by R’ Gedaliah and Sarah Newcomb
T
Things To Consider When Choosing A Rental
here are many things to consider when comparing the pros and cons of each particular rental situation. Whether you are in the market for an apartment rental, a private home rental, or an office space or commercial rental, you can take all facts in to consideration rather simply on a basic “pluses and minuses” list. In an apartment rental, for example, some units come with utility fees included in the rent and some do not. Some may come with only specific utility costs included, for example, electric usage is paid for separately by the tenant, but gas (usually cooking gas) and heat are covered. Some may be in private home or multifamily homes, others may be in apartment buildings or co-op complexes. In co-ops or buildings, consider that leases may only be given for a year or two at a time and there may be limits placed on renewals. These also may require a prospective tenant undergoing a “board approval process.” In smaller, private homes or small
multi-family type homes, there may be expectations with regards to garbage removal, snow removal, and general care of the property including possibly landscaping/gardening. The landlord may or may not reside in the building/house. In the case of an absentee landlord, be sure that a responsible property manager or caretaker type of person is available. Some may have parking access or private parking included. Others may charge for parking options. And yet others may not have any parking facilities at all. Some people do not drive. Some only drive sparingly. For those who return home by car late at night, parking would be more of a concern. Same for those with more than one car. Some apartment may have laundry units in place or they may have hookups permitting tenants to secure their own laundry units. Some landlords do not allow laundry in their units. Private
The Queens Jewish Link family would like to wish a huge
Mazel Tov to Yehuda and Chani Roberts on the birth of a baby boy! May he grow up to be as great as his uncle. 38
Real Estate
home rentals usually have laundry units on the premises. Laundry concerns vary from person to person. Families with small children may need to do laundry more often than those who make use of dry cleaning services regularly and thus will appreciate a rental with laundry available. We strongly advise all prospective tenants and landlords to meet each other in person. Experience has shown us that there is less opportunity for confusion or misunderstandings when a realtor arranges a meeting with all parties present. Furthermore, at this important meeting, we advise parties to put everything agreed on into a written form. Better to be safe than sorry. Price and condition of the apartment of course varies from case to case, as does the all-important “location-location-location.” Favorable terms to all parties can be negotiated at the in-person meeting and a written lease prepared. Written leases protect all parties and reduce confusion at a later date. Mezuzos sometimes come with dwellings and sometimes do not. If mezuzos are already in place and a new tenant prefers to use them, they should have them checked by a reliable sofer to assure current kashrus. Some tenants have their own or prefer their own for sentimental or other reasons. As with any discussion between landlords and tenants, or anybody in general of course, mentchlikite is of utmost important. When people feel respected, anything can be accomplished. A new situation occurring in our areas now, mostly due to Hurricane San-
dy and many people being displaced (hopefully temporarily), is that of the “shortterm” rental. Short-term typically means a rental situation for a shorter period of time than the standard one-year lease. It may mean month-to-month or a specific amount of time. We encourage landlords and fellow NY State licensed realtors to assist those displaced persons with their housing needs and to strongly consider a short-term renter although it may be less favorable to landlords. It is yet another form of chessed and chessed is in our blood. We cannot help but mention the tremendous amount of chessed that has and is going on in our community of Kew Gardens Hills (and other areas) in response to the devastation of Hurricane Sandy on our fellow Queens Jews from Far Rockaway, Bayswater and other areas hit hard by the storm. It is so beautiful to see people come together from all backgrounds to assist each other in time of need. It would take many pages to list all the various forms of chessed that are being done, from the financial assistance, to the hands-on clean up efforts, to the organizing and providing of basic and beyond basic needs to those who are forced out of their homes, neighborhoods, cars, etc.. The list is truly endless. Last Shabbos our wonderful community of Kew Gardens Hills was jam-packed. The storeowners noticed, the shuls were packed and spilled out into the streets, and we opened up our homes (and some of us have “small” homes) to those who needed places to stay, eat, bathe, and just needed warmth from heat and warmth from the heart. Many of those families are still here and will be here for a while, as some of the affected neighborhoods still do not have their power restored, amongst other things. We are proud to be part of such a strong, giving, growing and caring community. May Hashem bless Klal Yisroel for all the chessed performed and may he restore normalcy soon to those still suffering. As a united community/Klal we should merit to see the coming of Moshiach without delay!
Rabbi Gedaliah and Sarah Newcomb have been NY State Licensed Realtors for over 12 years. While specializing in Kew Gardens Hills, where they are long-time community members, they serve all areas in the five boroughs and Long Island. They hold several specialty certifications and are members of the Long Island Board of Realtors and the Multiple Listing Service of Queens and Long Island. Rabbi Newcomb is a beloved Rebbe at Yeshiva Tiferes Moshe. Sarah has won multiple awards from RE/MAX NY and RE/MAX International. They make their home in Kew Gardens Hills along with their three children, Yosef, Bracha and Chevy. They can be reached at sarahnewcomb@topproducer.com and Queensrealtorteam.com
917.549.6145 • QueensJewishLink@gmail.com
November 15, 2012