Mike Akerly

Q. I recently lost my job and need to take in a roommate. Besides picking someone I wouldn't mind sharing an apartment with, what other things should I be thinking about?

Q. I signed a six-month lease that stated that I would give at least thirty days notice if I left prior to the expiration date.  I gave forty-five days notice and my landlord found another tenant, but now my landlord won’t return my security deposit.  Can she do that?

Q. I recently rented an apartment in a Manhattan condo building.  Before I rented it, I spoke to the owner and some people in the building to make sure I can get a dog later this year.  After I moved in, I was told by the management company that owners can have dogs, but renters cannot.  Can they do that?

Q. I have some friends whose rent went up a ton last year. Some of them actually had to move out because they couldn't afford to stay.  I’m searching for a new apartment now.  Is there any way I can protect myself from that happening to me?

A. Yes.  When it comes to negotiating rent for the second year, you have a bit more leverage with the landlord if you do it before you ever move in, rather than when you face the expense of moving.

Q. When I moved into my apartment, the landlord’s disclosure form stated that there was no bed bug history on my floor.  After I moved in, I learned that the apartment next door had bed bugs earlier this year and I am freaking out!  What can I do?

A. Though the NYC Administrative Code requires landlords to disclose whether bed bugs have been detected in the apartment or in the building within the past year (and if in the building, on what floor), the law doesn't have much teeth. 

Q. I’m interested in renting an apartment that the current tenant has subleased and that has four months left on the lease.  I have agreed to move in and pay the last four month’s rent, after which time the tenant will contact the management company with our request to sign a lease.  Can any problems arise out of this?