Mike Akerly

Q. Yesterday I met with my broker to sign the lease on an apartment in the West Village. I gave her certified checks for the first month’s rent, security deposit, and the broker’s fee.  The landlord wasn’t there to counter-sign the leases but insisted I hand over the checks nonetheless. 

Q. I am applying to rent an apartment in the West Village, and the landlord has asked for the first month’s rent and two month’s security at the lease signing.  That’s on top of a 15% broker’s fee, which means I have to come to the table with quite a bit of cash before even moving into the apartment. 

Q. I contacted several "no fee" listings online, but when I met with the first broker, he insisted that I sign a document stating that if I don't take the no-fee apartment, but rent elsewhere in that building, I must still pay him a broker's fee. 

Q. I own a building in Manhattan, and I have a rental applicant that would like to sign the lease in the name of a corporation. Is this something I should consider letting them do?

Q. My wife and I are considering renting a fully-furnished apartment for the next year.  The landlord seems pretty concerned about the valuable antiques amongst the art and furniture, which concerns me that I could be held liable for any damage, alleged or perceived.  

Q. I've been subletting a two-bedroom co-op with a private patio on the first floor for two years.  The patio abuts my bedroom and is accessible through a large window as well as a locked gate that leads to the front of the building.  I decorated the patio and use it regularly, which my landlord is well aware of.