sheslip's Profile
- 2007
- Brooklyn
- Bedford Stuyvesant
- Rental
- http://sheslip
Author's Posts
October 23, 2009
Tenant Rights: Hallway Upkeep?
Hello,
I am new to this site and am also in a new apartment in Bed Stuy. The apartment is wonderful, but after moving in I have a few qualms with the general maintenance of the building. Is there any support for tenants in this situation?
The issues specifically are: roaches (when I did the walk through I didn't see any-- however every night when I come home-- they scatter and then linger), and the hallway is disgusting. The floor is sort of peeling up on the stairs, but worse than that are the totally grimy walls (that are painted a horror-film blue with remnants of graffiti). As a renter do I have any power to request better up keep of the building?
Thanks, I appreciate any and all advice.
Refinishing Claw Foot Tub
Hi all,
I just moved into an apt. with a beautiful claw foot tub that needs to be refinished. Is there any possible way to do this yourself? I really don't want to have to get it professionally serviced (as that will be really expensive). Any hints or ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.
Author's Comments
Thanks for the comment. Charcoal grey is a great color suggestion, thanks.
So it seems that I should see how long I can live with the peeling paint and then maybe invest for the professional to refinish the tub.
If anyone else has done it themselves before, let me know!
Posted by: sheslip at October 23, 2009 3:58 PM in response to Refinishing Claw Foot Tub
Yes-- there is staining, and weird peeling of the paint/enamel. It sort of looks like someone tried to refinish the tub and did a bad job-- likely they may have just painted over the enamel? It looks like there is a layer of white peeling, and in some spots it looks like the enamel is wearing off entirely (it is a dark spot--- the iron?)
Also the paint on the outside is rather bumpy and chipping. On the feet there are spots of rust.
It sounds like a mess, and it sort of is, but I do not need the tub to be finished perfectly, just a little more bath worthy.
Any help is much appreciated!
Posted by: sheslip at October 23, 2009 2:56 PM in response to Refinishing Claw Foot Tub
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
The peeling paint is the last refinishing job. It doesnt last too long and looks bad when it starts to go. And also they rough up the interior of the tub so that the refinishing paint will adhere which means you can't somehow remove the paint and go back to the prior version. From what I've heard, it costs ~$300 to have it refinished, so if you can spend the money that's probably going to be your best-looking option from this point though it will only last 3-5 years and you have to be careful to not use abrasive cleaners or otherwise damage the surface. It may be possible to DIY, but I dont have experience with this or know what products would be best. The outside is much easier to fix since you can scrape of any peeling paint, prime and repaint with regular paint. I've seen clawfoot exteriors done in a dark charcoal grey, which looks great and might hide more flaws.
Posted by: BHS at October 23, 2009 3:44 PM in response to Refinishing Claw Foot Tub
Thanks for the comment. Charcoal grey is a great color suggestion, thanks.
So it seems that I should see how long I can live with the peeling paint and then maybe invest for the professional to refinish the tub.
If anyone else has done it themselves before, let me know!
Posted by: sheslip at October 23, 2009 3:58 PM in response to Refinishing Claw Foot Tub
You're in bedstuy not Park Avenue. Get some roach motels. Did you not see the hallways when you moved in? Were you smoking something? hipsters... go back to Idaho.
Posted by: guest_poster at October 23, 2009 5:17 PM in response to Tenant Rights: Hallway Upkeep?
Disregard gp. All good comments here, and your landlord should also exterminate the whole building monthly if roaches are a problem.
Posted by: tinarina at October 23, 2009 6:42 PM in response to Tenant Rights: Hallway Upkeep?
We have mice, roaches, pigeons, and a hallway that appears not to have been cleaned in 25 years. I have cleaned my part of it three times and had to wear a dust mask to keep from choking. Technically, these things are the landlord's responsibility, but except for sending an exterminator once a month, she's not interested. She told me if I don't like it I can move, so I am. In any case, putting out roach traps yourself is far more effective than an exterminator, so I recommend you do that.
Posted by: mopar at October 23, 2009 10:29 PM in response to Tenant Rights: Hallway Upkeep?
Roaches and stair safety aside, I agree with GP on this: presumably you saw the grimy condition of the hallway before you signed the lease, and your rent amount probably factors this in. After all, there are p-lenty of apartments out there, and this is the one you chose.
Posted by: bowl of dicks at October 24, 2009 3:09 AM in response to Tenant Rights: Hallway Upkeep?
From what I saw, it's more like $600 and up for refinishing. Why not just get a new one? They are cheaper than you think, and many have free delivery (no small feat for something that heavy). Or keep your eyes open here for someone selling one...
Posted by: sogo at October 24, 2009 4:28 PM in response to Refinishing Claw Foot Tub
I have thought of that-- I am even considering offering to paint the hallway myself (4 floors) if I can get the landlord to pay for the paint. I think it would be worth his while-- and mine, as it would make the place more rent-able. Clearly I would MUCH rather not do this, but if there are no legal requirements for landlords, then I guess I have no choice.
The problem is the place is in need of a pretty serious make-over, and sadly sweeping and mopping will not really do the trick.
Thanks, and keep the suggestions coming.
Posted by: sheslip at October 23, 2009 4:20 PM in response to Tenant Rights: Hallway Upkeep?