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My rent's gone up again. — Brooklynian

My rent's gone up again.

carapace shell
carapace shell
edited November -1 in Prospect Heights

Subject: My rent's gone up again.

So I got home from a trip last night and found my lease renewal paperwork waiting for me. The management is increasing the rent by $50, from $1400 to $1450. Last year it went up $50 also, from $1350 to $1400.

I'm torn here: I love my apartment and don't want to leave, but come on. Essentially, the $1350-per-month apartment I began leasing in June 2007 would cost $100 more per month in June 2009. This doesn't make sense considering the economic changes since 2007, does it? Am I crazy?

A wrinkle here is that ultimately I want to leave NYC, and I'm hoping that within the next year (barring a complete economic depression), I might be able to land a job somewhere else and move. So I'm tempted to see if the management company would let me go month to month, but I'd imagine that this kind of concession (if they'd even go for it) would result in even higher rent!

Basically, I'm wondering if anyone on this board was getting a sense of whether rents are falling in the Prospect and/or Crown Heights areas, or if an increase like this is perfectly normal. If anyone has recent experience with rent increases or tips on negotiating this kind of stuff (including month to month), I'd love to hear that, too.

[FYI, for some context on the price: The place is right near Washington and Sterling (technically, on the CH side), small 1 bedroom with newish appliances, and it appears to have been refurbished within the last ten years. Oh, and central A/C and heat! Although electric and gas aren't included.]

Comments

  • carnivore
    carnivore
    Is your place rent stabilized? If so it still might be below market, in which case they would definitely raise your rent by the maximum allowable.
  • opossumqueen
    opossumqueen
    If you're landlord hasn't proven to be a total jerk, it might not hurt to just ask if going month to month is an option. Some neighbors in our building have apparently been month to month for a couple of years now.

    I do think it's a bit ballsy to try such a raise right now. I know landlords who are sticking with really cheap rent just b/c the tenants are decent and never late with a payment b/c the LLs don't think they could do as well by running the current tenants off.
  • carapace shell
    carapace shell
    As far as I know, this place is not rent-stabilized.

    The landlord seems like a good guy, though I've only met him once and I haven't needed to have a lot of contact with him over the last two years. And I think I've been a great tenant; I've paid my rent early or on time every month.
  • MOD
    MOD
    Sounds like you are below the market rate. I'd probably take the increase and try to go monthly just in case if you find a better deal (doubtful).

    Thought some rents are falling in Manhattan -a bit- in general Brooklyn is still holding pretty strong.
  • armchair_warrior
    armchair_warrior
    just look for a new place, you'll find a place that doesn't raise your rents. if landlord likes you.
  • madman
    madman
    Many older apartments with rents below 2000/month are rent stabilized. Look at comps in your neighborhood and see if your apartment is under market or not. If you think you are overpaying, then talk to your management company. You will then have something to back up your case other than an uninformed gut feeling. You are likely to find that even at 1450 you are paying under market, in which case I'd start making some headway on some of those bigger life choices you mentioned.
  • wr
    wr
    Yes you are definitely below market rate by maybe 100-150 USD
  • carapace shell
    carapace shell
    It sounds like I am below market rate, which (I think) is a good predicament to be in. I'll do some more homework but I have a feeling I will likely re-sign.

    Thanks, everybody, for weighing in!
  • flux
    flux
    Yes, you are below market rate and should be happy with your current rent. Its very unlikely that you will find a better place for the same price.
  • chuleta
    chuleta

    Subject: Can't hurt

    Can't hurt to ask your landlord if he could not increase your rent this year. Tell him you fear you might have trouble meeting rent, you've been a good tenant and want to stay of course.

    At the very least, perhaps he'll only raise it $25/month. But start by asking him to not raise it.

    In all seriousness, good deal or not, there's a helluva lot of people out of work these days. The market is bad. Landlords want very much to keep good reliable tenants. Which you have shown yourself to be. That counts for a lot.

    You have a decent deal, but it's not a fabulous deal. $1450 for a one-bedroom in Brooklyn that isn't a new renovation? That's average, not great. Prospect Heights is a more convenient neighborhood, but you could find a one-bedroom in Sunset Park or Flushing or Astoria for $1200 (not that you want to move, but just saying...)

    The worst that will happen is he says no. Just ask politely and nicely.
  • chuleta
    chuleta

    Subject: Can't hurt

    Can't hurt to ask your landlord if he could not increase your rent this year. Tell him you fear you might have trouble meeting rent, you've been a good tenant and want to stay of course.

    At the very least, perhaps he'll only raise it $25/month. But start by asking him to not raise it.

    In all seriousness, good deal or not, there's a helluva lot of people out of work these days. The market is bad. Landlords want very much to keep good reliable tenants. Which you have shown yourself to be. That counts for a lot.

    You have a decent deal, but it's not a fabulous deal. $1450 for a one-bedroom in Brooklyn that isn't a new renovation? That's average, not great. Prospect Heights is a more convenient neighborhood, but you could find a one-bedroom in Sunset Park or Flushing or Astoria for $1200 (not that you want to move, but just saying...)

    The worst that will happen is he says no. Just ask politely and nicely.
  • snowboardqueen
    snowboardqueen
    Dude, you ARE most likely Rent Stabilized.

    Go to DHCR with your lease and ID or Lease and Utility bill. They will look into your rent history from 1984 to now and tell you if you are rent stabilized.

    I was paying 1500 in Ch for a renovated 2 bedroom. Not only did I find out I am in a rent stabilized apartment and was being overcharged, but my land lord now owes me close to $30,000 grands in rent over charge fees.

    1st go to DHCR and find out if your apt is rent stabilized and the rent issue. If you are not in a rent stabilized apt, DHCR will inform you. If you are not, then talk to the landlord. They may work with you.
  • snowboardqueen
    snowboardqueen
    Ah DHCR is at 55 Hanson Place, in between BAM and the Pathmark near the Atlantic Mall. Brooklyn, NY.

    Good luck!
  • thinkdream
    thinkdream
    i had this same issue.. my apt. is rent stabilized and this would be the second raise after 2 years of living at the same apt. i wrote the management company a letter expressing my concerns and if they'd be willing to work out a lower raise than they originally asked for. they went for the deal.
  • snowboardqueen
    snowboardqueen
    Here is a link where you can look to see if your building is rent stabilized.

    http://www1.dhcr.state.ny.us/BuildingSearch/
  • drkman
    drkman
    Just out of curiosity, the OP stated that it is a small one bedroom but everyone states that 1400 is below market rent. What is the market rent for a small one bedroom in that area?
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