All Forum Posts by: Meghan Cheek

Hello all!

I'm looking to fill a vacancy and would love to use an online platform like cozy or mysmartmove for applications and screening. However, with the new laws passed in NY limiting application fees to $20 and making it illegal to use a tenant's past eviction history during screening, I'm having difficulty navigating this process. What are other NY landlords doing? What online application and screening tools are you using that are compliant with these laws? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

Meghan

Hello all!

I'm looking to fill a vacancy and would love to use an online platform like cozy or mysmartmove for applications and screening.  However, with the new laws passed in NY limiting application fees to $20 and making it illegal to use a tenant's past eviction history during screening, I'm having difficulty navigating this process.  What are other NY landlords doing?  What online application and screening tools are you using that are compliant with these laws?  Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

Meghan

I agree with @Frank Chin, I don't trust a tenant to maintain the lawn maintenance/snow removal, not worth the hassle and possible fines.  Because I house hack I maintain the landscaping and snow removal but will most likely hire it out when I move.  Most quotes I've gotten are around $100/month for lawn care (mowing/edging every two weeks), but you might be able to find a better  deal if you know someone.  As for laundry, it's really personal preference.  Wouldn't charge for water as it's negligible.  Our unit has a gas dryer so I would be nervous having a tenant do their own hook up, we just provide the machine and adjust monthly rent accordingly.  Good luck!

I would consider outdoor security cameras, that way you have video evidence if the cat is entering/leaving the premisis.  My lease stipulates that the landlord has the right to install outdoor and common area security cameras so I can keep an eye on shady activity.  I also have a no animal policy and specific details for consequences of breaking the terms, as well as a statement that releases the landlord of liability if the animal has to be removed.  People can become emotional when it comes to their animals (I'm a pet owner as well so i know).  I might allow pets in the future but I would much rather a tenant ask me if they can have a pet rather than go behind my back.  In the past when I wasa renter, I always asked my landlords before getting a pet and they were always willing to work with me. It's safer to say "no pets" and see what kind of tenant you have.  If they're clean and respectful and pay on time, consider working with them if they ask for a pet.  Good luck!

I'm curious as well.  I will have a vacancy at the end of April and I'm wondering how this virus will affect the vacancy time. Also wondering if people are moving forward with renovations to increase rent or holding off until things settle down.  

Not sure where you invest but be sure to check your local/state laws.  In NY you have to give 30-90 days notice (depending on how long the tenant has resided there) for rent increases or if you do not intend to renew the tenancy.  

That's my favorite option as well, just waiting to hear back on the prices. I think that will be the deal breaker. 

It's a rental, upstairs unit in a multifamily, I live in the unit downstairs.  

Thank you, I totally agree that uniform flooring would look best.  The area is hit or miss; our current tenant is great and has kept the unit in great shape, but I'm wary of how future tenants will treat the hardwoods and I don't want to have to keep refinishing or patching them up.  I also don't want to over renovate as the area is mostly older houses (early 20th century) that are not updated.  I think it's going to come down to overall cost. I might be more conservative with the budget now with all of the uncertainty surrounding the Coronavirus.  Thank you!

Hi all,

I'm planning to renovate a unit and need some advise regarding flooring.  There are original hardwoods in the living room and bedroom and parquet in the kitchen and hallway.  I plan to get rid of the parquet and redo the kitchen.  Wondering if I should:

1) Lay LVP in the kitchen and hallway (cheapest option but worried that this will not look good as floor will not be uniform and LVP may clash with the hardwood)

2) Weave new hardwood into the kitchen and hallway and refinish the living room and bedrooms floors so that everything matches (worried about maintaining hardwoods, especially in high traffic areas.  It's a B class area with mostly older homes so most competition have hardwoods).

3) Lay LVP through the whole unit and cover existing hardwoods (may be more expensive but definitely more durable over the long-run).

Either way, the hideous parquet has to go!  I'm having my contractor price out each option but wondering what your opinions are.

Thanks!