New York City Real Estate Law Blog

Issues between landlords and tenants often go far further than they need to when the two do not communicate well. A landlord who doesn't respond quickly may anger a tenant who thinks that it means the landlord doesn't respect their wishes. A tenant who communicates in an aggressive way may offend a landlord who feels personally attacked for every little thing that happens in the home or apartment.

So, how can both sides keep things from escalating? Good communication is vital in this relationship -- as in many others, from business relationships to marriages -- and it can help them avoid a lot of issues. Here are some important tips:

• Remember that everyone deserves to be treated well.
• Always be honest.
• Attempt to be as transparent as possible.
• Talk to one another in a respectful manner.
• Try not to take things personally.
• Remember that the other person is just that: a person. We're all people. We have lives, wishes, hopes, dreams, shortcomings, schedules, needs and much more. When people realize how similar they are, it helps them get along.

In general, New York has one of the most expensive real estate markets on the East Coast, as well as one of the most competitive in the country. Potential buyers and homeowners often struggle to find a property that fits their needs that they can successfully make an offer on. However, some properties just won't sell.

The issue with the property not selling usually stems from a discrepancy between the price the seller wants to charge and the perceived value of the property. Some sellers simply have unrealistic expectations for financial gains on a real estate transaction, while others may only want desperately to get out from under the burden of an upside-down mortgage.

Having a good relationship with those who live close to you can add quality to your life and give you a sense of community. Even if you are not on particularly good terms with your neighbors, you likely do what you can to keep things civil. However, if you are finding that your neighbor's behavior is no longer tolerable, you may be curious as to how the law could help you.

The options you have regarding resolving an existing dispute with a neighbor will largely depend on the nature of that dispute. The following are some tips on how to handle some of the most common neighbor disputes.

Whether you are a landlord drafting a lease for a new property or a tenant considering the lease before signing -- it's very important to read through it carefully -- you need to know what should be in that document. It's a legal contract that helps define your rights and roles moving forward. It's more than just the price of the home or apartment.

So, what should be in the lease? A few key things include:

• How much the monthly payments will be
• If there are discounted options, such as a one-time yearly payment
• The amount of the deposit
• The exact dates and times that the agreement covers
• The physical address that the property occupies
• What unit the person is renting out, if applicable
• The landlord's name and the basic contact details
• The date on which the two entered into the agreement by signing the lease
• Any options to renew the lease and how they work
• Rent increase policies
• Payment options
• What appliances and furnishings the unit comes with
• What the policy is for keeping the deposit
• A checklist for previous damage to the apartment
• What happens if the tenant misses a payment
• If the tenant gets a grace period or not
• Whether or not the utilities are included and, if so, which ones are
• What the policy is for evicting a tenant
• If the tenant is allowed to sublet the space