Renting an apartment while on Tenant Blacklist in NYC

October 25, 2014 9:13 AM

Hi Everyone, I searched and could not find a question about this already posted so here goes. I am looking for an apartment for the first time in 6 years and I have found myself on the tenant 'blacklist'. I had NO IDEA.

Six years ago, me and the six other tenants of a townhouse were bought out of our leases because the owner wanted the building for personal use. We were told to get lawyers to negotiate terms. We did. We were all out of the building on the same day, by the deadline requested. End of story. Cut to 6 years later, and I have been been declined an apartment due to my name and this address showing up on one of these lists. I am devastated. I was a great tenant, paid rent, etc. Have excellent credit, employment etc. I have just submitted a request to see this report as is my right so that I can see what prospective landlords are seeing. I have also contacted the lawyer I used back then to see if he knows what this could be about.

Cutting to the chase, is there anyone in this knowledgeable community-- in NYC -- who has been able to find an apartment in NYC while on this list? I specify NYC because the housing/ rental market in a special nightmare all on its own. ANY insight, info, advice appreciated. Thank you! fridaG

posted by FridaG to Law & Government (7 answers total)

The best thing for you to do is look at many different apartments, submit applications for them, and wait. It's a numbers game. As you're aware, the rental market is very tight right now and landlords have their pick of tenants. For obvious reasons landlords don't want troublesome tenants, and having a history of a landlord-tenant dispute is, even if justified, a red flag for a landlord. He or she will just go down the list to the next prospective tenant who does not have any marks against him or her and go with that tenant.
posted by dfriedman at 9:28 AM on October 25, 2014

BTW, I'm not sure if you've seen it, but the NYT had an article about this recently. There is some legislative/political push to eliminate this blacklist, but I don't think waiting for that to happen will yield much for you.
posted by dfriedman at 9:31 AM on October 25, 2014

Response by poster: Thank you dfriedman. Funny despite my frantic google searches/ research the past two days I had missed this very recent article. I will up the number of apartments I apply to -- I was being pretty selective before. I am also hoping maybe a letter from the attorney I used that will accurately describe what happened-- never went to court, etc, asked to leave apt for landlord's personal use and not for any bad tenant behavior, etc will help a bit. Ihabe to admit I am beside myself and feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. yes, I know -- 'first world problems'!! :(
posted by FridaG at 9:46 AM on October 25, 2014

Consult a new lawyer. There may be a claim for libel here.
posted by yclipse at 10:21 AM on October 25, 2014 [6 favorites]

I think until you see the report there's little advice that will be truly helpful.

I once rented an apartment with no credit. The landlord didn't want to rent to me, so I offered him the entire year's rent in cash upfront if he gave me a 10% break on the rent. I also offered double deposit. He declined the money, and the deposit, but rented to me once I proved I was solvent.
posted by cjorgensen at 10:33 AM on October 25, 2014 [1 favorite]

FridaG, are you using a real estate agent(s)? i finally broke down and used one during my last apartment search and it really made all the difference. after finally finding one that would return my calls and had legitimate listings i got the NYC apartment that is my reward for having put up with substandard living for so many years. if you're looking in manhattan i'm sure its a whole 'nother story but my agent took a liking to me and rally went to bat for me when dealing with prospective landlords. i'm wondering if a trustworthy agent could help you with the blacklist.
posted by Conrad-Casserole at 11:40 AM on October 25, 2014

Response by poster: Hi Yclipse - Waiting to see report and also -- they have not yet officially rejected me for apt-- I think they are trying to make sure they can justify rejecting my app. Also also, re|| claim for libel -- that would prob put me on a super duper blacklist! LOL!

Cjorgensen -thank you for your suggestions. I hope I don't have to cough up a full year's worth of rent, but we will see what it takes.

Conrad- I have been using brokers and also answering the random ad. This was a random ad and the best apartment I had seen so far-- go figure! BUt your suggestion is a good one and one that was also mentioned in the articles I read, so I am changing my game plan.

Still hoping to hear from someone who has successfully navigated this situation!?!!
posted by FridaG at 6:54 PM on October 25, 2014