Price Limit Question

There are two versions of the floorplan for the 2nd floor - the second one is the current layout - with a large master bedroom, and small office/baby room off the master. So its not a true two bedroom. The LR/DR area is tight (disregard the staging using that tiny loveseat in place of a couch), and made more so because of the spiral staircase. The spiral staircase makes it a bitch if you have a kid/baby. Closet space is minimal. Location is great and nice to have outdoor space. Some couple without kids will pick it up for $650K.

Posted by: saminthehood at November 18, 2009 2:50 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 85 8th Avenue, #3R

If the item has a bar code or identifier of some sort, then the computer will have tracked the sale and will know how much was charged. Stores, particularly large national chains, are well aware of all the "tricks."

Posted by: saminthehood at November 16, 2009 3:36 PM in response to 10% off in Lowes

Of course, if you threaten her and refuse to offer a new lease, she may likely just stay on as a holdover and not pay rent. You will then be forced to evict and bring her to Court, a major pain in the neck. She will try to argue that the place was unihabitable - you didnt fix problems etc etc. So you need to document everything you have done and are doing for the tenant to demonstrate that the apartment and building is quite habitable.

I would advise you to offer her a new lease at a much much higher rent. If she takes it (she wont) thats $$$ in your pocket.

Posted by: saminthehood at November 5, 2009 2:25 PM in response to Help with Demanding Tenant?

I know both areas well. If you have been living on Myrtle and Adelphi for years, then you are probably comfortable with anything. Prospect heights, like others have stated, varies block by block. Generally, the closer to Washington you go, the "worse" it is. Both Lincoln and St Johns between Underhill and Washington are full of large buildings with families that have been there for years. Both have folks "hanging out" though St Johns has alot more rowdy kids who are generally harmless but can be a bit intimidating for someone not used to that sort of thing. In general if you are coming from Myrtle, youll be fine - you have the same noise, loitering (and littering). Id say if you were coming from the Upper East Side or North Slope you might be a bit uncomfortable with the folks hanging out, but its safe - just have your wits about you when walking around, just like Myrtle.

Posted by: saminthehood at November 5, 2009 12:53 PM in response to Lincoln Place Block?

Ive wondered this out loud a number of times, but who else other than an anti-social single person, or a pied a-terre, can handle such small LR/DR areas? And at that price?

Posted by: saminthehood at November 4, 2009 1:56 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 32 Willow Place, #9

#2 Banks move in, check cashing places move out.

And the #1 indication of gentrification - some b--- from corcoran invents a new name to market your neighborhood...

Posted by: saminthehood at November 4, 2009 10:57 AM in response to Closing Bell: Gentrification Indicators

The apartment is pretty, and in a nice location, but the rooms are quite small. I too would give up BR space for a big LR/DR, but the living space in this is just way too small for more than one person (and one person who entertains). Im sure some sucker will pay over $500K, but I wouldnt.

Posted by: saminthehood at October 27, 2009 4:14 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 100 Underhill Avenue, #2

JTB is correct on many accounts though fails to point out that brokers generally have faster accessto new listings, and a buyers broker can get you in to see a place before its publicly listed on the internet. I would also say that seller brokers have limited contracts, so their primary goal is to sell the place - true ideally at the highest price, but getting the sale done is more important. I know many seller borkers who will try to convince a seller to accept a low offer, just to get the place sold. And when a buyers broker is in the picture, there are often side discussions amongst the brokers to try to get a deal done without conspiring to get the highest price (which is illegal).

Posted by: saminthehood at October 23, 2009 11:44 AM in response to Using a Buyers Agent?

The pictures leave much to be desired. At the price you are charging (which is not so exorbitant, but not that competitive either) a tenant wants to see a decent, clean place. I would also show a picture of the building if it looks good from the outside. Frankly, you are on 4th floor of walkup, and at this price its not going to be easy given the demand and supply. Last, you are doing credit, income, landlord and housing court checks? Thats alot and would turn off some tenants as being too invasive.

Posted by: saminthehood at October 6, 2009 2:34 PM in response to Advice on Rental Market

I believe 5F (also 3BR/2Bath) was sold for a bit less than this recently, and was in nicer condition. I cannot believe the private entrance has more value than being in a higher floor - particularly when the private entrance is from your bedroom (it kind of weirds me out to have a door to the street into your bedroom).

As to the building, a prvious post from last year:

"The reason I would never buy here, however, is that the building is flanked by the Prospect Expressway. While not terribly noisy, a layer of black soot would build up every 2 weeks or so on all of my windowsills (and my windows didn't even FACE the expressway). It made me a bit uncomfortable to think of what I might have been breathing in on a daily basis."

Posted by: saminthehood at October 1, 2009 2:41 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 30 Ocean Parkway, #1F

That 43,000 number doesnt seem surprising at all. Perhaps I feel that way because I'm a professional, and many of my friends, classmates, and friends of friends, etc travel in professional circles. But it boggles my mind how many people I know who earn over $200K. And they seem to marry eachother! Lawyer marries doctor. Consultant marries ad exec. Banker marries VP of sales. And so on and so on. And that doesnt take into account family money, foreign money etc. There are plenty of buyers out there who can handle a purchase like this.

Posted by: saminthehood at September 30, 2009 5:50 PM in response to House of the Day: 233 Garfield Place

Considering the bed bug plauge... I dont think the charities take used mattresses.

Posted by: saminthehood at September 25, 2009 12:07 PM in response to Recycling an Old Mattress?

Reality check. Quick. Nearly $1 Million for that 2-bedroom floor through??!! With a master bedroom that is only 9 feet wide??? Oh, they have in-wall HDMI wiring for your HD cable TV, so it must be worth it. We are looking at a serious price chop in the six figures here (and I am talking about six figures starting with a 2). The plans were drawn and work started pre-Lehman, but still, you can lower your costs during the build, cant you?

Posted by: saminthehood at September 25, 2009 10:25 AM in response to Condo Conversion at 219 Saint Johns Hits the Market

Forget the outside, the inside is bizarre - because of the angle, the LR/DR area is incredibly cramped. How someone paid nearly $700K to live in a living space that cramped is beyond me.

Posted by: saminthehood at September 24, 2009 11:33 AM in response to Price Chops at South Slope Specimen

The living spaces in these condos are way too small for the price. I still just dont get it - I understand if you are converting a brownstone into floorthroughs and are constrained by the existing layout, but these condos are designed from scratch for gods sake.

Posted by: saminthehood at September 23, 2009 11:54 AM in response to Broker Switcheroo, Huge Price Cuts at The Elan

You have a duty to mitigate damages if they breach the lease by terminating early. If you have mitigated damages by finding another tenant, you cannot keep the deposit except to compensate for damages, including those from the early termination.

Posted by: saminthehood at September 22, 2009 4:52 PM in response to Tenant Breaks Lease...

Oh my god. My friend lived in this building, on a diffrent floor. She bought her place about 1995 or 1996 for about $45,000. She sold it in early 2000s for something like $300K. Very long and narrow. Cute block and good location. Brings back memories.

Posted by: saminthehood at September 21, 2009 7:09 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 242 Baltic Street, #17

At $160K salary, you are taking home after taxes etc no more than $100K. This place would eat up over 50% of your take-home - that is insane. You should be bringing home at least $160K to afford this - which is around a quarter million salary.

Posted by: saminthehood at September 16, 2009 4:46 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 500 4th Avenue, #PHG

"You have to have $160,000 to put down and make $160,000 a year to afford this place at the ask. I think those who fit this bill are not likely to choose 4th and 11th as their long term home."

Not to revisit the debates from the other day, but everyone I talk to feels you would need to earn alot more than $160K a year to prudently afford this - you're talking about a $3,750 mortagage, plus maintenance on top of that..

Posted by: saminthehood at September 16, 2009 3:07 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 500 4th Avenue, #PHG

Why is everyone focusing on the down payment? Your focus should be on your monthly payment as a percentage of after-tax (take home) income, and liquidity after closing CHMomma may have $150K saved up for down payment, but she still shouldnt be carrying housing payments (mortgage, tax, insurance) that is more than 30-35% of AFTER-TAX income - and most lenders and coop boards require at least 24 months of payments saved up. That $750,000 house with 20% down ($600K mortgage) will run you net over $3500 a month, which requires AFTER-TAX income of over $120,000 (over $200K salary) - and over $80K in savings after closing.

The insanity is seeing people spend over 45% or 50% of after-tax income on housing.

Posted by: saminthehood at September 15, 2009 12:16 PM in response to New Rules for First-time Home Buyers

Bedrooms are way too small for that price. Delusional.

Posted by: saminthehood at September 8, 2009 3:31 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 99 State Street, #3E

wow - that kitchen is nicer than many $2 Million dollar places I have seen. Thh rest of the apartmnent must be tiny and cramped. Agree - building finances are important. Also, finances of neighbors - if you have owners that are in financial trouble and cannot pay monthlies, the building could be in trouble. Youre beginning to see that in fringe neighborhoods where unscrupulous lending was more common.

Posted by: saminthehood at August 21, 2009 11:00 AM in response to Crown Heights Condo

Living on Flatbush sucks, but the general location is actually pretty darn good relative to proximity to the B/Q and 2/3 and event the Park. Agree that the lack of 2nd bedroom is a problem, but there is a ton of living and entertainment space. Its not for most, but for someone. The one positive thing I have to say in favor of this building in comparison to most new construction is that the living/dining spaces are quite large. The crap on 4th Ave and elsewhere have such freaking small living spaces. I guess if you are never home its fine, but if you like to actually live at home and entertain etc, i just dont get it.

Posted by: saminthehood at August 20, 2009 5:11 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 145 Park Place, #2G

Those 2-bedrooms are pretty small. How do folks bear a small living area when you arent living alone? Maybe for people who are never home?

Posted by: saminthehood at August 19, 2009 11:38 AM in response to Checking In On 378 Baltic

My cousin is one of the aforementioned parents who 'spoils' their children, by, in part, paying their rent after they graduated from school. I asked him why he did that when his own parents didnt do that for him. His response was simply that he worked hard in order to be in the position to live a comfortable lifestyle and be able to afford to support his children well, otherwise making the money would be meaningless to him. I asked him whether he thought he was spoiling his kids, and he didnt see it that way - he felt he was giving his kid yet one more opportunity, and he felt that he would have failed if his kid ended up living in a lousy situation (e.g. dirty, small, walk-up building). Time will tell whether the kids grow up with warped values or not, though I see that the father's desire for success was passed down to the kids. I asked him what he would do if he didnt have the money to afford the support, and he said he would do whatever he could to help his kids, plain and simple.

We agreed to disagree. But I think his viewpoint is shared by many in his position - they worked hard so that they could give their kids these things. I would have seen him loan his kids the money, rather than giving it outright, but each to his own.

Posted by: saminthehood at August 12, 2009 2:21 PM in response to Fear (of Condos) and Self-Loathing in Williamsburg

First, Billyburgh may have great food, music and art, but its the ugliest neighborhood this side of West Beirut. I can hardly bear walking around there during the daylight hours (though I get that most residents there arent up during the daylight hours). And, no, McCarren Park doesnt count.

Second, thinking about two people having V-day sex in my bathroom is a reason NOT to move in.

Posted by: saminthehood at August 12, 2009 11:19 AM in response to Fear (of Condos) and Self-Loathing in Williamsburg

Too bad the U-haul depot down the block closed down. Not the best location, unless you "Gotta Go to Mo's" for a new baseball glove. Though it is across a major intersection from Pathmark, Target and a zillion train lines.

Posted by: saminthehood at August 4, 2009 1:58 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 584 Pacific Street

Midwood is an anomaly. As The Chicken said - its partially comprised of the heavily Syrian jewish (and wealthy!) enclave. (They all leave en masse during the summer to the Jersey shore, where they have bigger and more expensive homes). You cannot use that area as a barometer for Brooklyn.

Posted by: saminthehood at August 4, 2009 1:02 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales

On the subway situation - my friend who works for the city in brooklyn waterfront development mentioned that the entire G/F south brooklyn stretch will be in repair for a number of years, and to stay away from the south slope/carrol gardens G/F line (e.g. do not move to that area if you will be reliant on it).

Anyone else have intelligence?

Posted by: saminthehood at July 27, 2009 1:03 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 505 Court Street, #10C

Also, again, this is not about long-term renters, who by choice or situation do not own, but rent. This is, primarily, about transient renters who are renting an apartment for a few years. Not about a family that has been renting a 5-room apartment on the Grand Concourse or a couple who has been in their Greenwich Villiage rent control since 1975. This is about the professional that moves to NY and rents in a place like 1 BBP for a few years until they buy or move somewhere else. Clearly, there may be differences in how the two groups would treat their apartments.

Posted by: saminthehood at July 27, 2009 12:30 PM in response to Renting 1 BBP: 'We Would Like Things to be Different'

Yes, Bxgrl, you are being a bit defensive. Again, many renters are wonderful tenants who treat their aparments as if they owned them. But thats because those are generally orderly, mature, responsible people in general. When I rented I was that way, partially because I wanted to make my space as nice and habitable as possible (and partailly because I wanted my deposit back :)). But my tenant neighbors didnt all feel the same way (including the parent who didnt care that her kids messed up the floors). Its just the way it is with some transiant tenants. In the ownership situation, my owner neighbors were ALL very mindful of the value of the building and their own apartments (maybe too mindful, they talked about it way too much) and were very careful to maintain that value. Just a different mindset.

I am sure you have been a wonderful and mindful tenant. Many others, not aso much.

Posted by: saminthehood at July 27, 2009 12:17 PM in response to Renting 1 BBP: 'We Would Like Things to be Different'

Yes, there are plenty of renters who are meticulous, courtious and wonderful tenants, even if they are going to be there for a few months. And yes, there are owners who keep their places like sh-t. But we arent talking about long-timers here - people who bought their place in 1983 or who lived in a rent stabilzied apartment for two decades. We are mainly talking about transient renters and newer buyers IN BUILDINGS - not houses. All I am saying is in that case, a renter who knows they are gone in a few years wont be as mindful when they know its not their property that will depreciate/appreciate compared to an owner who paid big bucks for that same space and will have to sell at some point. Thats why coops have strict subletting rules for gods sake.

Rob - you are way too defensive. Not every post is about you.

Posted by: saminthehood at July 27, 2009 11:27 AM in response to Renting 1 BBP: 'We Would Like Things to be Different'

MM - I beg to differ with you on that one. I have known many renters - including those living in nice buildings - who clearly do not care to take care of the apartment in the same mannr as would an owner. Their justification is "why bother and why spend money if I dont own it." And often their attitude inside moves to the outside as well (their conduct in common areas). I know one couple with small kids who were happy to be specifically renting when the kids were small because as the mom put it "hey, its not my walls and flooring..." Actually, the renters that I know that put much care into their units were those who were living in low rent or rent stabilized apartments that they were going to be in for the long haul - they treated them as if they were their own, even to the point of making upgrades etc. Of course, there are are exceptions on both sides, so its difficult to generalize.

Posted by: saminthehood at July 27, 2009 10:37 AM in response to Renting 1 BBP: 'We Would Like Things to be Different'

Actually, the kitchen, by virtue of the renovation, is narrower than standard NYC galley kitchens. But it def looks nice. As does the terrace. I would rather be on the other side of the Plaza though - I dont think much more than $500K.

Posted by: saminthehood at July 21, 2009 5:24 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 34 Plaza Street East, #704

How the heck did they get 1000 SF? I guess they are using Corcoran wide-angle lens measurements...:) I agree, they should have opened the kitchen, if possible, into the fake .5 bedroom space. As is, its a too-narrow galley - I cant see how you can stand in front of the oven, and have enough clearance to open it. Price is delusional.

Posted by: saminthehood at July 21, 2009 1:41 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 34 Plaza Street East, #704

Ive heard of circular driveways in front of homes, but this is a whole new ballgame. Circular staircases. Fugedabowdit.

Posted by: saminthehood at July 21, 2009 12:32 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales

Besides the awkward (for some) room through a room layout, I personally dont like the other bedroom opening right into the kitchen.

As an aside, while I get the idea of open kitchens like that (expands feeling of space, permits more socialization with guests and family) - dont you have to keep them totally spotless all the time and make sure that your vent is commercial grade to avoid smells? Seems like a difficult task - or do people who have them never cook?

Posted by: saminthehood at July 20, 2009 2:08 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 209 Lincoln Place, #7CD

Many people do minor repairs/improvements without asking landlord. Ive painted, put up shelving, installed showerheads, etc. But major reno is something else altogether. One thing you have to realize is that if you get permission and do a stellar job, he can easily jack up the rent and you will have zero leverage to avoid the increase.

Posted by: saminthehood at July 20, 2009 11:14 AM in response to Comestic Renos on a Rental?

Nice building. Nice potential for the apartment - but agree, the LR/DR is a bit too small. We lived with an 18X12 LR/DR and it was small space for both living and dining (we actually use a dining table). When we moved to an apt with an approximately 23X13 LR/DR, we couldnt believe how we manages with the earlier space. Seriously, you see all these 2-BR layouts in newer construction with LR/DR areas that are even less than 18 feet long - how (and why) do people deal with that?

Posted by: saminthehood at July 16, 2009 2:17 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 35 Pierrepont Street, #3B

Nice looking apartment, though the living/dining space is a bit too small for a couple with kids. I wonder what the original layout was like.. Personally, Im not in love with the location.

Posted by: saminthehood at July 15, 2009 3:21 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 403 Avenue C, #2B

There are numerous possible causes of action. First, there are the misrepresentation and consumer protection laws for the false posting of information. Second, there are copyright issues for the lifting of the pictures and text. The damages for the first type are difficult to prove - the seller isnt hurt financially as the only benefit to this guy that his portfolio of properties he represents will seem larger, which makes him look like a bigger player. so no money damages there. But on the Copyright cause of action, there are statutory damages (as well as attorneys fees and costs) - you dont need to show actual loss or damage, all you need to do is prove infringement.

Posted by: saminthehood at July 10, 2009 5:01 PM in response to Awaye Realty Caught Lifting Listing from Owner

The usable living space (excluding terrace) is under 900 SF. Its a nice large one-bedroom that ideally needs a wall to come down. I'm firm for the low 600s.

Posted by: saminthehood at June 2, 2009 1:17 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 328 Clinton Avenue, #3

Ideally they want to be in Manhattan, but South Brooklyn is okay. Though, if they stay in the city, it wont be for more than 5 years or so as they understand space - which they will well need at that point - comes at a price, well beyond what they can ever do. They aren't looking to be landlords, so they are looking at mainly 2-bedroom apts. They know the areas and prices, its just a matter of what they feel is reasonable to spend on housing (weherever it is) in their situation. I was just curious what you all thought was reasonable for housing budget.

Posted by: saminthehood at June 2, 2009 1:11 PM in response to Price Limit Question

They have it as a one bedroom, as it should be. The second bedroom is used as the living room - if the walls can come down, they should take them down and open up the room. Using that second bedroom as a bedroom forces the living space to be too small and dark. Because of the space and large terrace, this will get over $600K - but it should be treated as a large one-bedroom (possibly with office).

Posted by: saminthehood at June 2, 2009 1:00 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 328 Clinton Avenue, #3

We saw a few apartments in the building and always walked awayd feeling 'meh.' First, that building - and street in general - was crap for many years until recently. With the new high end condo around the corner, the area is fine if lacking in decent nearby amenities, and Plaza Street is a pain to cross. Anyways, it is an 80s conversion, and many of the apartments have been renovated on the cheap. Kitchens (we saw) were tiny. There is the cute inner garden that frankly doesnt seem to get much use, and there is a ratty gym in the basement, and a small roofdeck.

Posted by: saminthehood at May 27, 2009 2:05 PM in response to 44 Butler place

With all due respect guys, someone buying a $500,000 place is facing a $2800-$3000 monthly payment - a full-year of monthly payments is only $35,000 in savings. Frankly, someone who doesnt have at least that shouldnt be buying a half-million dollar property - THAT is why we are in the mess we are in. It shocks me to no end seeing so many people I know - smart, educated professionals - who practically live paycheck to paycheck, and spend over 50% of their net on their home. I just find it insane that someone puts 95% of their savings on a down payment. The bubble years made it doable, but in a normal market, thats just stupid financial planning (or non-planning).

Posted by: saminthehood at May 19, 2009 12:05 AM in response to Co-op of the Day: 100 Remsen Street, #8K

Went with my friend to one-bedroom open houses on the UWS yesterday. We saw some comparable one-bedrooms for about this. No way anything in brooklyn should be priced in line with the UWS. You can do much better rentwise - which is smart if you are looking at one-bedrooms (most people who can afford this are at a point in their life that they will need to upgrade within a few years, in which case buying is not the bext idea)

Oh yes, as to mortgage deduction - unless you are living paycheck to paycheck (in which case you shouldnt be spending this much in this market), you most certainly should count the deduction in your overall monthly payment. Anyone spending this much should have at least a year (preferably two-years) worth of mortgage and maintenace socked away after purchase - in which case you are looking at your annual payments, amortized over a year. Mortgage deduction included. Smart financial planning looks at the entire year for all payments and credits ((insurance, repairs etc etc) even if those payments or credits are realized at the end of the year.

Posted by: saminthehood at May 18, 2009 4:02 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 100 Remsen Street, #8K

The best part was them going out to pennsylvania for "the best" natural stone to put up around the backyard built-in BBQ. They would always comment how the Lincoln Place project was bleeding them dry.

Posted by: saminthehood at May 12, 2009 11:26 AM in response to 53 Lincoln Condos Hit the Market

Weve watched the entire Under Construction series and saw the process of them putting up the building, and we constantly wondering out loud (1) how out of place the building seemed; (2) who did they consult with for the layout and design features - cause they seemed pretty personal and subjective; and (3)how much they would charge for the units - we never in a million years imagined they would ask this much. Considering that Design tech's business has slowed, they will probably need to sell these to keep afloat - which gives the buyers the edge.

Posted by: saminthehood at May 12, 2009 11:16 AM in response to 53 Lincoln Condos Hit the Market

The UWS apartment has a maintenance of about $520. Frankly, it is a small studio (300 SF) and I couldnt live there - but i couldnt live in 400 SF studio either. Point is that unless you are looking at real large 500+ SF L-shaped studios, a studio is basically a place for someone without much money to sleep and not have to share with roommates. The key is price and location - and for $235,000, someone can now lay claim to their own space in a killer UWS location in a elevator building (no doorman though). My GF until a year or so ago lived in a pretty 2nd floor 350-400SF brownstone studio a block from the Griffin (towards Fort Green park) and paid $1100. What they are asking for this place is insane.

Posted by: saminthehood at May 11, 2009 3:38 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 101 Lafayette Avenue, #17C

thanks tater, just sent you and email :)

Posted by: CG_ups at November 5, 2009 5:18 PM in response to Help with Demanding Tenant?

bxgirl, just as an interesting side note, she's incredibly hostile to me over the phone, but sweet as sugar to my daughter. She also seems to twist her stories to make me look like the evil landlord to my daughter... the more I talk about this, the more I really need to have this woman out of my building.

Posted by: tater at November 5, 2009 5:29 PM in response to Help with Demanding Tenant?

Do not renew her lease. It's your property.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at November 5, 2009 5:49 PM in response to Help with Demanding Tenant?

Thanks again to everyone who weighed in. I'm going to take Grand Army's advice and check the block out at night. Thanks!

Posted by: snowbunny at November 5, 2009 7:06 PM in response to Lincoln Place Block?

Why possibly would you want her to go month to month without a rent increase? It doesn't jibe with your story.

Posted by: Putnamdenizen at November 5, 2009 7:35 PM in response to Help with Demanding Tenant?

smoeone named "snowbunny" should check that block out on a WARM summer night. snowbunny? gack. jk hahhah, but seriously, you know what i mean. you do know we dont have ski mountains in brooklyn, right/?

*rob*

Posted by: Butterfly at November 5, 2009 8:24 PM in response to Lincoln Place Block?

Sounds like a previous tenant I had.

Some people are just needy. I'm an excellent landlord and I had a woman like that years ago. She even called me to tell me she had fainted on the subway and wanted me to know she may be having a health issue...wasn't sure if she wanted me to say to call me if she needed something. Weird.I did want to say EAT SOMETHING since she is one of those young women that hold up the trains because they go without food and then pass out.

Don't renew. Good riddance.

BTW people automatically assume the landlord is the problem yet there are tenants that are hellish....and being a good tenant is about more than just paying on time.

Posted by: argentina at November 5, 2009 10:11 PM in response to Help with Demanding Tenant?

"she may likely just stay on as a holdover and not pay rent. *You will then be forced to evict and bring her to Court, a major pain in the neck.* She will try to argue that the place was unihabitable - you didnt fix problems etc etc. So you need to document everything you have done and are doing for the tenant to demonstrate that the apartment and building is quite habitable."

Posted by: saminthehood at November 5, 2009 2:25 PM

Tater, saminthehood has a valid point of how it could go; something I've seen before. Even with all the validation, photos, and contemporaneous notes you take, she could hold you up in court for an entire year and you could lose an entire year's rent. People who know how to play the system can do this. Her lawyers can keep you held up in court for a long time with delayed appearances, etc.

As mentioned by a few posters, nicely raise the rent and she may go easily. One can do this without seeming antagonistic (read all above posts). Why sign another lease, though, as you ask for increased rent? You don't need to do that and it would be counter-productive to what you want if she accepts (her gone).

Even if you go with the suggestions that she no longer has a valid lease and legally has to go -- please see again the paragraph by saminthehood. It could go like that, a legal quagmire for a year to prove everything and whatever and you lose a lot of money, with nothing ever being proved (proven?) A long time and a lot of lawyer games.

The tenant may have a disorder similar to bipolar or something and I say that with no disrespect. This sounds difficult.

Reread -- northridger at 2:44 PM: " ... months to get them evicted with lots of pain all around." It is similar to saminthehood. Of course reread Vinca.

Posted by: BklynSoFar at November 5, 2009 10:12 PM in response to Help with Demanding Tenant?

I wouldn't give her a new one year lease, but go month to month, and raise the rent. This gives her time to move and keeps you from being stuck with her for another year.

Posted by: Rick at November 6, 2009 6:24 AM in response to Help with Demanding Tenant?

Here's my opinion:

1. send her a notice of rent increase....a big one.
2. offer to let her out of her lease immediately b/c she doesnt seem content.

Yes, it could be ugly but you cant live in fear. Presumably, you vetted the tenant and she has assets and a job. Further, she wont want to be on the blacklist.

Posted by: slick at November 6, 2009 6:00 PM in response to Help with Demanding Tenant?