Andrew Palmer

Roof access, inefficient but working in-unit laundry & dishwasher.

bad building, bad neighbors, bad management company - we made a big mistake by thinking it couldn’t be THAT bad and rented here. hard to note the biggest problem since there were a lot but it would probably have to be that the plumbing is in desperate need of repair — the lead levels in the water are dangerously high, a health hazard and shouldn’t be consumed, according to the report we received (management didn’t care and seemed dismissive & annoyed we were acknowledging it)

no soundproofing in this very old building so you will hear the drug induced partying from the first floor tenants, the musical events hosted by the neighboring buildings and you will hear every sound from your upstairs neighbors, all of whom don’t care if its 2AM, 4AM, 7AM or the middle of a work day. Sound machines weren’t loud enough to cover the constant disturbances and asking others in the building to be more considerate only caused them to be more of a nuisance.

THIS IS A SMOKING BUILDING. Management allows cigarette smoking in the apartments and in the common hallway, first floor tenant also runs a wood smoker often - air quality is poor overall. All appliances are either on their way out or needed to be replaced during our one year lease here. We encountered mice, cockroaches, bedbugs, centipedes and drain gnats in our space.

Mold was present in the bathroom and it was hard to keep humidity low enough to prevent it from spreading. the two private backyards flood with water during rainstorms, the tree has raccoons & is actively dropping large branches as it dies. the trash out front was aways spilling over, it wasn’t taken out weekly and the smell would be present on the first floor of the building most days.

And you think the problems would stop when you finally decide to just move out asap? Goodluck. The management tried to take a huge chuck of our security deposit when we left, claiming damages to the floors and walls that were non existent, DO HAVE PHOTOS & CERTIFIED LETTERS OR YOU WILL GET HUSTLED BY NYC MANAGEMENT — they are negligent and aggressive when attempting to ask anything of them, they will also straight up screen your calls if you aren’t complacent. We had to jump through hoops with any needs & threaten legal action in order to get our money back. An annoying situation to be stuck in.

It might be tempting to move here, it was for us. It can’t be THAT bad right? Sadly, somehow, it really is. Save yourself some sanity, just… don’t

Why? They don’t care what tennates think or need

Historic Ridgewood building
Nice location central to lots of great restaurants and bars.
Pretty quiet street

Lead in potable water
Pests and bugs present regularly
Building is old and needs plenty of repairs
Cracks in ceilings bulging in walls
Thin walls and floors means noise is a problem
Humid environment