Manhattan NYC Corporate Apartment Stay
Jun 22nd, 2010, 09:17 PM
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Manhattan NYC Corporate Apartment Stay
This will not really be a detailed trip report, but I just wanted to share my great experience recently in Manhattan. My California sisters and I wanted to find a place to accommodate us and our daughters (8 of us) for a four-night trip to New York.
By searching online I had found a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom "penthouse" apartment that had room for all of us. Until we actually pulled up to the apartment building I was concerned that it was too good to be true, and that we would be searching at the last minute for somewhere to stay. I had communicated with the company several times and had scoured their website for clues to a possible scam, but decided to go with my gut feeling and book it.
We were fortunate because the place was amazing! It was indeed a corner penthouse in a beautiful building on the top (44th) floor. It had windows all around and a terrace where you could admire the fabulous views of the whole city! The building was on 43rd between 10th and 11th Aves...in what turned out to be a great location. (9th Ave is full of restaurants and night spots) For the eight of us, it was $450 a night...no more than two cramped hotel rooms would have been!
I won't give the actual address or even the company name or website here, as I don't want to appear to advertise. On the company's website there is mention of their corporate apartments that are usually for clients but are available for rental when not in use. If this is not legal, I dont want to cause them any problems because they were nothing but professional to deal with, and, as I said, the apartment was amazing.
If you would like more information, feel free to email me.
I've seen so many warnings about the rental of apartments in NYC that I am happy to spread a bit of sunshine. : )
[email protected]
By searching online I had found a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom "penthouse" apartment that had room for all of us. Until we actually pulled up to the apartment building I was concerned that it was too good to be true, and that we would be searching at the last minute for somewhere to stay. I had communicated with the company several times and had scoured their website for clues to a possible scam, but decided to go with my gut feeling and book it.
We were fortunate because the place was amazing! It was indeed a corner penthouse in a beautiful building on the top (44th) floor. It had windows all around and a terrace where you could admire the fabulous views of the whole city! The building was on 43rd between 10th and 11th Aves...in what turned out to be a great location. (9th Ave is full of restaurants and night spots) For the eight of us, it was $450 a night...no more than two cramped hotel rooms would have been!
I won't give the actual address or even the company name or website here, as I don't want to appear to advertise. On the company's website there is mention of their corporate apartments that are usually for clients but are available for rental when not in use. If this is not legal, I dont want to cause them any problems because they were nothing but professional to deal with, and, as I said, the apartment was amazing.
If you would like more information, feel free to email me.
I've seen so many warnings about the rental of apartments in NYC that I am happy to spread a bit of sunshine. : )
[email protected]
Jun 23rd, 2010, 03:17 AM
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ekscrunchy, there are a number of posters here who INSIST that all short term rentals in NYC are illegal and should be stopped.
I certainly can't blame the poster for not putting the name of the agency or building in her post to encourage those who are so bitter to call up and complain to authorities or to the agency itself.
If anyone is interested in renting it, the poster has included her email for more details, but admittedly that still doesn't prevent the "troublemakers" from getting the information just to try to prevent its rental.
Thanks for your report, arindasue. It is true that there are SOME rentals in NYC that are neither scams nor ripoffs, despite some claims that they simply do not exist at all.
I certainly can't blame the poster for not putting the name of the agency or building in her post to encourage those who are so bitter to call up and complain to authorities or to the agency itself.
If anyone is interested in renting it, the poster has included her email for more details, but admittedly that still doesn't prevent the "troublemakers" from getting the information just to try to prevent its rental.
Thanks for your report, arindasue. It is true that there are SOME rentals in NYC that are neither scams nor ripoffs, despite some claims that they simply do not exist at all.
Jun 23rd, 2010, 06:10 AM
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Oh, I understand now. I thought it would be good to have on hand because I often get asked about places to rent and, living here and therefore not up on the hotel/rental scene, I never have any good suggestions to offer. When I had to rent for a night a few months ago I ended up at a Courtyard Marriot near my apartment, paying a ridiculously crazy price!
I know that you (Neo) have had good results renting on several occasions. I have read your reports and a few months ago I passed "your" building on the way to a play. I was very impressed with the look of the place and with the courtesy of the doorman on duty that night.
(I am also following along on your Asia planning threads!)
I know that you (Neo) have had good results renting on several occasions. I have read your reports and a few months ago I passed "your" building on the way to a play. I was very impressed with the look of the place and with the courtesy of the doorman on duty that night.
(I am also following along on your Asia planning threads!)
Jun 23rd, 2010, 07:13 AM
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ekscrunchy and neo...It was such a great find that it is really hard not to post more information.
Neo, maybe we are talking about the same building! : ) Our doorman was friendly and it is within a few blocks of all the theaters!
I think I will contact the company directly and ask if they are OK with it. If so, I will add the contact information here later.
Again, I am happy to give it to anyone through my email posted above.
I heart NY!
Neo, maybe we are talking about the same building! : ) Our doorman was friendly and it is within a few blocks of all the theaters!
I think I will contact the company directly and ask if they are OK with it. If so, I will add the contact information here later.
Again, I am happy to give it to anyone through my email posted above.
I heart NY!
Jun 23rd, 2010, 09:53 AM
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Perhaps the fact that in another thread arindsue says "We were asked to not discuss with residents that we were renters, though, so it may not be fully "legal." explains why the co. will ask she not post on Fodors. There is no such thing as "fully legal" vs. not fully legal. I'd wager short term rentals in the building are not permitted. End of story.
Jun 23rd, 2010, 11:37 AM
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Actually, as I remember, it was put that the tenants were concerned about security in the building, which I can understand.
We did not have to sneak by any of the staff in the building, and in fact they were very helpful, so upon reflection it didnt seem to be a case of not being legal.
This issue is certainly one of ongoing interest!
We did not have to sneak by any of the staff in the building, and in fact they were very helpful, so upon reflection it didnt seem to be a case of not being legal.
This issue is certainly one of ongoing interest!
Jun 23rd, 2010, 11:37 AM
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Breaking a building's by-<red>laws</red> is, in my book, NOT LEGAL. If other tenants/owners in the building start complaining, unsuspecting vacation renters could wind up homeless with no recourse.
Jun 23rd, 2010, 11:45 AM
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"it was put that the tenants were concerned about security in the building, which I can understand"
I would think that if the concern was security, then you should have been instructed to say "we're renters" from any tenats who might ask. That makes a little more sence to me.
I would think that if the concern was security, then you should have been instructed to say "we're renters" from any tenats who might ask. That makes a little more sence to me.
Jun 23rd, 2010, 12:24 PM
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Where might one get information on NYC's residential building by-laws? I tried calling the city's housing dept before we went, but the person I talked to seemed uninformed and couldn't direct me to anyone else. If the bylaws were available to the public, it would be easy to check on a particular property.
If I hadn't needed accommodations for eight of us who wanted to be together, I'm sure I would have used a more conventional rental.
I can only say, in my case, "All's well, that ends well!"
If I hadn't needed accommodations for eight of us who wanted to be together, I'm sure I would have used a more conventional rental.
I can only say, in my case, "All's well, that ends well!"
Jun 23rd, 2010, 12:25 PM
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I think this is the site they use at TA
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/html/bis/bis.shtml
I don't know how to read the codes, etc.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/html/bis/bis.shtml
I don't know how to read the codes, etc.
Jun 23rd, 2010, 01:04 PM
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As I mentioned once before, in the one huge condominium where I have rented a number of times, I even went to an open house of a unit for sale. The realtor told me that many people bought the units originally with the understanding that they could also rent out short term, and they were selling this one too with that in mine. The bylaws say that "renters" must be approved by the board with a personal interview 30 days prior to their arrival. Needless to say, this is not going to happen with any executive or short term rental. Who is going to fly in a month before for an interview? So most owners who rent out their units tell the renter to say they are a friend (exempt from the approval notice). Is that a lie? Well if someone gave me $1000 for my apartment for a week, I guess I'd call them MY friend. So why do they keep that rule in place and then look the other way, since the entire board, staff, and owners know there are many short term rentals? Because if there IS a problem, they have that rule and they can come back and prevent someone from renting their unit out again. Illegal? Well, that's a kind of strong word for a standard policy within a building of "looking the other way" or bending the rules. Is a renter who is not making a problem likely to be kicked out in the street? No, not a snowball's chance in hell.
If a condo has a rule that all window coverings must be white from the outside (as many condos do), and someone puts up a beige shade and it doesn't bother anyone so nothing is done -- does that mean the offending person has done something illegal? Or is the rule only in place in case someone did something that REALLY caused a problem? My guess is, it's the latter.
If a condo has a rule that all window coverings must be white from the outside (as many condos do), and someone puts up a beige shade and it doesn't bother anyone so nothing is done -- does that mean the offending person has done something illegal? Or is the rule only in place in case someone did something that REALLY caused a problem? My guess is, it's the latter.
Jun 23rd, 2010, 01:11 PM
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You know, I spent quite a bit of time perusing that website before renting the apt. I'm afraid I could not find any helpful information even though I'm sure it was all there! Perhaps if I knew what I was looking for....
Jun 23rd, 2010, 01:26 PM
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Thank you, Neo. I think that explains my situation exactly.
The owners followed through on their end in providing a lovely place to stay for the rental fee. We caused no problems and left the apartment clean and tidy. I think "No harm, no foul" applies here.
The owners followed through on their end in providing a lovely place to stay for the rental fee. We caused no problems and left the apartment clean and tidy. I think "No harm, no foul" applies here.
Jun 23rd, 2010, 02:19 PM
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"Where might one get information on NYC's residential building by-laws?"
By-laws would be unique to each building's association or board. They are a contract between owners and association/board. Most cities require licensing (which involves inspections for health and safety - fire codes in particular) if a unit in a condo building is going to be a transient rental. Renting by the day = transient rental.
By-laws would be unique to each building's association or board. They are a contract between owners and association/board. Most cities require licensing (which involves inspections for health and safety - fire codes in particular) if a unit in a condo building is going to be a transient rental. Renting by the day = transient rental.
Jun 23rd, 2010, 06:26 PM
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321go, you are right of course, but I always have to laugh at that "transient rental" rule about more strict fire codes, etc. I guess the thinking is that it's just fine if long stay people get burned up in a fire, but not OK if overnight guests do. LOL
Jun 23rd, 2010, 06:42 PM
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Breaking the bulding's by-laws is not illegal in terms of being criminal, however, it is a breach of the conditions of ownership - by the owner (not the tenant). It is also very probably a breach of the NYC fire codes and buildings occupancy regulations (again - the owner, not the tenant - can be fined for this).
The risk is that the owner will be found out, not comply with requests to stop and have their lease/ownership terminated. (In my building several years ago we had an absentee, noncompliant tenant - but for unapproved longer-term sublets. Eventually we took legal action against her - which would have ended in her tenancy being revoked and her mortgage being called in. She eventually gave up subletting and sold the apartment to avoid losing her investment - but this was after 6 years of her tormenting us with people moving in and out with not even a notice to the board - never mind a proper review. (some of the tenants were OK, others were not - the reason this isn't allowed).
If the rental is truly legal (as in someone's private home, rental by landlord, corporate renter or similar) - no one will ask you to pretend you're someone else or to contravene city safety or fire laws.
The risk is that the owner will be found out, not comply with requests to stop and have their lease/ownership terminated. (In my building several years ago we had an absentee, noncompliant tenant - but for unapproved longer-term sublets. Eventually we took legal action against her - which would have ended in her tenancy being revoked and her mortgage being called in. She eventually gave up subletting and sold the apartment to avoid losing her investment - but this was after 6 years of her tormenting us with people moving in and out with not even a notice to the board - never mind a proper review. (some of the tenants were OK, others were not - the reason this isn't allowed).
If the rental is truly legal (as in someone's private home, rental by landlord, corporate renter or similar) - no one will ask you to pretend you're someone else or to contravene city safety or fire laws.
Jun 23rd, 2010, 07:01 PM
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I'm curious, nytraveler, how all those tenants that person rented to "tormented you" or was it simply the idea that she wasn't abiding by the bylaws? Did she somehow only attract real troublemakers? I know some condo owners would be upset just knowing that someone was renting an apartment in their valuable investment, even if they never saw or heard that tenant.
I mean honestly, what is "tormenting" about someone arriving with a couple of suitcases one week and leaving the next? But I do realize some people would be "tormented" by having such despicable behavior happen in their building.
Sure if tenants moved in and played loud music, partied, and disrupted everything that would be an issue, but what I know of the bulk of travelers looking for a NICE apartment for a week's stay, that certainly is NOT the case.
I mean honestly, what is "tormenting" about someone arriving with a couple of suitcases one week and leaving the next? But I do realize some people would be "tormented" by having such despicable behavior happen in their building.
Sure if tenants moved in and played loud music, partied, and disrupted everything that would be an issue, but what I know of the bulk of travelers looking for a NICE apartment for a week's stay, that certainly is NOT the case.
