Creepy landlord vibe
Pros
Great neighborhood, close proximity to prospect park & good subway lines. Also zoned for popular elementary school PS 321
Cons
Landlord is very strange and creepy. Overtly stares at my breasts and thighs when we talk. Unresponsive to requests for repairs. Entered my unit using his own keys without the required notice or confirmation with me if that time works. When he did enter illegally, I was changing my clothes each time, home alone, and felt violated for the entire length of my tenancy. Landlord started wearing body cam when I complained about him entering without notice, which scared my children who hid from him when he filmed us. Regularly smokes cigars (smells strong is stairwell and apt unit) in his basement office unit & lights charcoal BBQs daily during nice weather in backyard that only he has access to, yet he told me he lives in the city when I rented. His BBQ-ing fills the apartments with thick, pungent smoke forcing all windows to remain closed. Says he lives in Manhattan but is always lurking around the building day and night. Withheld security deposit without explanation, itemized list or walk thru, as required by the NYC tenant protection laws. Additionally the unit has low end appliances (fridge spoils food and washer/dryer bangs loudly). The unit is outdated with an awkward, narrow layout for furniture in main living space. Limited outlets made modern conveniences difficult to plug in to. Please save yourself a horrible experience and run. This great location does not outweigh the creepy landlord vibe.
Advice to the owners
NYC tenant laws apply to you too