What do you look for in tenants who live in same building as you?

Hi all, we are turning over our rental unit for the first time in literally 20 years after a series of young friends/roommates/subletters have finally moved on. We’re doing some light renovation and repainting, and the fridge and dishwasher were replaced in 2019. What other minor DIY upgrades do you recommend?

And now that we are looking for new tenants, what suggestions do you have for a two-family rowhouse where I live in the same building with my spouse and young child? Obviously a very thorough security check, but anything else I should pay attention to for safety and stability?

If it matters, we live in a 1800s Clinton Hill two-family near the BQE. The rental is a duplex with four bedrooms and one bath. Heaps of original detail.

moriata

in General Discussion 1 year and 9 months ago

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DouglasAlan | 1 year and 9 months ago

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In our rental, we found that new blinds and sheer white curtains (the cheap ones from Ikea) go a long way.

We also price our unit a good 10% under the comps. We lose a little cash each month, but we get a good pool of qualified prospects. Once they’re in, they know they have a good deal, so they’re not the nightmare tenants I’ve heard about who fuss over every nitpicky thing.

Augustiner | 1 year and 9 months ago

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Use a good broker who will show only to qualified people, understands what you want and can tell you from their experience if the applicants are a good fit. Luckily you’ll have a choice because there is a lot of demand right now.
Other than that: don’t rent to lawyers or psychotherapists and you’ll be fine.

mozeeatupu | 1 year and 9 months ago

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I require proof of rent paid the prior 12 months.

cate | 1 year and 9 months ago

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We also live in a two-family and rent out the second unit. In addition to running the usual credit and background checks and asking for the most recent two checking account statements, I called all three past NYC landlords (or lease holding roommates) for every applicant, called current employers to verify their employment, and took photos of IDs.