Illegal clauses, landlord is a bully -- RUN
Pros
The building itself is nice and relatively well-maintained in a great area. Neighbors are good people.
Cons
The landlord has a criminal history (look him up) and is a bully. He writes illegal clauses into leases, including requirements for tenants to move out EARLY (before the technical end of the lease) so he has enough time to flip the apartment for the 1st of the month. When you push back on the illegal riders, he threatens litigation. He puts threatening/weird laughing and smiley face emojis in emails and texts. At one point, we didn't have heat and hot water in the dead of winter for almost a week and we not no rent abatement—or even apologies. Don't bother asking him to fix anything either, he'll blame the problem on you. (The super is a wonderful, lovely person, but the landlord won't let you communicate directly with him). Nice building, but a really bad owner. Recommend looking elsewhere.
Advice to the owners
Have some humanity. Stop bullying your tenants.
Clean building, great location, aggressive landlord
Pros
- Excellent location, half block to Central Park - Generally quiet building (except for dogs barking occasionally) - Elevator in a brownstone is nice - Building hallways are kept very clean. Staff brings packages to your door - New video intercom is convenient
Cons
- Lease contains some very restrictive and possibly illegal clauses (eg: no grace period for rent payment, NY requires 5 days) - Landlord requires you MOVE OUT 3 BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE LEASE END - Only one washer and one dryer in basement. $2.50/load is a bit high - Landlord does not allow for elevator to be used for moving ($1000 fee)