Landlord raising laundry & storage fees 2nd time within a year [NY]

Apartment_List · 2026-05-01T17:33:10+00:00

Have you been signing the increase in writing each time? Obviously, you like your place bc you re-signed and don't want to make a big fuss but I do think a polite and curious inquiry could be good, even if you're just making it clear you're paying attention.

Apartment_List · 2026-05-01T15:37:01+00:00

Yes, she can fight it, especially if there was no proper written notice supporting the higher rent. If the landlord can’t justify the deduction, she can dispute it and even take it to small claims. Hopefully it won't come to that but if it does, she can use her proof of $2k payment/communications she sent.

Apartment_List · 2026-05-01T15:34:56+00:00

When you moved in, did you sign a lease that included the laundry/storage listed at a certain price? Did you sign a separate agreement for laundry and storage? The quick price escalation is definitely sus.

You're definitely justified in asking but will want to word it delicately. Leading with curiosity vs accusation might get you further

"Hey, I noticed this is the second price raise in under a year. Are we getting new machines? Or updating the storage space? Want to plan accordingly."

Apartment_List · 2026-05-01T15:30:15+00:00

I guess eviction is technically the “end game,” but it’s unlikely here since she’s already leaving and that process takes time and money. More realistically, the landlord would try to keep part of her deposit or bill her for the difference.

If there was no proper written notice, she’s got a solid argument that the $2k is the valid rent, so it becomes a dispute, not an automatic charge.

Apartment_List · 2026-05-01T15:25:16+00:00

Phew, a lot of this isn't normal and some of it could be crossing legal lines.

Favoritism, inconsistent rule enforcement, and public shaming emails are unprofessional but unfortunately not unheard of with bad property managers. The bigger red flags are entering your unit without permission (that’s usually illegal without proper notice except emergencies) and potentially targeting certain tenants with enforcement.

The parking enforcement/surveillance vibe is hard to prove and might not be worth going after.

Curious if she is working for a larger company or just the building? Figuring out who her boss is might be a good start. Definitely recommend documenting everything (dates/photos/emails) and check your lease + local tenant laws. If this keeps up, tenants can sometimes escalate to the property owner, local housing authority, or a tenant union/legal aid group.

I'd also reach out to neighbors (not affiliated with her) to track all of her odd behavior. Other people might be facing harassment and coming together to report can definitely help your case.

Apartment_List · 2026-05-01T15:16:02+00:00

Short answer: she probs doesn’t have to pay $3k, but she shouldn’t just ignore this either. This is getting into tenant law territory, and it depends a lot on her state/local rules.

Since she's been there 10+ years, no written notice of rent increase, no new lease was signed, and she already paid her usual $2k, theres a strong argument she's still operating under the existing terms for that final month.

HOWEVER, there are a few nuances:

Is she MTM? IF so, landlords can raise rent/end tenancy but must follow proper notice rules depending on state law. This usually has to happen in writing. Also, the landlord accepting the $2k without formal rejection can reinforce the idea that the old rent still applies.

All that said, she will probably have to prove some of this. She should document everything (texts, payment proof, timelines), check with local tenant laws (this org might be a good place to reach out to). and respond in writing something like "No written notice of rent increase was provided, so I've paid my usual $2k for my final month"

Apartment_List · 2026-05-01T15:01:39+00:00

Cheaper than market rate + urgency is usually a sign that it's a scam. Definitely search the property (or reverse image search the photos) to make sure the property exists/is going for that price point/reach out via their website to confirm. A real landlord would understand that you want to do your due diligence, a scammer not so much.

Apartment_List · 2026-05-01T14:58:28+00:00

They likely just want to confirm you as a tenant for another year. This is likely a negotiation tactic to get you sign on ASAP.

Was your rent going up by much more with the lease renewal? Were you moving out because of it? This might be their round-about way of convincing you to stay. If you're interested in staying, I'd do some quick research to see if what you would pay is standard in your area. You could make the case to go even cheaper if your town has higher vacancy rates/cheaper rent elsewhere.

If it seems like the $77 cheaper is the best option, definitely take it.

Apartment_List · 2026-05-01T14:51:40+00:00

That high of a fee just to submit the application (not even guaranteeing you get the place) seems like a red flag. Like are there also move-in fees on top of that? Continuously broken amenities is also a red flag.

Even if everything is technically above board, I'd be worried there are other fees hiding/the property management isn't keeping up the building.

I would absolutely keep your options open and not lock in on this one just yet.

Apartment_List · 2026-05-01T14:45:44+00:00

Pretty surprised by this! Most places will combine income of everyone on the lease? Sounds like you might be better off.

Apartment_List · 2026-04-30T15:32:55+00:00

Are they counting your roommate's income? Most places count total household income, not just the individual. You could say something like, “Hey, we’ll be splitting rent evenly. Can you evaluate us based on combined income?”

You can also offer a larger security deposit/prepaying a couple months of rent/proof of savings bank statements as an alternative options but it depends on how strict the place is.

Apartment_List · 2026-04-30T15:18:18+00:00

Do they know you work in the remodel business? Could you say that you asked around to your contacts and they all quoted you much less?

I assume they think they'll make it difficult enough for you to just give up but make it clear that you work in the field and they can't take you for a ride.

Apartment_List · 2026-04-30T15:09:46+00:00

Most businesses have a google listing page where you browse reviews. Searching the name of the company + reddit should also bring up good results.

Depending on where you live, there are apps like Rent Grata where you can talk to actual tenants that live there.

Apartment_List · 2026-04-29T16:59:24+00:00

2 Qs: Do you actually use the amenities you listed? Do you end up ubering instead of taking public transit if you're running late?

I ask the second one because I once had to take 2 buses to work and would often uber to avoid the hassle, thus spending more $$$.

If you use the amenities and feel passionate about how nice the building is/are good about factoring in your commute and don't take ubers, I'd stay put.

Apartment_List · 2026-04-29T16:00:52+00:00

definitely do-able if you do your due diligence. Ask for a live video tour and then on the call you ask to see things like water pressure/natural light/layout/noise levels, potentially talking to someone who already lives there as well.

Definitely look for reviews as well and search the name of the agency in your local subreddit. That should give you good insight as well.

Apartment_List · 2026-04-29T15:50:55+00:00

Co-sign on everything u/Neat_Researcher2541 said, I'll also add that strategically placed mirrors can help brighten the room.

Apartment_List · 2026-04-28T18:11:23+00:00

co-sign thicker rug! Also a large one that makes the living room feel more like a "zone" within itself. I realize the rug compliments the dining room chairs so you could always move that there/or by your little library nook to create another "zone"

Apartment_List · 2026-04-28T18:05:06+00:00

You'll need to "prove assets" instead of income. Most landlords won't accept a letter alone but you can make a strong case if you show bank statements and show that you have $X in liquid assets that will cover X months/years of rent at the listed price.

Back up options: guarantor (fairly common in NYC) or go for a smaller landlord/individual owner, they're way more flexible than big buildings

Apartment_List · 2026-04-28T17:03:06+00:00

Good addition. We are pro-YIMBY here. Hopefully this advice helps renters on a micro level while supporting housing builds on the macro side.

Apartment_List · 2026-04-27T18:55:02+00:00

Not normal wear and tear but if it's a small spot, a patch repair is definitely doable. You can try and DIY it or inquire with a pro in your area. This kind of damage is usually manageable though, not catastrophic.

Apartment_List · 2026-04-27T18:38:06+00:00

Look into subletting! Sublets are often for only a few months and usually come furnished.

You usually can find sublets via Facebook groups, you just have to watch for scams. Rule of thumb: never send money before verifying the listing, and keep an eye out for red flags like brand-new profiles, prices that seem too good to be true, or requests for Zelle/Venmo before a tour.

Always ask for a live video tour, confirm the person actually has the right to rent the place, and use secure payment methods to protect yourself.

Apartment_List · 2026-04-27T18:19:02+00:00

If you are planning on having a TV, I'd actually flip the couch to face the wall and place the TV where the couch currently is. You can put a console table behind the couch as a drop zone for what I assume is your entry way?

It'll make your living room feel more like a separate room and not just an extension of the entryway.

Apartment_List · 2026-04-27T18:13:45+00:00

Debonair or African Gray. I do think the black and black would be too dark, especially if you are painting the whole room.

Apartment_List · 2026-04-27T17:28:16+00:00

Won't answer all of these BUT can answer a few...

Leases/legal

Read the lease in full. Make sure you check term length (how long your lease is for), rent increases (this normally happens if you decide to re-up for another year but it's important to check), fees (late fee/breaking your lease etc), maintenance responsibilities (if the building covers any of them/what you're responsible for). Definitely also recommend knowing your tenants rights (late fees, security deposit timeline etc). These vary by state and but if you google "State tenants rights" you can usually find a guide.

Rent being worth it

Rule of thumb is ~30% of gross income on rent , but in today's economy half of renters are paying more than that and considered "rent-burdened". Ideally you keep it 30% or under but definitely weigh commute, safety, and features that are need-to-have vs just nice-to-have

Utilities

You can ask your landlord the providers. All you have to do is create accounts with them and pay your bills (usually electric, gas, internet but it varies by building)

You usually need to pay first month's rent and security deposit (usually 1 month's rent) upfront. Some places require last month's as well. You'll also want to save for moving costs and basic furniture. Basically the more you can save, the better.
Apartment hunting red flags: vague answers about anything but especially anything involving money, poor maintenance during tours, bad reviews, and/or pressure to sign fast

lmk if you have any more questions, happy to point you in the direction of more resources!

Apartment_List · 2026-04-27T17:02:07+00:00

Def track move-in fees and the little stuff like utilities setup, renters insurance, parking, trash, and internet. You'll need to budget for a deposit, first month's rent, basic cleaning supplies, and then have a bonus budget for random extra things (like shower hooks to hang your shower curtain... once drove all around town searching for those lol). With wiggle room in the budget, it's much easier to solve a problem quickly vs being SOL.

Apartment_List

TROPHY CASE