Hey Everyone,
I found a sweet and very tiny apartment on UWS (82nd and Amsterdam) for $1250 plus a $1250 broker fee but just found a 1 Bedroom on the UES for $1200 and no fee so my question is since I haven't paid the broker fee and the lease doesn't start until April 1, can I still get out? I signed the lease last week but don't have the keys or anything yet. What are your thoughts? Thanks

Because the apt is priced so low the landlord could rent it out easily but you'll need to speak with him/her quickly. good luck

aboutready is best to answer this one. I do think that since it hasn't started yet you may not be obligated but you may lose your deposit ( if you gave one) so where is the savings?

Just turn around, walk away and save $50

cheapskate: How did you find these well-priced apartments? I am currently looking. Thanks.

thank you all for your responses. i know 1250 isn't a lot of cash for a new york studio, but i just want to make sure I am getting the most bang for my buck so the cheaper, bigger place just looks attractive because I'd be saving $1250 in broker fees and living somewhere bigger. I have given $300 already for the credit check and checks for the deposit/first month but I think I will just move forward with the place I've got so I don't incur any credit marks/trouble. I don't know about cancelling certified checks anyway so I'll stick it out. It's in a fabulous area, it's just 250 sq ft., but Oh well :) I found the place on Craigslist by combing daily and going to places immediately after posted. I negotiated the broker's fee down because i am not prepared to pay 15% annual fee and never will. Found a really nice broker too.

Spunky, how's citi doing for you? Maybe you utilized that superb investment acumen to invest in Bear as well??

By the by, maybe you should read that previous series again. All along I stated that a landlord most likely was rightly entitled to at least two months rent.

Cheapskate, I understand your angst. But hopefully you signed a one-year lease. Suck it up, as ethically you should, and next year I'd bet things will ease up a bit if you're prepared to move. I admire your efforts, I haven't tried to find a "cheap" apartment in Manhattan since the mid-80s. Good luck.

aboutready are you saying that once you sign a lease but haven't moved in yet you are legally obligated?

Moving in has nothing to do with your obligations under the lease. Read the lease - it is a contract with details on the performance for both you and your landlord. You are also in the $ range where you could easily be sued in Small Claims Court.

Spunky, I didn't say anything in this situation one way or the other. Are you too oblivious to realize that, or are you trying to bait me? How's Citi?

$300 for a credit check???

I'd run as soon as I heard that one!

Good thing you are only giving a $1200 security deposit, because I bet you don't see a penny of it when you move out.

You can run your own credit on all 3 bureaus and get credit scores, and bring that with you. Costs about $30, maybe $40, max $50.