MetaChat - AskMeCha: Question about my NYC apartment lease...

MetaChat is an informal place for MeFites to touch base and post, discuss and chatter about topics that may not belong on MetaFilter. Questions? Check the FAQ. Please note: This is important.

20 March 2006

AskMeCha: Question about my NYC apartment lease... →[More:]Since apartments and the leasing thereof seems to be a popular topic here, I'll pose my question. My lease runs out at the end of June. I haven't decided if I want to remain in NYC past that date. However, if I left NYC, I wouldn't do so until the end of July (or maybe even August). My lease doesn't allow me to go "month-to-month" status like my previous non-NYC apartment and I just received my lease renewal forms today (choice between a new 1 and 2 year lease).

Is it likely that I could negotiate a one or two month extension to my lease (at the new monthly rate would be ok)? The landlord is a fairly big property manager. My apartment is in downtown Manhattan.

If this isn't possible, I'm sure I could find a one-to-two month rental on craigslist, but that sounds like a giant pain in the ass.

post by: mullacc at: 20:22 | 8 comments

I think it depends on how good you've been as a tenant. But then again, this current apartment's the first I've had with a property management company, so I'm not the best person to ask.

posted by TrishaLynn 20 March | 21:57

Sign the lease--do one year, and then break it later, knowing you might lose your security.

You'll make up a good lie in August and if they're not assholes they'll send you your security and stuff--my job is transferring me, i won the lottery, my parents need me there to care for them, etc : >

posted by amberglow 20 March | 22:50

It helps if you go in person to break it, and look really sad about it, and lie really well about how unexpected it all is, and how it's turned your life upside down, etc.

posted by amberglow 20 March | 22:53

you might as well give yourself the extra year, no?

posted by amberglow 20 March | 22:53

Sounds like a good plan - I guess my fear is that they don't buy my story and I can't get out of the lease. I believe I would owe rent until they find another tenant.

posted by mullacc 21 March | 00:52

unless you're grossly overpaying, that's never possible...they might say they can't find someone but it's a lie--there's always someone to take every space--where are you?

posted by amberglow 21 March | 00:59

email me if you want--i grew up here--i know all the landlord/owner/management co. bs. and tricks they pull.

posted by amberglow 21 March | 01:01

I'm near Union Square. Decent studio in a doorman building and I'm not overpaying (at least, not grossly).

Thanks for your help, it sounds like I have less to worry about than I thought. I don't have to make any decisions immediately, but I'll be sure to email you when it comes time to make things happen.

posted by mullacc 21 March | 01:09

← Photo Friday Theme for this Fri 2/24. || Ever wonder what animated characters would look like in live-action? →

HOME || REGISTER || LOGIN