Rockland and Nyack Apartment Guide

About this site.  How to use it.

How to Find Your Perfect Apartment

General apartment hunting tips.  Be sure to use Nyack and Rockland keywords often though.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Local realty experts answers your questions about Rockland, Nyack areas and of apartment renting in general.  If you’d like to submit a question, please contact us.

What about pets?

Very difficult. Many landlords will not take dogs under any circumstances. Those who do will often require extra Security and/or extra monthly pet rent, as well as special lease provisions that give them the right to terminate your tenancy if Fido becomes a problem. On the other hand, most landlords will consider other pets, such as cats or birds, provided that they are properly taken care of and that they do not become a nuisance to other tenants. At Smith Properties, we have longstanding Landlord relationships that sometimes make it possible for us to accommodate your pets when others are unable to do so.

How much money do I need up front?

Typically, you’ll write a check for the first month’s rent when you find a rental you like and fill-out the application. This check evidences the fact that you are a serious applicant. (And it will be returned to you if you do not take the apartment.) When you sign the lease, you’ll give the landlord an additional check for the Security Deposit. This can vary from one month’s rent to two, depending on the landlord. These monies will be returned to you at the end of your lease so long as you’ve left the premises in good condition with only normal wear and tear.

What are brokerage commissions?

In this part of the country, you (the renter) are almost always responsible for paying a commission to the broker who helps you find a rental.  Demand for living spaces is so strong that landlords seldom, if ever, pay brokerage fees. The amount of these commissions may vary by broker. At Smith Properties, you will pay a commission equivalent to one month’s rent on the day you sign the lease. You can pay by cash, check, Visa or MasterCard. In many cases, if you’ve been transferred to this area by your company, or are a new hire moving here from out of state, your employer will reimburse you for this commission or pay it directly to the broker.

Can I avoid the broker’s fee by renting directly from the landlord?

Some landlords choose not to use brokers, or have rental units that brokers are reluctant to rent for them. Instead, they advertise directly for tenants in the local Pennysaver or daily newspaper. In general, applicants who’ve gone this route tell us that it’s a time-consuming process, and that the rentals they see are often not of a quality comparable to those represented by brokers

Are all Rental Agencies similar?

No!  Any rental you see through Smith Properties will be in good to excellent condition or better. We represent only those Landlords who maintain their properties and provide timely repairs and service.

Since 1992, when Smith Properties began renting homes and apartments in the rivertowns, we have worked hard to be known as The Rental Professionals. We have worked on behalf of thousands of Tenants and for many of the better Landlords. Today, we pride ourselves on being experts in every aspect of the rental process, and on being able to deliver the highest possible level of service to both clients and customers.

Posted on August 10th, 2008 by admin