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. […]
The role of brokers in New York City is changing quickly – and while many argue these changes will benefit New Yorkers, it’s still vital to be a smart consumer. We’ve already discussed what the City Council’s recent passage of the FARE Act means for renters (an end to footing the bill for broker’s fees […]
It’s Heat Season in New York City! And while you may not have had to break out the extra warm gear just yet, your building is still obligated to follow the law. If outdoor temps drop below 55 degrees between 6 AM and 10 PM, the heat must be on, and your apartment should be […]
New York City is a tough town full of tough people – tough people who really, really just want to snuggle on the couch with their pet after a long day. The city’s Economic Development Corporation says there are some 1.1 million pets in the city, but what do they know? (Seriously, do they know […]
If you’re a responsible renter who does a reasonable job with the cleaning and upkeep of your place, getting your security deposit back after move-out day shouldn’t be difficult. Countless New Yorkers can attest, though, that the deposit battle between landlord and tenant can be a fruitless time-suck that feels weighted in favor of the […]
Your landlord is responsible for keeping your home and building safe and livable at all times. This is called the “Warranty of Habitability.” Having a record of notifying your landlord makes for a stronger legal case. If your landlord has already been unresponsive to your requests to make repairs, a letter is a great tactic […]
More than just being a nuisance, a heat wave can be harmful to your health. And with climate change causing rising temperatures, heat advisories during the summer are becoming the new normal. Here’s a heat advisory map for the U.S. Last week in New York, cooling centers—indoor, air-conditioned spaces for public use—opened up for use […]
Your apartment’s roof deck can be a great place to make friends, impress neighbors, throw a great party, and maybe even meet that special someone. However, there are things to keep in mind so you don’t become “that guy” or “that lady” at your building—let alone get on the bad side of the building’s management. […]
Pollen counts are at their peak in NYC in April, May, and September. So even if you’re still feeling them now, we’re sorry to say that you only have a short reprieve before you get hit with them in in a few months. Of course, you can take over-the-counter medications to calm your symptoms or […]
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 […]
