Category Archives: in and around NYC

May 14, 2011

Luxury Living

By simply three cents

While I’m on a roll with hellish apartments…here’s yet another apartment story, from a different apartment…it’s from my roommate at the time’s perspective and it’s from an old email so it really captures the true essence of the nastiness.

I either blocked this one out of my memory or I was traveling for work at the time. I remember a brown water incident when the pipes in town burst and we couldn’t shower for three days. This was, ironically, not THAT time.

Courtesy of M:

After a long and exhausting day at work, I came home. After laying on the couch for a few minutes I decided to get into the shower. I walked into the bathroom and I am now standing in ankle deep water!

HMMMM! What is this? I turn on the light and the sink is filled with dirt, water and peices of sheetrock. The toilet looks like it has been rained on and underneath the sink is a pool of water -destroying all the cotton balls, Q-Tips, Band-Aids, etc.

I go into the kitchen [yes, we had a landline] to call the landlord and the phone and microwave are both soaking wet. I open the cabinets and I am now wet from the water that came pouring out of them.

The landlord tells me that the pipes burst on the third floor and the water has traveled down into our apartment, but the cleaning service [that the landlord owned] will clean it tomorrow. And he had the nerve to say this was not an emergency.

Everything in the cabinets, kitchen and bathroom, had to be cleaned and moved, so the cleaning people could do their job. Making it grosser was that the water was brown with chunks of sheetrock floaters. This concoction was in our kitchen cabinets and in the bowls and glasses that were in the cabinets.

Sidenote: we had several bad experience with this cleaning service, one being the underwear thievery, the other, when they ‘cleaned’ as we were moving in…which happened to be the day the painters were painting the apartment. Yes,that really happened. More on that in another post.

Ah, luxury living [at the time we thought this was the life – HA] at it’s finest.

Leave a comment | posted in apartment living, in and around NYC

May 13, 2011

House of Hell_Final

By simply three cents

Seriously. I wasn’t lying when I had hellish living situations.

Want to explain that the subject of this blog is not a typo. It is, in fact, the final document name of a letter that my roommates and I sent to the better part of everyone who is anyone to help with renter’s rights. This was sent back on July 28, 2005 and nearly six years later still makes the three of us laugh, cringe and wince that we actually made it there for a full year. What were we thinking is right?!

As with all my letters posted on this blog, names have been removed, or use initials, and funny identifying details have been placed [in between these little doohickeys].

I can already hear the gasps when you start reading this letter…

***

Dear All [all is everyone and anyone that would have been in a position to help with renter’s rights – there were many names on this list, as well as cc’d]:

We are writing to have a formal complaint noted on record against our landlord, [landlord from hell who will be referred to as LFH throughout this letter].

Please note we have placed several complaints to City Hall, but as you read on there is not much they can do because of the type of dwelling we live in.

We have had no assistance to date other than sending letters to the landlord from City Hall requiring him to clean up vermin. As you read on, you will find that is probably a minor concern along all of the other disasters occurring in our apartment.

Your help is urgently needed to stop this landlord and others like him.

Also note, we are writing this and copying many different people and departments because our goal is to:

1. Make as many people as possible aware of our situation
2. Beg for help in resolving this situation

With that said, no help has been given, no results have been gotten and we are living in what can only be called an unfit living situation.

As ridiculous as the reality genre has become, perhaps this can be Real World: Hoboken or perhaps Bad News for the Landlord. Maybe Saturday Night Live needs a few skit writers. Well, they can find them in this letter.

Before going to the formal complaint, please know that we have exhausted all of the resources that we know of – the landlord himself and City Hall, to no avail. You are our last resort. Please don’t let us down.

The Situation:

We had telephoned in a complaint earlier in the year, February, 2005, regarding vermin in the apartment. Before that complaint was filed, we had approached our landlord directly about exterminating the apartment after several mice were found in traps that we had set down. He gave us more traps and steel wool and told us that “the mice won’t hurt you. They are looking to stay warm.”  Cute or not, the three of us do not wish to share our apartment with vermin. Therefore, we did not accept this excuse and telephoned the complaint in to the Board of Health, which had sent out a letter requiring him to hire an exterminator to comply with being a landlord in Hoboken.

We have been living with exposed poison and traps, since then, but finally the problem seemed to be resolved, until recently.

We have found half eaten and completely eaten blocks of poison. Traps have been moved and feces have been sighted.

The laundromat workers at [the laundromat the landlord owns on the ground floor of the building we lived in] told us that the [landlord] is out of the country for several weeks. They had not informed us of this themselves and now we find ourselves with a mouse problem coupled with several other issues.

The water leakage has been a recurring problem since we have moved in and with the amount of rainfall expected in the next few days, that leads us to a leakage.

Above the bed in one of the rooms, the ceiling continuously falls each time it rains.  Our landlord’s “solution” to this was to have the ceiling repainted back in November.  A second “solution” was to cover the roof with a garbage bag to hold the rain and prevent further water damage.  Both “solutions” clearly did not work, as they had nothing to do with fixing the ceiling and were merely cosmetic.  Since the time of the repainting, the paint chips fall on the bed, bedspread, and even S, as she sleeps.  This is an unacceptable living condition for one who is paying money for a solid “roof over her head.”

Please note: the health department is sending a NOV (notice of violation) citing unsafe living conditions

Another issue occurred in mid-May 2005, when [LFH] decided to fix the stairs, which had been shaky since we first moved in.  We had complained several times to him that it felt as though the stairs would simply going to collapse at any time.  Clearly not taking this complaint to heart, he finally brought in two “workers” to repair the stairs, some seven and a half months later.  We would have been elated about this, had he informed us when these repairs would be made.  However, he did not.  M came home one afternoon to discover that the staircase leading to our apartment was gone.  In its place were beams and two “workers” constructing what appeared to be the beginnings of a staircase.  With no idea how to get up to her apartment, one of the workers suggested he give her a boost.  Since she had to change to get to work, this seemed like the only option.  One “worker” then literally tossed her through the air where she clung to the upstairs landing, hoping against hope, not to fall to her death.  Upon exiting her apartment some 45 minutes later, she discovered only one stair had been built.  She was now required to climb down the fire escape into her downstairs neighbors apartment to leave, as the “leap of faith” did not seem as though it should be tested twice.  Again, these are not living conditions that any person who is paying decent money to occupy residence within a building, should have to sustain.

Another problem we would like to report, which has since been resolved were lights, Christmas lights, which hang around the awning of the Laundromat. The lights have fallen down and now block the entrance to our doorway. This is a problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible because the outlets in our apartment are very old and [LFH] himself will not touch them. For example, the lights in L’s bedroom went out a few weeks after we moved in and his solution was to provide a freestanding halogen lamp so that he wouldn’t have to bring in an electrician. Well, if he is afraid of the lighting, we are too. And would prefer someone with a knowledge of outlets to take care of this problem. [Please note: the health department told us to call the department for fire safety and they were called at 3.35pm on Monday, July 18, 2005 and made the fix.

With that said, we have another problem to site.  The bathtub does not drain water when showering.  We have tried everything from Liquid Plumber to Drano to plunging the tub and still, when one takes a shower, you exit from a bath. In fact the water is so high the body would displace the water over the tub if you were to take a bath.  With three girls all having tight schedules in the morning, this makes for yet further unacceptable living conditions.  We are literally forced to shower while standing in the previous occupants water. We have complained several times to our landlord, but he has yet to take action.  Now, when it is at its absolute worst, he is conveniently out of the country. And we are out of the bathroom. We are forced to brush our teeth in the kitchen since the water in the sink fills up without draining – and better yet, we are forced to find alternate showers around town — either at friends’ apartments and at the gym.

Finally, we would like to point out that the Hoboken Housing Authority told us that if there were three or more units in the building, housing would take over. Unfortunately, with only two units in the building, we do not fall into that category. Instead, we are considered a one to two family house and are exempt from a good portion of the housing standards that other buildings need to comply with.  We were told that the city needs to adopt certain buildings and we have not been adopted. With these violations, we would strongly recommend the city reconsider their guidelines.

We would also like to note that between the three of us in the apartment, we are not newcomers to Hoboken. Combined, we have been living in town for over ten years and have been exposed to a variety of apartments, landlords and procedures since each of us has lived in different apartments around town. This is the only living situation that we have all encountered that has no procedure and where the landlord has not a care in the world about his tenants.

We also plan on attending the renter help meeting we were informed of, that takes place at St. Matthew Parish House on the corner of 8th and Washington this Thursday night. They have a drop in center that offers free advice to tenants and landlords.  Hopefully we can be helped, since clearly there are major violations going on here.

In the interim we would like to have this letter on file as a formal complaint by the residents of [our address].

We have taken many pictures of the disasters in the apartment, overturned traps, flooded floors, tubs and broken mirrors that have not been replaced.

We have also attached renters rights act as we have it. We believe Mr. [LFH] is in violation of several of these rights.

Please let us know if there are any necessary next steps to take. Please do not tell us to suck up the next few weeks because we refuse to do it. And he should be stopped – this is unfit living and no one should have to endure what we have.

Best Regards,

[disgusted tenants]

Leave a comment | posted in apartment living, in and around NYC, letters

May 12, 2011

Smoker Stench

By simply three cents

Sigh.

With the weather turning nice, we’ve been able to open the windows and the door to the balcony. And then we have to close it. Why, you ask? Someone near us is smoking and the stench is coming into our apartment.

I’ve lived with scaffolding, lived with horrid plumbing, lived with rodents (and I will share those stories) and now I’ve got to live with smoke? I mean, I’m shocked it’s taken this long for me to have this problem show up in apartment living.

The worst part is that it’s hindering my ability to sit outside on the balcony. Which is the BEST part of the apartment. We’ve been sleuthing and we thought it was coming from right below us. The smoke is new, so we figured we had new downstairs neighbors. After I sent a letter to the management company (see below), they were able to “confirm” our downstairs neighbors don’t smoke. That doesn’t mean the apartments next to them aren’t the smokers.

Here’s the correspondence thus far…

My email to the management company (not my first, but my first about this situation):

Hello,

We have a neighbor, directly below us, who chooses to smoke throughout the evening on the balcony. We’re not sure if this is a new neighbor, or they have just recently taken up smoking, but it’s been a couple of weeks and it’s becoming a problem.

We can no longer leave the balcony door or even the windows open as the smell permeates the apartment.  Smoke rises, so it comes into our home. I can’t imagine  we’re going to want to sit on the balcony come warmer evenings because the smell is very unpleasant.

This upsets us because that’s the best feature of our apartment, and I’m sure we’re paying a premium for it, but I simply cannot take the smoke. If this continues throughout the summer, we’re also going to be paying a premium on the air conditioning because we won’t be able to enjoy the breeze off the water if it’s accompanied by the stench of smoke.

Short of going downstairs and making them aware of the situation (which can have several outcomes), as we plan to do this week, have you had any tenants encounter this problem before? We are forced to breathe in secondhand smoke, in the comfort of our own home, and short of shutting the door and windows, it still seeps in. And obviously being on our balcony is out of the question right now thanks to the toxins coming up from below.

Is there anything you can suggest as an option before we go to speak with him/her? Any suggestions you can provide thanks to previous experience you may have had would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Response from the management company:

Hi,

We have experienced similar situations in the past but as [your building] is not a smoke-free environment it can be a little tricky.

That being said, sometimes people are responsive to complaints/requests to limit their smoking or to do it elsewhere but this is usually a problem we have with people smoking in their apartments and the odor permeating into the hallway or the apartment above or below through a bathroom vent.

In any case, I just spoke with your downstairs neighbor and neither his girlfriend nor he are smokers so the cigarette smoke must be coming from another balcony.

If you need further assistance from me please do not hesitate to ask.

My response:

Hi,

I realize this is a very tricky situation. Even trickier, because we were convinced it was coming from straight below. Thanks for checking with the downstairs neighbor on our behalf.

Now I’m at a loss because the smoke is coming from somewhere. Maybe next to the apartment on either side, though I think there’s an empty apartment towards out right. Even so, that former tenant did smoke occasionally but the stench was not nearly as bothersome as it is now.

Will try and figure out who is smoking and reach out to you before we reach out to them.

Thanks,

***

That’s all the correspondence thus far. Am certain there will be more once I can pinpoint the offender(s). Now we’re (okay, it’s probably more me than the boyfriend but whatever) determined to figure it out. Our neighbors dogs pee in the elevator, they poop right outside the building and I can’t do anything about it (really, I have tried). I refuse to let someone ruin the best part of my apartment living in the spring and summer with their damn cigarette smoke. Yes, I realize it’s public property, but it’s making me breathe in secondhand smoke against my will. I cannot go anywhere to escape it because even inside I can smell it with the doors and windows closed. I like sleeping with the windows open. I like coming home and drinking wine on my balcony. I do not like being forced to breathe in secondhand smoke. It. Is. Gross.

But ironically the night I sent the letter was the first night I did not smell smoke. Fascinating. I’m sure this saga will continue because I want to enjoy my balcony! In the meantime, I’ll share some of my apartment woes in upcoming blog posts.

Leave a comment | posted in apartment living, in and around NYC, letters, peeves

May 5, 2011

Guac, Margs & Sunny Skies

By simply three cents

Here we are, the fifth of May, also known as Cinco de Mayo!

I’m already craving guacamole and margaritas…but in a twist of cultures, I am going out for Ethiopian food for dinner tonight.

Speaking of the fifth of MAY…yes, we are in May. What is with this weather? All week I have been rotating between my lighter winter coat and a jean jacket. Can we just agree to get the temps up to break out of this cold and dreary weather?

I have winter clothes and I have summer clothes. Creating outfits to fit this in between weather is driving me nuts. Please let’s break out the summer dresses and flops already!

Olé!

As an addendum I had lunch in an Irish pub…quesadillas. Today is turning into quite the ethnic food day!

Another addendum: post-dinner at the Ethiopian restaurant, beers at a German restaurant…I have been in quite a few places around the world today and avoided airport security lines all day long!

Leave a comment | posted in food, holidays, in and around NYC

May 2, 2011

Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue*

By simply three cents

The most wanted monster in the world has been killed. Finally!

After the weekend, and the little sleep I had, I went to bed just before 10p. Around 10.30 I was told to stay tuned for breaking news from the President. Flipping between channels…waiting…dozing…waiting…dozing…

I dozed off for good because the next thing I knew, the TV was off and it was 4am. Pissed!

Obviously I was able to get up to speed quickly when I was getting ready this morning. Once I arrived to work (because battery was dead on phone and I couldn’t catch up on my commute in) I was scrolling through breaking news in my email. I saw lots of eager news reports trying to be the first. For example:

10.57pm: Congressional and administration officials tell [news outlet] Osama bin Laden is dead. He was reportedly killed in Afghanistan. President Barack Obama is expected to address the nation shortly.

11.02pm: Osama bin Laden killed at a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, after a firefight, President Obama said Sunday.

They couldn’t wait the five minutes to confirm in which country he was killed? There’s such a race to be the first to break news. We see typos all the time. When Gabrielle Giffords was shot in Tucson, I can’t tell you how many times I saw the spelling Tuscon. Spell check perhaps? 

After scrolling online to see the news coverage I had slept through, I moved onto Facebook and Twitter. Of course they were exploding. I read loads of statuses, some were even before Obama spoke, giving a heads up to those who may not have heard there was going to be an announcement.

While scrolling on Facebook, I saw a friend’s post that linked to a survey on Mashable.com – ‘How did you hear about OBL’s death?’ At the time of this writing, nearly twenty hours after the survey was posted, Twitter is in the lead, followed by Facebook. TV is fourth. There is no doubt that social media has become a critical part of the news and entertainment cycle as noted by my Royal Wedding experience.

To Americans abroad, please be mindful and vigilant during your travels. As expected, the State Department issued a Travel Alert for ‘enhanced potential for anti-American violence.’ Continue to travel, just be aware.

Thank you to our brave military, and those who gave up their lives for the freedoms we enjoy. And let’s not forget those we lost on September 11, 2011, those we lost on the USS Cole and others who have lost their lives to an act of terrorism. NEVER FORGET.

G-d Bless the USA.

* Credit to Toby Keith for the title of today’s post…it’s the title of one of his songs for you non-country fans. Great song. Take a listen.

Leave a comment | posted in in and around NYC, in and around the USA, in and around the world, news

April 27, 2011

WHY Does Mother Nature Do This?

By simply three cents

Here it is. Another installment of WHY Wednesday.

Dear MN,

We’ve FINALLY had absolutely gorgeous weather the past few days here in the northeast and now there’s an 80% chance of rain tomorrow?! Now, I like a good thunderstorm with lots of lightening as much as the next guy. But why the tease?!

All week I’ve been able to open the screen door along with all the windows when I got home from work to flood my home with the fresh spring air. Last night I even turned on the AC before bed.

What I’d love to do is bring out my sundresses and flip flops…hell, I’m even okay with a spring jacket. But a cold downpour? Just as we’re pulling out our spring wardrobes? Come on. Mother Nature, haven’t we had enough of this gross, horribly long winter?

Put it on your to do list and PLEASE bring on the sun! April showers bring May flowers…and with it should come the sun. Vitamin D lovers will thank you. And while you’re at it, enough with the floods in the Ohio and Mississippi Valleys, and the Southeast. Collectively, we’ve had enough.

Yours,
So over winter weather

Comments Off on WHY Does Mother Nature Do This? | posted in in and around NYC, observations, WHY Wednesday, winter

April 26, 2011

They Took What?

By simply three cents

Today I found out one of my close friends was burgled in the middle of the night. Thankfully, she and her family are fine.

Feeling like your personal, safe space was invaded is the absolute worst feeling and unfortunately, one I know well. 

Talking to my friend about this, I was reminded when I was burgled in my one of my first apartments. Neither my roommate nor I were at home, but we came home to an unlocked door, and had to figure out what was missing.

After much searching around the apartment (probably only for five minutes because the place was so small), those missing items were my underwear and bras. From right out of my dresser.

My bedroom was closer to the door in our tiny apartment but clearly it was enough stuff for our burglars because nothing else was taken. Nothing! The TV, VCR (yes, this was years ago) and microwave were probably our only electronics. But clearly, our burglers were after undergarments. 

I was so grossed out that some stranger had been in my bedroom and even more so in my dresser drawers, I WASHED EVERYTHING in my dresser (obviously there were no more underwear or bras), my bedding and my comforter and even my rug. Just knowing someone was in my bedroom and small apartment totally freaked me out.

Today I told my friend that the feeling of ICK will lessen but I warned her that now she will always check the door before bed, when you get home and when you leave to make sure it was locked. But between all of us, locks are for honest people.

If theres a funny story that came from my break in, which of course there would be when underwear and bras were stolen, and we were unharmed, it was this…

My roommate, M, and I arrived home to an unlocked door and immediately called the police. When they arrived, they needed to see the crime scene – my bedroom. I had to describe the colors, sizes and material of the missing goods for the police report. To two 22 year old girls, of course the cops were hot. Of course I only wanted to tell them about my pretty underwear and lacy bras. M made sure she told the hot cops about the granny panties and ugly bras that should be added to the police report. Talk about embarrassing. What was a little unnerving was that they had told us we weren’t the first to be burgled this way in recent days.

Even more nerve racking, for the better part of the next month, every time I walked out of the building, I thought I would find all of my stuff strewn over the plants and trees. That never happened. And I don’t think I would have ever worn any of it again if I found them.

At the time, I worked with some wonderful people who were aghast at what had happened. Together they supplied me with quite a few Victoria’s Secret gift cards so I could restock my drawers, literally. Because, yes, with the exception of some packaged underwear I bought at the grocery store, I was down to what I had been wearing the day I had arrived home – one bra and one underwear.

A few years prior to this incident, I was working at a bar in London, and while on shift, everyone had to put their stuff in lockers. Of course there were no locks. Classy place. Didn’t have much in my purse back then. Lost some cash, but others lost jewelry, whole wallets, etc. We all had to file our own reports with London’s Metropolitan Police. Not an experience everyone gets to have while living abroad.

Because everything needs to be taken in with perspective, let’s chalk these up to life experiences. Not too many people can say they were robbed of their underwear and bras. Nor can many say they were ripped off while tending bar overseas.

Comments Off on They Took What? | posted in apartment living, in and around NYC, why

April 22, 2011

I Have a Disease

By simply three cents

Last night I met up with a traveler the boyfriend and I met in Argentina. We met towards the end of her trip, and the first night of ours.

It was really fun to talk about the different parts of the country we each visited, and it makes me want to go back to see more of the country, and South America as a whole.

This week in NYC, it seems to be field trip mania. Walking down the street in NYC I hear lots of languages. But I’d rather be somewhere I’m in the minority with regards to language, or even dialect. And that means on the road, and traveling.

Time to think about the next getaway!

Leave a comment   |  tags: | posted in in and around NYC, wanderlust

April 21, 2011

And for you, something different

By simply three cents

Yesterday after a big client meeting, I had a business lunch at a well-known steakhouse in NYC.

When we sat down, the table was set with white napkins. However, the waiter offered me, the only female in the group, a black napkin.

After seeing my confused face, the waiter told me why. His answer makes sense. I have dined at very nice restaurants but I had never been offered a different colored napkin than my dining partners.

Is this way more obvious to others than it was to me? Anyone know why I got a black napkin?

Post your guesses (or the answer) in comments below. I’ll post the response in the comments tomorrow.

2 Comments | posted in food, in and around NYC, just silly

April 5, 2011

Finding Home Sweet Home

By simply three cents

I was recently reminded of the search for an NYC apartment. If you have never done it before, be thankful. If you have, you know it’s not for the faint of heart.

Now, I have never looked for an apartment in a ‘normal’ place so I don’t know if it differs much, but I have to think so because it’s just so insane looking for an apartment in the Big Apple.

Thanks to the time I have spent apartment hunting I have seen my fair share of apartments. What about the one where I’d have to climb up a ten foot ladder to get into my bed, another I’d have to live Real World style with eight roommates, a few with no natural light (thanks to the fake walls blocking the only window in the apartment) and a couple with windows that faced a brick wall, or looked directly into someone else’s apartment.

Thanks to my leases I have actually lived in apartments with sloping floors (where a coffee table on wheels actually rolled), a bathroom so small that while sitting on the toilet you could wash your hands and shave your legs while they are perched on the tub (couldn’t really do this because I am a klutz). I’ve lived in places where the ceiling crumbled every time it rained and the stairs were removed for the better part of the weekend. I have had my underwear and bras stolen right from my dresser, lived in a building that was wrapped in scaffolding for the better part of my time there and lived with roommates found on Craigslist.

And when I wasn’t so NYC apartment hunting savvy, I took up residence in a friends spare room and lived out of boxes because a friend and I couldn’t find a place to live that met our few requirements.

I have lived on the first floor, the top floor and floors in between. I have lived above a mexican restaurant, a laundromat and a sandwich shop. My neighbors have been college students, families, crack addicts, hoarders, sex fiends and an old lady who had lived in the building for 50 years, and died there too.

I have lived on main streets, side streets and street corners (watch it if you live on a corner where a bus stops .. that beep and psssh sound every time the bus lets someone on or off is really annoying but you deal with it.)

While I had to deal with some interesting conditions, I have also had the priviledge of living with my friends and living with people who became my friends. I have lived on streets where major parades happened (getting front row seating) and I have lived where movies were filmed outside. I have lived in the delivery zone for MaxDelivery.com which can bring you wine, toilet paper and laundry detergent (among other things) in less than 30 minutes. I have lived around the corner from some of my favorite restaurants and I have lived a block from the subway getting me anywhere I wanted to go.

At one point three of my friends and I were all in Manhattan. They all lived within 5 blocks of each other, a mere 5 minute walk. I was the one who was far away. A 10 minute cab ride. How many people can say they live that close to three of their friends?

Even now, I have a three block walk to one friend. Another, 10 blocks. Not too shabby, huh?

You didn’t ask for it but here are some tips for apartment searching in the Big Apple. Obviously I am not covering everything but renter beware!

1 – Postings don’t go up until mid-month, the month before you want to move. So you want to be out of your apartment April 30? Wait til March 15th or so to find out what’s free. I think in most other parts of the country, and possibly the world, you have a little more notice on what’s going to be available. Needless to say it’s a mad dash at the beginning of the month.

2 – Postings are not always accurate. Cozy = small. Historic = falling apart and management company won’t fix it. Great view = small window overlooking the street. Full size kitchen = one person can be in there at once. Steps away = 3, or 10, blocks. True two bedroom = could be, if you put in a fake wall making it two bedrooms.

3 – Postings are not always still available. Bait and switch? Have been there more times than I want to remember. “Oh, that apartment was JUST taken. Check this one out…” Either it’s way above your price range, or you would never ever live there.

4 – Appointments are not personal. Get there early because it’s usually an open call and first come, first one to put a deposit down.

5 – Don’t forget your documentation! You must tote around everything – passport, social security card, pay stubs, references, deposit, license and your first born child – just IN CASE  you find an apartment that might be the one.

There’s tons more to share but this is just what’s top of mind. I haven’t had to look for an apartment in over two years but I did the apartment search seven times in the past ten years. I’d say I am a seasoned looker.

If you have any other apartment hunting tips to share, feel free to leave them in the comments section.

Leave a comment | posted in in and around NYC, observations