ADVISE NEEDED ON HOW TO GET RENTERS
We have a beautiful apartment in our brownstone in Bed Stuy for rent. we have rented it before but the renter came through a friend. Now we have it available and have posted ads on craigslist only to have people come in who look like they could be running away from the law. I know…
We have a beautiful apartment in our brownstone in Bed Stuy for rent. we have rented it before but the renter came through a friend. Now we have it available and have posted ads on craigslist only to have people come in who look like they could be running away from the law. I know it’s a pioneering neighborhood for cheap rents but I do see a lot of decent people who rent in our block. Is there any advice anyone would have on how to find a good tenant?
Your securty deposit is way too high. If you want to get a lot of people looking at it you are going to have to do first and last month’s rent. I never paid more than that when I rented and that is the standard. I have seen some people do 1 1/2 months security but trying to go higher is going to limit your prospects, especially in Bed Stuy.
Buckfire, the ad should say security is $1550, not $4600. However, it will cost the renter $4600 to move in.
I think it makes perfect sense to ask for first, last and one month’s security. From the photos, the apartment looks beautiful. The rent seems reasonable, though your location seems to be a hike from any given train station. I’d say a big drawback is that you’re only offering a 6-month lease. How many stable, solvent tenants would be willing to invest the time, energy, expense, etc., of moving into a place where there’s a chance they’d have to repeat the process and expense in only six months? Would you make that choice yourself? That likely plays a part in who’s responding, and what message (conscious or unconscious) you’re putting out that they’re responding to.
Well The deposit is first month, last month and one month’s security that’s pretty standard right?
Apt is $1550 with a depost of $4600 and it’s on Van Buren St.
Here’s the CL post:
http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/abo/892900314.html
The deposit is high, and you do not give a cross street. I can’t tell from your description where it is located. It can’t be near the J, the G, and the A/C as you claim – unless what you’re saying is that it’s not near any of them, in which case the inconvenient location could be a major factor.
Why is the deposit $4600?
That seems very high to me.
Craig’s list is great but you really need to advertise mid month and have open houses in the evenings and weekends–except to have several and keep showing the place until you have someone qualified. Also mention in the ad that a credit and background check will be made on all prospective tenants. I use TNS. its about 50 dollars per credit check and I generally willsplit the fee with the applicants–this insures that they are serious and have nothing to hide. Often times-they will let me know beforehand that there is some kind of problem–and in oe case ever offered up a guarantor and put additional money in an escrow account. Good luck!
buckfire…how about answering the questions…how big is the apt and what is the rent for starters??
Kitchen/bath condition?
Oh, I see, this post is on the board twice. Sorry.