of what is due you. Usually landlords do that when the tenant is still in possession. But your tenant is out of possession and the judge in your case will not force you into giving up any monies in exchange for the tenant vacating.

Good chance that the tenant, especially if they have a day job, will not spend the day in court and you will get possession on default.

The Court process in your case should take approximately 8-12 weeks.

After you gain legal possession, continue to look for a tenant.

Once you found a tenant, commence an action in Court to recover the money you are entitled to under the terms of your lease.

Good luck...

Posted by: jre at October 1, 2009 2:38 PM in response to Non-Payment of Rent

One more suggestion.

If the former tenant will give you a note stating that they vacated the apartment and authorize you to locate another tenant, (It is in their interest to give you this letter) you can skip the landlord tenant lawyer, just look for a new tenant, sign a lease with the new tenant, calculate your losses and hire an attorney to commence an action for damages suffered.

Some attorneys may do that for a small fee plus a contingency.

Good luck...

Posted by: jre at October 1, 2009 2:53 PM in response to Non-Payment of Rent

JRE: Your advice has been most helpful. Thanks very much for your excellent suggestions.

Posted by: janus125 at October 1, 2009 2:59 PM in response to Non-Payment of Rent