liexpat's Profile
- liexpat
- April 2008
- February 2008
- Brooklyn
- Bedford Stuyvesant
- Rental
Author's Posts
October 30, 2009
Mice in Bed-Stuy
We've been renting a floor-thru in a brownstone for a year and a half. We saw a mouse when we first moved in, but after plugging in some holes we went an entire year before seeing another one. Five months ago, we started seeing a mouse and/or droppings almost everyday. We suspect it is because the next building over had construction work done. We've plugged more holes. Our landlord had a handyman come in to plug additional holes.
We have used glue traps and poison, but neither have worked. We keep the kitchen super clean and throw out the garbage regularly. The only thing that was effective was peppermint oil but only for about a week.
Our landlord does not want to hire an exterminator. She doesn't seem to think mice are that big of a deal. "This is NYC" she says. Also, she thinks an exterminator will just lay down poison which she could do herself.
Any other suggestions for things we can do? Is it worth us hiring an exterminator to just work on our floor or is it only effective if the whole building is done?
Author's Comments
Found Bergen Street:
http://www.nhsnyc.org/content/buy/1509bergen.html
Spoke to the Fifth Avenue Committee this morning and those apps are not quite available yet. They want interested applicants to send in a self addressed envelope or go in and sign up in person for a notification.
We're interested because right now I'm only working part-time because I'm mostly home with our baby. So we qualify as of now and then when I go back full-time I guess we'll have to pay extra? Not sure how it works.
Posted by: liexpat at November 6, 2009 11:01 AM in response to Affordable Housing on Tap
A few weeks ago I saw a brownstone in BS that was at first listed around 600k, go for 475k. Buildings going for around 300k wouldn't shock me, particularly in certain parts of the neighborhood. Some streets are definitely less desirable due to: safety (actual or perceived), transportation and just general services.
Posted by: liexpat at October 30, 2009 11:50 AM in response to Report: Foreclosures Hurting Prices in Bed-Stuy
I know quite a few landlords who have tenants that are not paying the rent now. It's a terrible situation. If your tenant is truly financially unable to pay their rent, refer them to the Human Resource Administration (HRA). If they can show that they don't have the money to do it, the city may temporarily pay you the rent directly. I know it doesn't fix things long term, but at least you'll see some money.
Posted by: liexpat at October 1, 2009 10:48 AM in response to Non-Payment of Rent
Why are you asking the receptionist? Just get her to have the owner call you back or find out what the best way is to reach them. Stop engaging her about your situation. If she asks what you want to talk to the owner about, just vaguely say you have some questions for them. It's none of her business.
Posted by: liexpat at September 30, 2009 1:39 PM in response to Adding to/Breaking lease
I have this mail setup with my landlord and am not so comfortable with it. So, I have a PO Box. It's nice to know I don't have to change my address every time I move. I do think it's better not to have your LL sifting through your mail.
In terms of fruitflies: The tenant just has a funky apartment. They should to stop throwing food into the garbage without wrapping it up. They need to clean.
Posted by: liexpat at September 30, 2009 1:28 PM in response to Mailbox Issue
Clermont Greene had an open house over the weekend. It looked like mostly walk-ins like me. They handed us the price sheet , telling us to pretty much ignore it. "Just name a price and we'll see what we can do." The Clermont side will be ready Jan./Feb. The Vanderbilt side is a few months behind. The managing company is determined not to go rental. Could rent-to-own be in their future?
Posted by: liexpat at October 27, 2008 9:39 AM in response to The Housing Crisis Has Arrived
Went to 263 Stuy open house yesterday. Some gorgeous original cherry wood details on the parlor floor. However, there are 4 sad little studio apartments on the top two floors.
The brokers are hoping the potential rentals will appeal to buyers. Who wants four tenants, especially in such close quarters? Not sexy.
Posted by: liexpat at July 28, 2008 7:19 AM in response to Open House Picks: Bed Stuy Edition
jbes There are projects in Fort Greene, Chelsea, LES and other "desired" neighborhoods. The projects being in an area does not define the area, especially one as large as Bed-Stuy. One the other hand, it is nice that people who have moved here really appreciate the area and its growing diversity.
Those who just see Bed-Stuy as a ghetto are more than welcome to stay away.
Posted by: liexpat at July 21, 2008 3:31 PM in response to Condos of the Day: 83 Halsey Street
Got it Dave. The financial reasons seem sound until I consider resale value. This seems great if people who already know each other own each unit. Having to share maintenance and other responsibilities equally others in the building could be tricky.
Posted by: liexpat at July 21, 2008 3:11 PM in response to Condos of the Day: 83 Halsey Street
I don't get buying a condo in a brownstone. Feels like a fad that will blow up in the faces of those who buy them.
I live in the historic district by the Utica stop on the A/C line. I really like this area.
The above listing is closer to the Nostrand stop, which I don't care for.
Overpriced and Illogical Investment.
Posted by: liexpat at July 21, 2008 2:54 PM in response to Condos of the Day: 83 Halsey Street
Hopefully the school won't be a problem. There is a schoolyard across from a few restaurants on DeKalb in Fort Greene. No license problem there. It seemed like an older video. Maybe they have it by now. I saw boxes of wine glasses on top of the bar last week.
Posted by: liexpat at July 9, 2008 5:05 PM in response to Wednesday Food & Drink Round-Up
I live a half block from Peaches and I peek in every time I pass. So excited! Hopefully, I can resist eating there too often. I wonder what this will mean for the future of this whole SOLA initiative.
Posted by: liexpat at July 9, 2008 12:20 PM in response to Wednesday Food & Drink Round-Up
^^^ Fifth Avenue Committee is for Atlantic Terrace
Posted by: liexpat at November 6, 2009 11:02 AM in response to Affordable Housing on Tap