Looking at a lease for a Williamsburg apartment and the base lease seems mostly standard, but the rider feels pretty aggressive. Curious from people who’ve rented in NYC whether these are normal, unenforceable-but-common, or real red flags:
- clause says if police are called to the building/apartment, tenant has to vacate within 30 days
- landlord can raise rent if a roommate is added
- $20 application + $200 fee to add a roommate / replacement tenant
- flat no-subletting clause
- early termination says tenant owes rent until re-rented and also has to pay StreetEasy / realtor listing fees
- possible duplicate $50 late fee language in both lease and rider
- no pets allowed on the premises (including visitors)
- pests clause says bed bugs / roaches brought in by tenant are tenant responsibility
- clogged pipe clause says tenant pays plumber for hair / wipes / grease buildup — but what about pre-existing issues?
- winter clause says tenant must keep heat at 65 if away or be liable for frozen pipe damage
- strict no-pets clause — would an occasional guest visiting with a dog usually be a problem?
Main question is whether this is just a typical small-landlord Brooklyn rider or whether it signals a landlord who will be a pain to deal with.
Would love any thoughts from people who’ve seen similar lease language.