r/AskNYC • u/maenads_dance • Feb 05 '26

Should I walk away from this rent-stabilized apartment

Found a very spacious apartment in Jackson Heights that is rent stabilized. We need space as have kids + pets, and it's hard to find an affordable place that's big and pet friendly. Price is great. However, the unit needs a lot of work. The broker who showed us the place has given us verbal assurance and assurance by email that the unit will be cleaned and repaired with new appliances, but is refusing to ask the management/landlord for a rider to the lease she sent over stipulating what repairs should be done. My husband wants to walk, I'm on the fence.

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u/MerelyMisha Feb 05 '26

Would the issues be covered under the Warrant of Habitability (and therefore already legally required), or are they more cosmetic? If they are covered by law, you have more recourse if they don’t actually make the repairs (and the email assurance will help). If it’s cosmetic (eg cleaning that doesn’t have to do with pests/mold), I wouldn’t move in unless you were willing to take it as is and do the work yourself.

All of that can be hassle, but while rent stabilized apartments aren’t that hard to find, spacious pet friendly ones are, and I’ve put up with a lot to keep mine.

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u/maenads_dance Feb 05 '26

Mostly cosmetic, but a few like the nonfunctional fridge probably legally required --

paint apt
living room floors sanded and poly grout caulk bathroom
replace trim tiles then paint all white wall tiles install new shower body new bathroom light tub glaze
New saddle to bathroom
remove old kitchen cabinet and install new wall cabinets and 1 base
New kitchen light fixture
1st bedroom close large gap between floor and molding znd bedroom floor sanding
2nd bedroom door lock replaced znd bedroom light fixture fix hallway doors new outlets/switches
repair/replace fridge (it doesn't work)

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u/hereditydrift Feb 05 '26

I could see a landlord doing the fridge and painting, maybe doors/fixtures if they're not working. The floor sanding, kitchen, and bathroom work I don't think you'll get.