Mike Akerly

Q. I have a one-bedroom apartment in a rental building and want to upgrade to a two-bedroom. I noticed that one just hit the market so I inquired with my landlord about renting it. 

However, my landlord wants me to pay to submit a new application and pay a $1,000 early termination fee to break my lease.

Is that fair? 

Q. I am negotiating to rent an apartment in Manhattan and have offered to sign a two year lease.  Should the landlord give me a discount on the rent due to my willingness to rent the apartment for an extended period?

A. No.  New York City landlords tend to presume that the rental value of their apartments will increase every year.  Historically, this has largely proven to be true.  Because of this, discounts are not offered for two year leases.