you made the right call, especially picking John.

you can tell him Chris from EasternParkway recomended him.

I've spoken to him a length several times on the phone about my problem and he strikes me as extremeley knowledegable and honest, which is a rare combination in the field....

good luck, let me know how it goes.....

Posted by: oneasternparkway at November 17, 2009 9:57 AM in response to Bed Bug Question

I used Bell Environmental (who i mentioned). I would not recomend them. They are very expensive and in my opinon not worth it. again, relied too much on Krylon Spray, which i've found is not effective. I have a baby and a toddler, so I was attracted to it because it's more 'green" but the truth is it just doesn't work and it costs a ton.

when factoring in treatments and replaced furniture and countless loads of laundry, we're approaching 10k. it's insane.

I would recomend Jeff White (I would also watch all his bed bug seminars at BedbugTV on bedbugcentral.com.)

You might also want to try M&M Exterminators, a firm in the city I've heard good things about.

and a guy who goes by the Name of Killer Queen (you can find his info on BedBugger). I've also heard very good things about him.

and if you understandably don't want to commit to a treatment yet, then get either one of those monitors I recomended.

Posted by: oneasternparkway at November 16, 2009 2:26 PM in response to Bed Bug Question

I understand your motivation, but I don't think it's realistic.

And ultimately it would be self defeating for you. Suppose a tenant signs the lease and then get bed bugs. By refusing to pay, you're leaving it up to the tenants to deal with the extermination.

Chances are, they'll choose the cheapest alternative, which will most likely allow the infestation to spread--to your home!

Unfortunatley, and I speak both as a landlord and a renter who has had to deal with bedbugs, if your tenant gets them, especially in a building you own and live in, you don't want to be worry about money.

you want to be bringing in the best people possible and nipping things in the bud as quickly as possible.

bedbugs is not an area, as I've learned the hard way, where you want to be trying to save money.

Posted by: oneasternparkway at November 16, 2009 2:12 PM in response to Bedbug Clause in Lease?

Vanburenproud,

I'm not knocking the concept off debating a topic, which i agree is the purpose of a forum in the first place.

I'm just saying that unfortunately on this particular subject, you're giving bad information. Yes, the exterminator has motivation for making a sale. Yes, you shouldn't rush into anything.

But unfortunately, and again I speak form first hand experience and countless hours of research, if you find a bedbug, you have a bedbug problem. the only question is how to deal with it. not whether or not to deal with it.

as for the bed bug sniffing dogs, yes, many companies now offer them. you must be very careful in choosing the right company, however. a dog that gives a false "alert," and that does happen, can cost you thousands of dollars of uneeded treatments.

but in the case of the OP, if you've seen a bug, then you don't need the dog to tell you that they're there. you've got bedbugs and you've got to deal with it.

when we had them, initially we didn't think it was a big deal b/c we'd "only" seen one. I wanted more proof too, so I spent hundreds of dollars to bring in the dog, who proceeded to tell me that they were also in my sofas, my loveseats, my daughters' bed, the picture frames above my bed, my bookcase, etc etc.

in retrospect, I didn't need the dog, having found a bug, I should have just started treatment. but I wanted to believe that it was "only" one, that it wasn't that serious, etc etc

Posted by: oneasternparkway at November 16, 2009 2:02 PM in response to Bed Bug Question

They are actually extremely hard to find. That's why the are so difficult to treat.

If you need proof, you can purchase these bedbug traps: http://www.bedbugcentral.com/shop/products.cfm/climbup-insect-interceptor-2

There's also a much more expensive electronic model: http://www.bedbugcentral.com/shop/products.cfm/nightwatch-bed-bug-monitor

Neither one will end your infestation, but they will at least let you know if you have one.

I would say if you don't find any bugs after two months, then maybe you're ok and it was, however unlikely, just a fluke bug.

Vanburenproud and jbumby, nothing personal, but you guys are giving terrible advice. Hopefully you'll never have to learn this first hand....

Posted by: oneasternparkway at November 16, 2009 12:32 PM in response to Bed Bug Question

Having just come off (I hope) a six month nightmare with bedbugs, I can tell u that if you have one bed bug, you have a bed bug problem. You might not know it yet (some people are not allergic to bites and hence do not have any physical "evidence"), but you have a problem and you need to deal with it. don't listen to the above poster. As he/she admits, they "know nothing."

The best thing you can do is go to http://bedbugger.com and spend the next few days in the forums seriously researching how you want to deal with the situation (what sort of treatment, which exterminator to use, etc). You can also got to http://newyorkvsbedbugs.org/ to find out more information.

Long story short, it's going to suck. There's no cheap way or easy way to deal with it, but you have to deal with it. Or you can stay in denial (which it sounds like you're in right now) and not deal with it, which will just mean that you'll accumulate more bedbugs and it will eventually spread to your neighboor's apartment, your friends who visit, etc.

I would say the key is taking your time and doing your research. Don't rush into a treatment (which is what I did). Really check out all the options and then make a decision.

and for my two cents, do not go with a company like Bell Enviormental that pushed Krylon sprays. It's not effective. you're going to need some combination of chemicals and heat to truly get the job done.

Posted by: oneasternparkway at November 16, 2009 12:08 PM in response to Bed Bug Question

registered my building on bed bug registry. interesting, if depressing, reads...

Posted by: oneasternparkway at July 24, 2009 6:39 PM in response to Bed Bugs and Rats

thanks for all the recomendations. I've decided to bring in Roscoe the bed bug sniffing dog in tomorrow to check all the furniture before I bring it down to the new place. hopefully he won't find anything...

anyone have any experience with the dogs?

Posted by: oneasternparkway at July 24, 2009 5:42 PM in response to Bed Bugs and Rats

Vinca--

Not sure what you're talking about. Reluctance? We don't know if we've brought them to the new place or not. It's that simple. Not hiding anything. And we're moving within the same apartment building, so we've been working with management every step of the way to move in a manner that won't increase the infestation (which started when our downstairs neighboor got and didn't tell anyone for a while). and please believe countless hours of scrupulous care and elbow grease have already been thrown at this problem. i've had every article of clothing washed and then bagged. we've thrown out our matress and bedframe and rug and are probably going to throw out both of our sofas rather than bring to the new place.

having said all that, in case we have ended up bringing them, what I'm looking for is a recomendation for a thorough exterminator who someone else has had success with. I don't trust the exterminators who my management company has hired. i'll pay out of my own pocket at this point to end this saga....

Posted by: oneasternparkway at July 24, 2009 2:05 PM in response to Bed Bugs and Rats

atlantic yards least of your issues that's a rough block. block party there last week ended up with two kids shot to death.

Posted by: oneasternparkway at July 24, 2009 1:12 PM in response to St. John's and Underhill

original poster here.

sorry, wasn't clear. I'm moving out of the apartment with bedbugs into one without them (I hope).

what i'm trying to figure out is what I should be bringing with me and what I'm going to write off as a loss...

and didn't realize books (which I have a ton of) are a potential carrier...

Posted by: oneasternparkway at June 29, 2009 1:15 PM in response to Bed Bug Question

no pics of the guys working the corner about 10 feet away from the st. johns place?

overall a great area but the corner of st. johns and wash has issues. I would not pay 1.3 mil for a front row seat...

Posted by: oneasternparkway at May 29, 2009 1:15 PM in response to Open House Picks

thanks for the advice, Iron Balls.

As for the Allentown line, I've got family in Emmaus.....

Posted by: oneasternparkway at May 26, 2009 10:20 PM in response to rent stabalized rent raise

thanks all, very helpful. sounds like first thing I need to do is find out the actual rent of the previous tenant...

Posted by: oneasternparkway at May 26, 2009 3:27 PM in response to rent stabalized rent raise

Zinka---ok, didn't realize that. too bad, because retails what that building needs, not a pool table in the lobby...

Posted by: oneasternparkway at May 1, 2009 3:39 PM in response to On Prospect Park: Is Anybody Home?

I think they made a mistake not putting some retail in the first floor--perhaps a union market type store. I understand that might undercut the "high end" vibe they're trying to create, but the facts are it's a hike from this location to any sort of decent shopping options (I know the "new" deli on st johns and underhill is one, but I'm not really feeling that place). don't get me wrong--it's only about five mins to the keyfood et al on flatbush, but if i'm paying these sort of prices, that's about 4 mins too long.

Posted by: oneasternparkway at May 1, 2009 12:57 PM in response to On Prospect Park: Is Anybody Home?

I'm not exactly sure how Danspace got attached to the development, but my understanding is that the city brought them in. they have operated for several decades out of St. Marks' church in the East Village and have a tenuous lease situation there, so this move made sense in a lot of ways for them. also because the majority of dancers and people who watch dance now live in brooklyn.

Posted by: oneasternparkway at April 3, 2009 11:56 AM in response to Another BAM Building Gets Tabled

Danspace has been around for over 30 years, does very good work and has a staff that's been working tirelessly on this project for several years, so this is unfortunate news. would have been a real asset to brooklyn.

Posted by: oneasternparkway at April 3, 2009 11:19 AM in response to Another BAM Building Gets Tabled

NOP--

On a lighter note, did the details (red beams) on 201 once cover the entire facade? I've always thought they look very haphazard as they currently are.

and for what it's worth, if you look closely at a rusted sign that still swings from the archway leading into the building, you'll see it's actual name is "The Adelphi."

Posted by: oneasternparkway at March 30, 2009 12:33 PM in response to Death at Eastern Parkway Drug Den

Junebug--

I don't want to say which the other apartment is since I don't know %100 and to put it in the same company as 1M is now a pretty serious allegation.

but I do know that for the past several weeks people have been hanging out in the courtyard late at night and having conversations with a women who seems to live on the third floor. She sticks her head out the window and yells down to the guys, often about money, cell phone numbers, when so and so is going to get back, how come he didn't bring my five dollars, that sort of shit. i know a lot of people on the front of the building are pissed off, but no one wants to get in a screaming match with these guys at two am....

Posted by: oneasternparkway at March 30, 2009 11:57 AM in response to Death at Eastern Parkway Drug Den

Not a Morning Person--

I'm a fellow resident of 201 and the original tipster on this story. "Hive" wasn't my choice of words, but I don't think it's a stretch by any means.

The fact is, the police have been called to 1M many times in the past. I've spoken to officers who have been in there. The management company is aware of the problem and would love to get the woman out. But right now, everyone seems powerless to do anything about it. Maybe what happened yesterday will change that.

You're absolutely right--it is a great old building filled with wonderful people. Sadly, there are two major exceptions---IM and another apartment that seems to be headed in that direction.

Anyway, my reason for tipping the story wasn't to knock 201--I love the building too. But I do think it's important that people know about what's happening. Hopefully the increased awareness will motivate the city to get something done. The guys who operate out of 1M are remorseless. Without trying to be too dramatic, unless they shut this thing down, it's only a matter of time until there's another tragedy.

Posted by: oneasternparkway at March 30, 2009 10:56 AM in response to Death at Eastern Parkway Drug Den

How about something under a million bucks, please. Unless you've cashed out on an apartment in Manhattan, even these admittedly reduced prices are still out reach for 99% of the people in this market.

You need to post less "glamorous" but more affordable properties if you want this website to remain relevant.

Posted by: oneasternparkway at March 27, 2009 1:21 PM in response to Open House Picks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44X3jCuNso0

Posted by: oneasternparkway at March 25, 2009 12:51 PM in response to More Mural Controversy

NOP--

Do you remember on which intersection of Classon there was a theater? There was a building just north of Lincoln that was recently knocked down that might have been one, otherwise must be long gone....

Posted by: oneasternparkway at March 18, 2009 11:50 PM in response to Drug Dealing Hotspot in Crown Heights?

you can add St. johns and Washington to that as well. not quite as bad as franklin, but still pretty obvious.

Are the cops on the take? Hard to say. If they're not, then they're mailing it in. Does anyone have a contact at the 77th that residents can get in touch with/?

Posted by: oneasternparkway at March 18, 2009 10:49 AM in response to Drug Dealing Hotspot in Crown Heights?

thanks amanda. they look pretty good...

Posted by: oneasternparkway at December 12, 2008 3:28 PM in response to One Time Cleaning Person

the cop was a dick, big painted arrow or not. why don't you go suck him off?

Posted by: oneasternparkway at December 4, 2008 2:30 PM in response to Parking Ticket Hot Spots

not a parking ticket, but they shook me down for a moving violation this Sunday on 4th Ave. I was driving in the right lane and when I got to the Prospect Express way underpass, there two cops standing there, pulling people over. They told me that 4th and 17th street is a right turn only lane and that I had driven through it. if it is, that was news to me. of course, didn't stop them form giving me a $120 tik, and the cop was also a real dick, basically throwing it at me without any explanation.

i usually try to defend the cops b/c I know they have a hard job, dealing with all the maniacs that the rest of us run from. but when they're so clearly out there just trying to make a qouta at the end of the month, and then a so rude to top it off, I lose a lot of respect for them.

Posted by: oneasternparkway at December 3, 2008 12:50 PM in response to Parking Ticket Hot Spots

Don't use the sprays. I had a neighbor who didn't report the problem to the Landlord (they're rent control and didn't think the Landlord would do anything) they sprayed for 6 months untill the bedbugs spread in the building. Now after weeks of 2 different exterminators coming (1 specializing in eco-friend treatments complete with a dog but not Bell Environmental) and throwing stuff out and getting mattress covers, the bulding is bedbug free. The only way to go is with an extrerminator and to follow their instructions.
And yes, the landlord is responsible for treating bedbugs regardless of who brought them in.

Posted by: Cobblehillbaby at November 16, 2009 3:52 PM in response to Bed Bug Question

This is an interesting idea....Just recently tenants have brought bed bugs into two of my properties. One paid for and arranged the treatment (voluntarily) and the other we paid for, though as we all know it's a huge imposition for anyone who lives where the BB are being exterminated, in terms of the work he had to do.

I also can't see how this clause, like any other in a rider, would not be enforceable. Why would it be less enforceable than a rider clause about separating recyclables or whatever?

Posted by: GoodProspect at November 16, 2009 4:02 PM in response to Bedbug Clause in Lease?

Just like with any other vermin situation (mice, roaches, etc.) the landlord is required to provide extermination services, regardless of the source of the problem.

Posted by: babs at November 16, 2009 4:14 PM in response to Bedbug Clause in Lease?

I'm no expert, but posters saying it's illegal or unenforceable may be thinking that would be the case if you were renewing a lease for a rent stabilized tenant, but that's not OP's situation renting out I assume 1 floor of a 2 family home.

I'd be curious to know how multiple dwelling law views the question. A search on the google turned up something possibly useful...
http://newyorkvsbedbugs.org/2009/07/13/bed-bugs-and-the-law-in-new-york-city/

Posted by: Bklnite at November 16, 2009 4:19 PM in response to Bedbug Clause in Lease?

Whether or not it's legal, it seems pretty arrogant and illogical to me. So, your building has never had bedbugs. Who's to say that if it got them in the future, it was your automatically the tenant, and not you or your family, who brought them in!

Posted by: Puppimus at November 16, 2009 4:22 PM in response to Bedbug Clause in Lease?

So, from Puppimus, 1 vote for you'd be a jerky landlord.

From my reading of the page I linked to above, OP as an owner of a 2 family house could do what he's suggesting. For an owner of a building with 3 or more dwellings it might be unenforceable.

"..In The New York State Multiple Dwelling Law...
Vermin are specifically mentioned in Section 80 which states in part:
§ 80. Cleanliness. 1. The owner shall keep all and every part of a multiple dwelling, the lot on which it is situated, and the roofs, yards, courts, passages, areas or alleys appurtenant thereto, clean and free from vermin, dirt, filth, garbage or other thing or matter dangerous to life or health.

My reading of this is clear, in a building of three or more apartments, the landlord is responsible for the eradication of bed bug infestations. If the infestation is caused by the tenant’s negligence, however, then the tenant is also responsible.
...
What constitutes tenant negligence? I don’t know. But unfortunately it’s not hard to imagine plausible scenarios. An interesting question, given the language of the statute, is whether the landlord is still responsible for bed bug eradication despite any tenant liability for negligence.

The NYS Multiple Dwelling Law seems clear and straightforward enough.

The New York City Housing Maintenance Code

The New York City Housing Maintenance Code, contrary to popular belief, applies to all dwellings, see Article 1, Section 27-2003. Confusion may have arisen because Section 27-2005 provides that:

Sec. 27-2005 Duties of owner

a. The owner of a multiple dwelling shall keep the premises in good repair.

b. The owner of a multiple dwelling, in addition to the duty imposed upon such owner by subdivision a of this section, shall be responsible for compliance with the requirements of this code, except insofar as responsibility for compliance is imposed upon the tenant alone.

c. The owner of a one- or two-family dwelling shall keep the premises in good repair, and shall be responsible for compliance with the provisions of this code, except to the extent otherwise agreed between such owner and any tenant of such dwelling by lease or other contract in writing, or except insofar as responsibility for compliance with this code is imposed upon the tenant alone.

My reading of this is that in the case of a one- or two-family dwelling there may be a (written) lease that assigns certain repair and maintenance responsibilities to the tenant."

Posted by: Bklnite at November 16, 2009 4:39 PM in response to Bedbug Clause in Lease?

I say this whenever the mention of BedBugs come up - if you want to get make sure your house stays Bed Bug free get your home a few House Centipedes. House centipedes feed on spiders, bedbugs, termites, cockroaches, silverfish, ants and other household arthropods. Many homes have them - they are very very fast and creep out of cracks in the walls and floors. If you see them, turn a blind eye for a second, they will be gone before you know it...but whatever you do, DON'T KILL THEM! They are your friends. Ever since I heard this I just smile when I see them knowing they are helping me out...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scutigera

Posted by: Alexuma at November 16, 2009 5:20 PM in response to Bed Bug Question

The bedbug problem is a growing menace in New York City.

I've known of cases where tenants have most likely brought in bedbugs but treated their LL's as though they were slumlords once the tenants found out they had them, even before their LL's had a chance to take care of the problem.

Is it "fair" in the grand scheme of things? However LLords are legally responsible for pests regardless of how they got there.

It's just another risk you take when you become a landlord, along with noise, non payment, fires and floods.

Maybe you can pay for one of those dogs to sniff their belongings for bugs the day they move in but I'm not too sure that will go down well.

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 16, 2009 5:30 PM in response to Bedbug Clause in Lease?

I hate to say this, but EACH of us, if we travel could bring back bedbugs. Moreover, many office buildings in Manhattan are now infested, so having to travel is less of an issue. As the poster on brownstoner who has eloquently spoken of remediation efforts made by him (her? sorry, forget the gender), it's not simply been the landlord's responsibility! And far more of the hassle factor has been on the back of the tenant who moved into the situation.

Posted by: Minmin at November 16, 2009 6:48 PM in response to Bedbug Clause in Lease?

after months of using a professional exterminator, someone I know finally used a product like Results and her bedbugs are finally gone. Results contains diatomaceous earth (silica dioxide) which is non-toxic. It does not poison the bedbugs. Instead, it causes their exoskeletons to break down (I think it takes about a week). Results also contains a poison which works much faster. If you are worried about children or pets, you might want to use straight diatomaceous earth. The only danger is if you breathe too much of it in -- it's a fine powder. You have to place it in all the cracks of your floorboards, baseboards, electrical outlets, etc. wherever the bedbugs might be hiding. You should place it around the bed posts, if that is how the bugs crawl into your bed. Once they come into contact with the powder, it will kill them.

Posted by: CHM at November 16, 2009 7:14 PM in response to Bed Bug Question