Tenant King Blog

This is the official blog of tenantking.com. The private network and marketplace for your building and neighborhood.

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Announcement

Today we’re announcing that after many years of helping people discover their neighborhood and connect with their neighbors, we will be shutting down Tenant King on February 28, 2022. We’re going to delete all personal data by March 31, 2022. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

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Refresher Course

2015 was a big year for Tenant King.  Our communities became increasingly vibrant as both the number of users and the frequency with which they post spiraled higher.  We hope that you too got a lot out of TK this year, and that our hints, prods, and tips helped you maximize the site.  In order to continue that momentum into the New Year, we’re going to put you through a little Continuing Ed.

The first thing we’ll remind you of, is that Tenant King isn’t just for ‘stuff.’  It’s also a place you should go to for services, questions, conversations, and advice regarding your neighborhood.  Secondly, if TK is being used for stuff, specifically that which you are looking to unload, be descriptive: include photos (multiple preferably), measurements, color, and condition.  Third, if you’re contemplating buying something on Tenant King, don’t be afraid to make a bid lower than the asking price.  Who pays retail anyway?  

Fourth: think seasonal and sharing economy.  Tenant King should be your first thought when moving into a new home, moving out of one, doing a Spring or end-of-year cleaning in your apartment, or looking to rent it out, temporarily or long-term.  Finally, remember that the cost to you for doing all of the above on Tenant King is zero, and that the people on it are your verified neighbors.  

Having regurgitated all that, it is now time for you to step up to the dais to receive your diploma certifying you a PhD in Tenant King.  For that we’d like to thank you all very much for using the site in 2015, and send you our wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year.

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Service King

When people dream of winning the lottery, their first thoughts usually gravitate towards material possessions such as cars, boats, and vacation homes.  But increasingly in the 21st century, many of us look towards ways to free up more time, and therefore seek services that allow us to do so. Even if we don’t win the lottery.

These services might include baby-sitters, dog-walkers, maids, masseuses, and personal trainers, and for those really fortunate butlers and home chefs.  I’m pretty sure you won’t find the latter two, but for every other need you may have, there’s no better place to find the right person is Tenant King.  Why?  Because the local nature of the website means your maid/masseuse etc. is focused on your particular neighborhood.  Which means they find it worthwhile economically to do business there, and they are looking to attain/maintain a good reputation in that locale.

It also allows you and the service provider to cut out the middleman, whose fees may exceed 25% of the total.  You pay a little less, they receive a little more, definitely a good recipe for a successful transaction.  So the next time you’re looking for - or looking to provide, a service, make sure your first stop is Tenant King.  Because time is money.

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Make a bid

Don’t let an offering price turn you away from an item on Tenant King.  On the site, as in life, everything is negotiable.  

As brilliant as we’d like to think all of our users are, it’s not uncommon that we notice an item priced somewhere between ‘wishful thinking’ and ‘ain’t gonna happen.’  That’s just the way it is in the imperfect market for second hand sales.  Some sellers make too direct a link between what they paid for something, and what it’s worth now.  Others have an emotional or visceral attachment to a possession.  This is especially true for unusual items, say a hurling stick or a lavender afghan versus an iPhone 5.  

So instead of completely writing it off, may we suggest that you send a PM to the seller with a counter-offer?  We won’t proffer any bargaining or negotiating tactics here, just use your common sense, and please be civil about it.  Nevertheless, you might find that some sellers are willing to take a slightly lower price than they would from other venues, due to your being verified on Tenant King and someone local and probably less likely to flake.

Now that you know, go ahead and make that bid - the whole neighborhood is your bazaar.

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The Nanny State

Nothing is more stressful to a new mom than finding a nanny for her child when it’s time to let go.  As they sit awake at night pondering the implications of their choice, thoughts inevitably lead to ‘Will this decision forever change the life path of my little Fauntleroy?!?’

Probably not, but I’m a 20-something dude writing copy and living with three roommates in Bushwick.  What I do know, ...from my sis’, is that even if it’s not quite so momentous, finding a good nanny in NYC is still a difficult ordeal.  

That’s why I recommend you start your search on Tenant King.  First of all, you’ll be getting recommendations from your neighbors, all of whom are verified.  Therefore they are willing to put their reputation on the line to help their nanny find a new gig.  Because the last thing they’d want to do is run into a disappointed mother on the local playground.  If you think getting between a mama bear and her cubs is dangerous…

Of equal importance, your neighbors are more likely to incorporate your own ‘state of mind’ in the traits they are looking for in a nanny.  The fact is there are subtle but important differences between say, Park Slope and the Upper East Side.

Finally, location matters.  Since your nanny will most likely be working for you five days a week, her daily commute should be a major factor in your decision making.  You don’t want the unhappiness of a long haul reflected in your child’s caretaking.  Plus, promptness plays a critical role in handing off the baton.  The last thing you want to get as you’re scrambling out the door for a meeting, is a text from your nanny saying she’s running ‘10 mins late.’  Basic fact: the shorter the commute and the fewer the transit switches, the more likely your nanny will be ‘en punto’ on any given day.  

Oh, and one more thing.  Having a nanny that’s already worked in a given neighborhood, means she knows the in’s and out’s of it, many of which you as a harried mom may have yet to discover.  It also means she’s probably friendly with the other nannies in the area, making it easier for your child to meet and mix with other kids his or her age.

All great reasons to search locally via Tenant King.  And that my friends, is all the advice I can provide on this topic.  Which is a lot more than I can say about how to change a diaper.

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How To Write a Classified Post on Tenant King

In the last few months we’ve noticed the big uptick in postings here on Tenant King, and we’re very, very appreciative.  Now we’d like to help you increase the chances of finding a local buyer, by providing you with a few reminders as to what makes an ideal classified. One general thought to keep in mind, is that many people want to know everything without having to ask.

Use More Than One Picture:  Sounds obvious right?  Yet so many users still don’t do this.  First of all, like everything on Tenant King, they are free.  Secondly, in light of the “camera” in everyone’s pocket today, what excuse do you have not to?  It’s not like way back in the 20th century when you had to get the old Nikon out and then wait for film to be developed.  So click away - a picture’s worth a thousand words, even better make it three thousand.

Measurements Please:  Most of us don’t live in one of those pads with a private keyed-elevator entry.  Instead we’re wrestling with whether there’s enough room to sandwich a chair or a double-loveseat.  One thing a picture can’t tell you is the actual size, so get out the tape measure and save yourself and everyone else some time.

Include Color and Condition:  This is what I get for using the tired saying “A picture’s worth…,” now I get to eat all one thousand.  That’s because the truth is that sometimes a picture doesn’t reveal the true color of an item, and frequently can’t state the real condition.  Let buyers know using words.

Price It Right:  Sorry folks, that never-used crystal sugar bowl someone paid $300 for off your registry at Tiffany’s, is not going to find a new home at $250.  I hope you didn’t spend the cash already.  If you want it to move, you’ll need to offer it at a price where someone develops an urging for an item like this. C’mon, it’s not an iPhone 6.

Ok, we’ve outlined the basics, the creative side is up to you.  So conjure up your inner Shakespeare, Tolstoy, or E.L. James and let it flow.  Now sell baby sell!

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Short Stay Rentals? Keep It Local.

Whether buying or renting, NYC apartments are really expensive.  They are also highly desired by those looking for short to medium term visits, but not wishing to stay in a hotel.  This increasing phenomenon should come as no surprise to anyone.  Yet what’s the best way to maximize the currency that is your available and very valuable apartment?  

May I suggest Tenant King?  Why?  Well first of all, unlike other sites we don’t charge anything.  As in zero, ...or zero percent.  More importantly though, everyone looking at your post is verified and from the neighborhood. As opposed to Joe from Utown and his four frat brothers, or Dmitri from Dubovska and his revolutionary fervor and five-fingered discount.  People that live nearby tend to have a greater sense of proprietorship.

So whether you own in LIC and are looking to capture a big premium for your 4th of July balcony view overlooking the East River, or renting in Stuy Town and looking to save a few shekels for Aunt Minnie from Sheboygan on her first ever visit to the Big Apple, there’s only one place to go: Tenant King.  Who needs the other guys?

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Moving In, Moving Out. Think Tenant King

May is moving month - not in an official manner like Cinco De Mayo or National Defense Transportation Day, but certainly in a de facto one.  That is because it is when everyone from college decamps and moves into civilian housing.  Think bachelor and bachelorette pads, sometimes split amongst 2-4 others, and frequently requiring a walk up a flight or three to reach.  

Nevertheless, it’s time to say goodbye to lava lamps and mini-fridges, and hello to martini shakers and leather couches.  After seven hard years of toiling at university, you deserve to start moving upscale.  Unfortunately your new employer doesn’t fully recognize the value of your contribution yet.  So while you might not be ready to drop eight-grand on a brand new Maurice Villency, you can stretch and buy some associate investment banker’s lightly-used Crate & Barrel - lord knows, he’s never at home to sit on it.  And whether it’s a couch, table, bed, or armoire, do you know what the best part is?  It’s already assembled!  No need to read instructions written by an ESL writer halfway around the world, with stick-figure like diagrams that are inevitably missing a step.  Oh, and it’s probably close by and easy to pick up too.

So whether you are moving into the city, moving out of it, or moving within, the very first thing you should be thinking is listing or looking on Tenant King.  Everything - most of what you are selling or buying during a move is optimally suited to be listed locally.  Best of all, it costs nothing, as in free.  You can’t say that about your moving men.

Top Photo credit: Photo by Nick Keppol is licensed under CC BY 2.0

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Fitness for moms arrives in LIC

Jessica recently moved to Long Island City with her husband and she wanted to grow her personal trainer business. Once she found out about Tenant King, she started posting, and the success of her stroller fitness classes, called “Fit Mom LIC”, snowballed from there. Meet Jessica:

See more storytellers on our User Stories page.

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Balconies, Patios, & Terraces

Don’t let the short term cold spell fool you, Spring and Summer are right around the corner.  For those fortunate enough to have balconies, patios, and terraces, it’s time to start preparing.  Maybe you’re thinking ‘Hmm, it’s time to upgrade my tiki chairs and pink flamingo.  The winter took it’s toll on them and I am nearing thirty.’  Well guess what, there’s probably someone nearby thinking ‘Gee it is getting nice. I just want an outdoor chair to plunk my butt down on and drink a beer while I gaze over the rooftops.’

So if this is your current mindset, the next thing you should be asking is ‘Who wants to drive from the UWS to the LES to pick up a lounge chair?’  In fact, who wants to drive anywhere in the 5 boroughs for used furniture, anytime?

If you’ve read this far, the answer should be simple: Tenant King!  It’s so much easier, and less sleazier, to coordinate purchases and sales with people in your neighborhood.  The last thing you want to hear on a beautiful day is “Uhh, I’m stuck on the BQE and will probably be an hour late.”  

Oh and let’s not forget barbecues!  For many New Yorkers it’s their raison d’etre given the long hours we put in at the office.  Well do you know how much work it is to assemble an outdoor grill from Home Depot?  That comes on top of standing in the weekend checkout line, waiting in the parking lot, and/or trying to hail a cab.

Or, maybe you’ve graduated from burgers and dogs and are ready to display your inner Bobby Flay.  Well guess what, the answer for the both of you, whether a buyer or seller of bbq grills, is also ta-dah: Tenant King!  I’ll take mine with mustard and relish please.

Top Photo credit: ”Rooftop Rendevous, United States, New York, New York City, Noho" by Chris Ford is licensed under CC BY 2.0

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Amadeo’s Story

Tenant King User Stories

Amadeo has lived in Long Island City for about a year. Even though he enjoys the community, he thinks New York City has a bad habit: even if people live on right top of each other, no one actually knows one another. He thinks Tenant King can be a powerful tool to break down the barriers we build around each other and ourselves. He started a potluck for young parents, and its success far exceeded his expectations: Meet Amadeo

See more storytellers on our User Stories page.

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Janet’s story

Explore the most amazing, inspiring stories from our community. From week to week, we’re diving into stories from Tenant King superusers’ lives.

Janet spent most of her life in New York City, but took a short detour to the suburbs. She was not used to saying hello to her neighbors, and often kept her head down. After she moved back to Long Island City, she looked for the warmth and kindness of the people she found in the suburbs. Once she got on Tenant King, she found a great deal of trust, and was able to start a book club. As she says, half the battle is reaching out yourself: Meet Janet

See more storytellers on our User Stories page.

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Spring Cleaning? Think Tenant King

After a long winter, Spring is ready to explode here in NYC.  It’s a time when half the city takes up running, if only for a week or two, and residents are gleeful about eating outdoors in fifty degree weather at hastily arranged sidewalk cafe’s. In addition to getting into shape and then gorging al fresco, you know what else it’s time to do?  Clean and clear out your home.  

That’s right, while Manhattan real estate is making headlines about $50 million townhouses and $100 million duplexes in the sky, the reality is that the overwhelming majority of us are living in shoebox-sized apartments.  Nevertheless, at over $50 a square foot you may want to consider whether it’s worth storing your Flexible Flyer for another winter, or if your 4-year old is really going to fit into those snow pants ever again.  

In fact, it doesn’t even have to be weather related.  Maybe there’s a piece of furniture you mistakenly pulled the trigger on during a cold January night perusing the web, that now nags you every time you come home from work.  Or a Holiday gift from an ex that you forgot to return for cash, or a kitchen appliance that you used once and takes up half your counter space.  Just get rid of it already!

Where?  On Tenant King of course.  It’s quick, free and easy.  Plus you won’t have random strangers from all over inquiring about your listing.  So don’t delay, get it done and go for a run!

Top Photo credit: ”New York City" by m01229 is licensed under CC BY 2.0

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Saira’s Story

From week to week, we’re going to show you the most amazing, inspiring stories from the Tenant King community! 

Saira, born and raised in New York City, moved to Long Island City about a year and a half ago. She received an invitation to Tenant King and signed up. Her mother has successfully established herself as a trusted baby sitter in Long Island City thanks to Tenant King. Meet Saira:

We opened up a new section, called User Stories on the blog as well - that’s where we will list all the stories from our community. Stay tuned!

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The wait is over for LIC, everyone is invited

Tenant King is now available in all valid Hunters Point South and Court Square residential addresses. This is great news for the residents of smaller buildings and townhouses, as Tenant King was previously only available in a pre-select set of high-rise buildings. Locals who requested an invitation in the past and had been placed on a waiting list, are all receiving invitation letters in their mailboxes this week.

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How to go about finding the perfect home for you and your pet!

If you're an animal lover who dreams of living in a well-populated city like New York, then buying or renting a place that welcomes pets might be an issue. Since we at Tenant King also have a fondness for cute creatures, we've compiled some tips on how to find a pet-friendly apartment.

1. Assess yourself as a pet owner - If you're looking for an apartment, think of how the landlord and other tenants would see you as a pet owner. Have you lived in a shared space with pets before? If so, were there any cases where your pet disturbed the neighbors? Be ready to explain how you handled any past mishaps.

2. Use as many resources as possible - Besides online sources like PeopleWithPets.com and MyApartmentMap.com, you can contact real estate agents or people in your network who live in a pet-friendly building. Local ads or newspapers could be useful as well. Also, try to give yourself at least one to two months to search for the right place.

3. Check if the building you're eyeing has a no-pets policy - If it does, ask the landlord or resident manager about why this rule was made. Did they have a negative experience with pets before? While you might not be able to change their minds, you can at least get ideas on how to effectively go about your case when you look at other buildings.

Check out our favorite LIC dog in the meantime, Frank:

A photo posted by Franklin Snow (@franklinsnowlic) on May 30, 2014 at 3:13pm PDT

4. Show that you're a responsible pet owner and neighbor -  A reference letter from a previous landlord would help convince others that your pet is well-behaved. If your pet has had any training, you could also show the certificates of completion. Health records, such as vaccination papers, are relevant here too.

5. Be open about yourself and your pet - Ask if the landlord would like to meet your pet. Set plans to bring your pet to the prospective building, or invite the landlord to see you at home or in a public space. Moreover, let others know that your pet is house trained and that you always clean up after any messes.

6. Have a signed agreement - This would serve to protect you, the landlord, the community, and of course, your pet. If needed, be willing to pay an extra security deposit to cover any damages your pet might make to the building. Carefully review the pet-related standards you need to follow, and keep a copy of these in your new home for future reference.

Happy apartment-hunting to you and your pet!

Top Photo credit: ”How Much is that Doggie in the Window?" by Tony Fischer is licensed under CC BY 2.0

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Buzz Buzz Buzz! Coffee Shops on the rise!

For most New Yorkers, coffee is a necessity of our daily lives. We don’t want just any ol’ cup of jo, either. Over the past fifteen-plus years Starbucks has dominated the national “Specialty Coffee” scene with its free bathrooms, living wage for its employees, and generally socially-conscious modus operandi. Recently, smaller franchises have been popping up to ebb into the market sharing if not improving upon the giant’s ideals. New York City is the proving ground for many of them as they roast and roust. But who are they and what makes them different?

1. The Bean - In the LES, this longstanding local haven for java recently relocated to Second Avenue (though you may have started seeing more of them around!). Decorated by local “Mosaic Man” Jim Power, it touts itself as a reflection of the vibrant arts community still alive and well from Astor Place to Alphabet City. They roast their own coffee is one of the oldest coffee roasting plants in Brooklyn and the flavor is robust and never bitter - just like their baristas! 

2. Think! Coffee on Mercer is a sprawling, multi-leveled cavern of caffeine. In the front, you can sit by the windows and watch NYU students trail in and out. In the back you can sink into one of many couches and plush chairs and a good book. Think! Coffee gets its beans from “Farms or Farmers we know” and pride themselves on the impact they have on the communities that grow their beans. You can taste the love in their brews. 

3. Little Skips in the now famous neighborhood of Bushwick, Brooklyn is so popular their owners opened up a Little Outpost just a block away. They serve the delicious Counter Culture coffee, and every cup is brewed with care and precision. They have a revolving exhibition featuring the best local artists and an atmosphere reminiscent of your own living room. (p.s. the sandwiches are amazing too!) 

4. Blue Bottle, originated in San Francisco, is an experience in itself. Often criticized for being rude and pretentious, they are quick to caution customers that their recipes should not be customized. It’s true, their flavors and specific preparations are entirely their own, and their chicory-enhanced iced brew, though initially confounding, will have you asking less questions next time you stop by.

5. Cafe Grumpy, founded in Greenpoint, Brooklyn in 2005, has quickly asserted itself as a major player in the specialty coffee market. With six locations throughout NYC, they’re closer than you probably imagine. Their direct-roasted brews are strong and their baristas are passionate. Visit their Chelsea location to enjoy coffee brewed by the cup. 

6. Gimme Coffee was founded in Ithaca in 2000 and has since expanded to two Brooklyn locations and a LES location on Mott Street. Don’t be dissuaded by their “worn” veneer, their coffee is top class. As much environmental activists as coffee devotees, they feature blends like the “Fracktivist” blend which donated over $30K to stopping fracking in upstate NY. In 2013, they won Roast Magazine’s roaster of the year award for their commitment to “quality, innovation, and sustainable business practices.” Join the coffee revolution! 

7. Portland, Oregon’s Stumptown Coffee, adjacent to the lobby of the ultra-chic Ace Hotel on w. 29th, makes a mean cappuccino. Stumptown is lauded by many as the apex of specialty beans. With so much competition in the Big Apple, it’s a tough call, but it’s pretty fun to lounge in the Hotel Lobby sipping one of their strong cups of Joe. And with “roastery facilities in four cities, several cafes, and fantastic wholesale partnerships around the country” you can be assured that quality is taken seriously./p>

8. Intelligentsia, though it may sound like a covert government snoop, has been refining their roasts, blends, and cups since 1995. It started in Chicago and now slangs jitter juice in NYC and LA as well. They contend that they go beyond just sourcing from friendly farmers but actually working so close that that “develop” the beans alongside the growers. The view from the highline, just above their first NYC location surely matches their vision.

9. Should you find yourself jaunting around Tribeca in need of a cuppa, Kaffe 1668 boasts single origin, direct trade, and Redhook-roasted beans. Their southernmost location even has a flock of stuffed sheep to count to test and see if the coffee is doing its job. They also provide homemade, cold-pressed, organic, raw, unpasteurized juice” in case you need an alternate pick-me-up. Kaffe 1668 is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. 

10. Joe Coffee, with ten locations peppered throughout Manhattan, is an oasis of liquid vigor.

Other notable cafes: Irving Farm Coffee Roasters, Sweetleaf LIC, Darling Coffee, Variety Coffee, and Daily Press.

What’s your favorite brew? How do you take it? Did your favorite Cafe not make the list? Spread the buzz in our comments section!

Photo credit: ”still full" by protographer23 is licensed under CC BY 2.0