Great owner, crappy unit
Pros
The owner/landlord is nice and available to address concerns promptly. The building is steps away from a 2/3 train stop. Package security is surprisingly good. You can get up on the roof if you’re low-key about it. Tall ceilings. Pet friendly for dogs, cats, and cockroaches.
Cons
First, the cockroaches were unbelievable. We got quite an infestation and ended up taking it with us to our next apartment, which was a nightmare. By the time we moved out the cockroaches had completely taken over. It was no less than traumatizing. The shower had hot water for exactly 7 minutes - incredibly small hot water tank. Everything was just kind of gross. The building was built in 1920 and there were about 100 layers of paint on the walls. It was pretty hilarious at points, with light switches hardly useable trapped under a thick layer of cake. That’s when there were light switches. Two of the rooms had pull-cords from the ceiling lights, out of reach for small people which will leave you jumping on your bed every morning and night. No bedroom closets. Railroad units, so while it can technically be used as a two-bedroom, it’s not functional as such in most cases. Nostrand can be loud with your bedroom street-facing and the train running directly under the apartment roughly every fifteen minutes (you feel it). Just not a very clean unit in general with over a century of past tenants grime throughout. Tenants need to be mindful about security because the locked door tends to stick open at the front. Kitchen windows look out on an empty backyard jungle between the buildings, which is home to piles of garbage and frequent rat battles (this can be a pro if you enjoy rat battles as entertainment). Baseboard heat may as well be nonexistent - you will need to buy space heaters - and you will be cooked alive in the summer, so purchasing A/C is not optional. Very little natural light. No blinds so bring your own curtains.
Advice to the owners
Please make substantial investments into the building - even a light renovation unit-by-unit could help, because this building is a total dud.
One of the kindest landlords in Brooklyn
Pros
Attentive landlord. Issues are fixed immediately. Responsive. No bugs or pests. Building is clean and well kept.
Cons
You’re on Nostrand Avenue which can be loud at times especially on weekends.