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To Broker or Not: A Decision Framework for Small Brooklyn Landlords

New York City’s FARE Act went into affect this year, which killed the broker fee as we know it, took effect and many on every side of the apartment-rental game — tenants, brokers, and landlords — are still playing catch-up when it comes to learning these new rules. Designed to protect tenants, the act presents […]

No Power Tools? No Problem. Your Library Card Has You Covered

When we talk about living in Brooklyn—really living here—we’re not just talking square footage and subway access. We’re talking about making a space your own, even if that space is a tiny rental with plaster walls and unpredictable wiring. And if you’ve ever found yourself staring down a DIY project and wishing you had a […]

How to Recycle Leftover Paint in NYC

Did you know that more than 80 million gallons of paint go unused every year in the United States? For NYC residents, that often means cans of half-used paint stacked in closets, basements, and hallways—uncertain what to do with them. Luckily, there’s now an easier and more sustainable option. Since launching in New York State […]

Here’s How To Find Out If You Have Lead Pipes

A recent report from Gothamist raised an uncomfortable truth: as many as 30% of the pipes delivering water to New York City homes may still be made of lead. And while those odds may be in your favor, it’s certainly more comforting to know for sure whether your building’s pipes are affected. Lead exposure, especially […]

What Is Going On with NYC Rent Right Now?

What’s going on with you these days? Feeling a little unstable? Seeking security in routine and predictability? Standing still while prices go up all around you? Such is the current human condition in New York City—so why should real estate be any different?  February’s median Manhattan rent reached its highest rate in more than two […]

5 Things to Keep in Mind For Selecting the Right Property Management Firm

When it comes to running a building smoothly, having the right property management firm can make a big difference. A great firm keeps operations seamless, costs under control, and residents happy. The wrong one? That’s where headaches, miscommunication, and surprise expenses creep in. So, how do you know if it’s time for a change—and more […]

What the Broker Fee Changes Mean For You

New York City’s City Council recently passed the FARE Act, meaning tenants are no longer responsible for paying broker fees. Instead, that cost will now be passed on to landlords or management companies and most tenants will no longer have to foot the bill. Let’s take a closer look at what that means for you. […]

What Co-op Owners Need to Know About HPD Violations

As a shareholder in a co-op building (especially if you’re an owner serving on the co-op board), it’s important you know about HDP violations.  New York City’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development issues these violations for infractions ranging from leaky refrigerators to heating system failure. And the enforcement of these quality of life laws […]

What Landlords Should Know about Clearing HPD Violations

In a previous post, we discussed the basics of what landlords need to know about violations issued by the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). And while regular maintenance and solid management are your best defense against notices from the HPD (sometimes easier said than done), their inevitability is part of […]

The Landlord’s Overview of HPD Violations

The reality of being a landlord is that things can (and will) go wrong with properties you own — and you’ll have to assume responsibility for making them right again. While a broken ceiling tile can almost certainly wait till the weekend, other fixes require an immediate response. When those more serious concerns aren’t addressed […]