I think the issue is black and white. You all agreed to pay what he was asking. It doesn't matter what he is/was paying.

If I felt an item is worth $100 and I buy it for $100, do I have the right to to get my money back if I found out someone else bought it for $20? No.

I still agree that "John" is a douche... AND he is the one who has his credit at risk here. If you want to stick it to him, you have the option.

Posted by: mrkknox at November 4, 2009 3:55 PM in response to Sublet/Share Legal Issue

I saw 125 Joralemon during the BH house tour in 2007 and I loved everything about it. Outside it fits in with the neighborhood and inside it is a modern beauty.

Posted by: mrkknox at October 7, 2009 12:19 PM in response to Exhibit: LPC Sometimes Digs Newfangled Buildings

Is it unfair that you never got notice that they were going to do this? Yes. But having lived through this on Court St last year I say get some ear plugs and it will be over in a night or two. Chalk it up to the joy of living in NYC.

Posted by: mrkknox at September 22, 2009 10:17 AM in response to Sleepless on Livingston

I have walked away before when the broker refused to budge at 12%. Long story short, they chased me down the street after walking out of their office during negotiations. I ended up only paying one month.

Fast forward 4 years to my current apartment and I paid the full 12% they were asking. My wife and I loved the place too much to let it go (garden apt w/ W&D in Cobble Hill).

You can probably negotiate them down to 10%...but be prepared to walk away if you don't get your way. It all depends on what the place is worth to you.

Posted by: mrkknox at August 31, 2009 4:22 PM in response to Negotiating Rental Fees

Damn...I was going to insert a comment about $200 jean shorts, but Pitbull beat me to it.

Posted by: mrkknox at August 26, 2009 2:41 PM in response to StreetLevel: Court Street Boutique Closing Down

I have the same problem. Since I rent and do not want to invest in a mosquito magnet, I tried the following:

http://www.diyhappy.com/quick-and-dirty-mosquito-trap/

Pretty clever. Just make a few of them and place them around your yard.

Posted by: mrkknox at August 18, 2009 9:47 AM in response to Mosquitos

It happens, I have seen people take a steel cable like you'd use for a bike and lock the gate to the rest of the fence where the hinges meet the fence. Although it is not pretty, it will deter the common gate thief.

BTW, I am surprised that it was stolen. Scrap metal is really cheap right now.

Posted by: mrkknox at July 24, 2009 10:28 AM in response to Front Gate Stolen

I have to say that I am really impressed at the final result... Now I just need a brownstone to use it on!

Posted by: mrkknox at July 20, 2009 1:52 PM in response to Spiff Up Your Old Hardware

I still like them better than Rapid Reality.

Posted by: mrkknox at July 16, 2009 4:02 PM in response to Awaye Realty Caught Lifting Listing from Owner

I really don't think much can survive on that block besides fast food.

Posted by: mrkknox at July 15, 2009 9:39 AM in response to F. Martinella Closes After Less Than Nine Months

Are you practicing for timber sports???

Posted by: mrkknox at July 14, 2009 4:57 PM in response to Wanted: Tree stumps

I just looked at the title and thought I was in the wrong forum.

Posted by: mrkknox at July 1, 2009 2:27 PM in response to What to Apply after Stripping?

I grew up with one in my hometown. It is nothing special...but their fries are pretty damn good.

Posted by: mrkknox at July 1, 2009 12:50 PM in response to No Shortage of Demand for Checkers

Being that I used to live on Dean & Nevins. I think both blocks are fine, but if I had to choose I would pick Bergen.

ftgreenpk: LOL

Posted by: mrkknox at July 1, 2009 11:05 AM in response to Living in Boerum Hill

Bargain, bargain, bargain.

I have walked out on brokers before and they have chased me down the street. Got them down from 15% to a month's rent. You just have to be ready to walk away from a place.

Posted by: mrkknox at June 4, 2009 11:04 AM in response to I would love to live in a Browns

Court St. @ Warren St.

Posted by: mrkknox at May 7, 2009 11:08 AM in response to Building Collapse at 217 Court Street

I just use really hot water, a sponge, and a scraper. The key is to get the glue behind the paper hot. Once the glue is loosened, find a seam and scrape away.

I'm not a contractor, but this has worked for me on 3+ occasions. Just make sure you wash down the wall after to get the excess glue off.

Posted by: mrkknox at April 29, 2009 3:57 PM in response to Wallpaper removal

Those photos are from the Rapid Reality school of photography.

Posted by: mrkknox at April 15, 2009 3:47 PM in response to House of the Day: 445 Warren Street

Lechacal -

I was being sarcastic...

I agree that it is not limited to the PJs, but it is just not as out in the open as it is there (having bought there before...)

Yes, delivery services are much better in every way to that twig ans seed crap.

Posted by: mrkknox at April 15, 2009 2:17 PM in response to House of the Day: 445 Warren Street

On the bright side, you won't have to go far to buy some weed.

Posted by: mrkknox at April 15, 2009 2:03 PM in response to House of the Day: 445 Warren Street

As long as there are scotch eggs, I'll def give it a try.

Posted by: mrkknox at April 14, 2009 2:52 PM in response to Streetlevel: Watty & Meg Coming to Court Street

Is it just me, or does $1,155/mo maintenance seem high?

Posted by: mrkknox at April 13, 2009 1:03 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 415 Argyle Road

Whoops, my bad. Thought 190 Dean was Dean & Nevins, not Dean and Bond... No sandwiches there.

Posted by: mrkknox at April 6, 2009 2:11 PM in response to A Couple of Houses Reduced on Dean Street

I used to live across the street from 190 Dean when it was a bodega. Ali, Mohammad and Mohammad used to hook up the best sandwiches... Damn I miss those days.

Posted by: mrkknox at April 6, 2009 2:09 PM in response to A Couple of Houses Reduced on Dean Street

If you are looking for a basic website or a database/dynamic web application (PHP+MySQL), please let me know: http://www.superhappyfunbot.com

I have a normal 9-5 and do this on the side, so I can work at discounted rates.

Posted by: mrkknox at April 3, 2009 11:17 AM in response to web site developer

I grew up three towns over from Fanwood (in Union County that is about 5 miles away). It is a great town and if I was looking to go to the burbs, I would definitely include it in my search.

Although it is no Westfield, it is still a great town in a great location.

Posted by: mrkknox at March 30, 2009 11:35 AM in response to 'Our Victorian House' Hits the Market

I lived in the Heights for about 3 years. I found it a much easier time to park it across Atlantic Ave. in Cobble Hill.

Posted by: mrkknox at March 23, 2009 4:09 PM in response to BH Parking/Garage question

Snark, Thanks for clearing that up. With that said, I hope they renovate their menu as well.

Posted by: mrkknox at March 11, 2009 1:51 PM in response to Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up

Is it just me, or is every dish at Lobo just a slight variation on the previous? I feel like they have 50 things on the menu and they all use the same ingredients.

What happens if I don't want rice & beans???

Posted by: mrkknox at March 11, 2009 1:41 PM in response to Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up

My advice, avoid Rapid Reality.

Posted by: mrkknox at March 9, 2009 3:29 PM in response to help with using craigslist...

American Beer on Court (at Butler) sometimes has Six Point on tap for growlers. When they do, I am there for refills at least twice a week.

Danny_Noonan:
"...in my pants"

Posted by: mrkknox at March 4, 2009 2:37 PM in response to Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up

With my love for six point beer, frankie's, and german style beer gardens... I think I would nut instantly the moment I set foot on the property.

Posted by: mrkknox at March 4, 2009 12:29 PM in response to Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up

I have to agree w/ BowlOfDicks on this one... we def need an HSBC on smith or on court (south of Atlantic).

Posted by: mrkknox at February 27, 2009 2:43 PM in response to Streetlevel: Chase Revealed on Myrtle

On a separate non racist note, the pork nuggets at Char no4 will change your life... I think I can eat my body weight in them.

Posted by: mrkknox at January 28, 2009 3:36 PM in response to Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up

Brooklyn Chicken -

I walked out of their office after they told me they charge 15% broker's fee. They literally chased me down 4th Ave.

Long story short... I got them down to a one month fee, but I immediately went home and took a shower. I felt so dirty and cheap.

Posted by: mrkknox at January 9, 2009 3:42 PM in response to High Hopes for Hoyt Street?

Rapid Reality. Nuff said...

Posted by: mrkknox at January 9, 2009 2:44 PM in response to High Hopes for Hoyt Street?

oh whatever. John gave you and your broke a$$ friends a place to live, for cheap i might add, and he threw in chips and salsa. you sound like a whiney brat. you have no recourse. Judge Judy would rip you a new one if you were in her court.

*rob*

Posted by: Butterfly at November 4, 2009 4:06 PM in response to Sublet/Share Legal Issue

If he made you pay more than a month for security then that is most certainly "business" and not "friendship". That should have been a big tip-off as to the kind of relationship you were getting into when dealing with him.

I was friendly with a former landlord before renting from her. When I agreed to take her apartment she suddenly asked me for 2 months security deposit. I was a little taken aback by the request but still gave it to her. I also quickly downgraded our relationship from friend to business- a very good call. Particularly over a year later when she casually mentioned that it was "cheeky and resourceful" of her to ask for 2 months security because she really needed the cashflow at the time. Now a friend might have been rather annoyed by such a statement. However, somebody who did "business" with her chalked one up for experience and moved on.

And please do not take bkrule's advice unless you are looking for a shit ton of drama. If you are so unhappy with the arrangement and civilized behavior and dialogue isn't creating a satisfying resolution for you then you really should just move on. It's not worth the negativity, especially when you have to live in it.

I will add that I do think John is a douche, too, but that has nothing to do with the arrangement you made with him.

Posted by: Snarkypants at November 4, 2009 4:07 PM in response to Sublet/Share Legal Issue

Also Post your question on www.tenant.net in the forum section.

Posted by: 1910 at November 4, 2009 4:19 PM in response to Sublet/Share Legal Issue

Try preemptively paying the rent one month directly to the LL. Entice him with cash if needed and get a signed receipt. This will complicate the situation and give you rights to the existing Lease in that the LL has tacitly approved your tenancy by excepting the rent. I think you would be protected from an eviction proceeding by uberTenant. You could also stop paying rent and probably continue to occupy the space for enough months to break even on your security.

Posted by: modsquad at November 4, 2009 5:02 PM in response to Sublet/Share Legal Issue

quote:
. You could also stop paying rent and probably continue to occupy the space for enough months to break even on your security.

uh yeah cuz that's just SO fair to the landlord. dont take this moron's advice.

*rob*

Posted by: Butterfly at November 4, 2009 5:19 PM in response to Sublet/Share Legal Issue

It sounds like the LL is complicit in this case buttface. Why should the sub tenants have any responsibility to the LL. They enjoy zero rights at this point.

Posted by: modsquad at November 4, 2009 6:02 PM in response to Sublet/Share Legal Issue

So, wait. You all "SHOULD" be paying $500/month and instead 4 of you are paying $700 and the leaseholder is paying $200? Math is not my strong suit and I wasn't paying close attention, but wtf. Yes, $200 can seem like a lot of money when you're young and broke and in the city, but for christ's sake, the guy isn't even LIVING there most of the time... so... who cares if he pays less? He still has responsibility. He still has the lease. He still put down the initial money with the landland and built the place.

And, frankly, as I discovered when I was young and broke in the city, it's an amazingly common story. And the moral is simple: get your own lease, probably at another apartment.

If you want the bad karma and potential repercussions, then by all means, stop paying rent and move out. Not that big a deal. When John assumed the lease, he assumed the risk that you all would do that. So give him 2 months notice and do so.

Posted by: Heather at November 4, 2009 6:13 PM in response to Sublet/Share Legal Issue

did you seriously just call me buttface? hahah. i KNOW the subtenant (psoter) has no liability to the owner, but heather made an excellent point. it's an absentee roommate essentially who pays less. duh of course they should pay less! case closed. and yeah like she said it's very very very very common, it's essentially how the rental share market works for people who HAVE to have roommates and cant get their lease. im in a good situation now where it's 50/50 but it was never always that way.

*rob*

Posted by: Butterfly at November 4, 2009 6:56 PM in response to Sublet/Share Legal Issue

I'm just answering the question without the predictable agendas many on this blog have.
OP was looking for any "rights" he might have, not moral navel gazing or a spanking. I personally don't think there's much of a screwing going on here.
Did I call you buttface? Do you turn your head whenever you here some kid shout out, "Hey Asshole!"?

Posted by: modsquad at November 4, 2009 8:04 PM in response to Sublet/Share Legal Issue

Just bite the bullet and talk to the landlord. Tell him what's been going on- considering the economy, I'm sure he's much rather have tenants than not. That said, and I am not sure if it applies in your case, tenants are not allowed, by law to make money off of a rental. That is- the leaseholder is not allowed to make money on a landlord's property. So john is essentially using the lease to make money.

Check the lease to see if there is a residency requirement. Does a tenant have to be in residence in order to keep the lease? In some situations- such as rs/rc, they do.

In any case, stop paying John and start paying the landlord directly. Don't expect to see any money back from John- and once you settle your situation you can tell him he can pick up his stuff or you will assume he has abandoned it and you'll do what you want with it.

Posted by: bxgrl at November 5, 2009 10:30 AM in response to Sublet/Share Legal Issue