Good management companies/buildings on the UWS?

If you're willing to pay a fee, you won't do better in terms of finishes in this condo conversion (original sponsor); the fee may be negotiable.
http://streeteasy.com/nyc/rental/632903-rental-230-riverside-drive-upper-west-side-new-york

Thanks. The fee isn't so much the issue, but I'd been trying to find a rental building. Most of the co-op/condo sublets seem to have a limited amount of time that they'll allow renters to stay. I've been in my place for four years, and am hoping to stay in my new place at least that long if not longer!

With a condo like that one, it's entirely up to the long term plans of the individual owner, since a condo board doesn't restrict leasing to any significant degree. If the owner has long term ownership plans with no intent to occupy the unit, you might be able to strike a deal.

Any more management company/building suggestions? I've seen a lot of the places advertised on here. Hoping to find a "hidden gem!"

I know someone vacating a small one bedroom on a high floor at the end of this month at the Brewster: 21 west 86th st. It's a great apt right near Central Park / Reservoir path, with bedroom window views of the El Dorado and a lateral peak of the park. It's elevator, prewar, rental condition. It should rent fast. I think he pays around $2500, but I don't know what it will list for.

Sorry, should have checked first. The apt was listed for $2800 for less than a week. And it's been rented.

Thanks for checking. I'm definitely hoping somebody might know of something great like that that isn't even on the market yet! Also think I'm gonna look into condo sublets, since the majority of those seem to be below market value and in MUCH nicer buildings. As long as I could find one that would at least allow me to stay for 2-3 years, it might be worth it.

PMG: Didn't the original sponsor of 230 Riverside (Brack) bail two years ago?

Yes, W81, but the Brack renovated units occasionally come on the market for rent or sale. Alexico has been slowly selling units with more moderate finishes and appliances at about $900 psf.

"Also think I'm gonna look into condo sublets, since the majority of those seem to be below market value and in MUCH nicer buildings. As long as I could find one that would at least allow me to stay for 2-3 years, it might be worth it."

Uhh, you got me scratching my head. If the majority are below market value in much nicer buildings, perhaps that simply means the market value is lower than you think.

In any case, most individual owners are looking for renting beyond 1 year, and many are happy to do or even prefer multi-year leases. The tradeoff for them is not having to worry about renting the place for a while vs. being able to get rid of a bad tenant after a year. In any case, out of dozens and dozens of places I've probed, only one owner actually wanted the place back after a year.

Good to know, although last night a realtor told me to avoid condo/co-op sublets if I have any intention of staying beyond two years. This is all so confusing, and everybody tells you something different!

What I meant by the other part (I don't know the proper real estate lingo I suppose) is that what I can get by renting a condo sublet is SO much nicer than what I'd get for the same price in a rental building. For instance, I've seen nice, renovated studios in beautiful doorman buildings for $1700-$2200. So far almost everything I've seen in rental buildings in that same price range has been absolutely awful--most of them are top-floor walkups in buildings where it doesn't seem like anybody's picked up a broom or a changed a lightbulb in years. I lived in one of those before finding my current place, and it was beyond a terrible experience.

I know there are studios in nicer rental buildings in my price range (since I live in one now!) but I just can't seem to find them. Brokers all keep showing me the same dumps, which is why I started this thread in the first place. I did find another thread on here about reputable management companies, but a lot of those buildings are VERY expensive, and I don't really need the health club/roofdeck/luxury-type amenities, just something well-managed and nicely maintained. Surely there must be SOME nice rental buildings on the UWS, right?

PMG: Thanks very much. I will watch for that distinction.

Welcome to my conclusion: condos are the way to go. Most coops have a 2-year limitation on rentals, but condos are fine. Most condo owners who decide to rent don't ever move back into their unit, and most are averse to selling in this type of market, so you should be fine. There uncertainty, of course, but just be upfront about your intentions with the broker, and they'll tell you the owner's intentions.

As a renter, you just cannot rely on being in a place for 7 years. Even if you're in a rental building, landlords play the game of pushing small above-market rent increases year after year. Do it for a few years, fine, but you will eventually move. Individual owners, on the other hand, are a lot more realistic on increases IMO.

True, inonada. My small studio was a steal a few years ago at $1600, but now it's pushing $2000, which is part of the reason I'm moving. I just don't want to put out a lot of money for broker fee, moving costs, etc., and find out that I HAVE to move again in a year or two--if I like the place, I'd hope I can at least stay for long enough to get my money's worth.

I'm finding that all of this is much easier said than done, though. There are a whole lot of crappy apartments out there!!

Tapdance, I am moving out of a studio that I think you would like! E-mail me : laurahazardowen @ gmail dot com

Coops are different than condo's. Coop's typically have restrictions on sub-letting; Usually, it's 2 years. Condo's USUALLY don't have restrictions.

brodskyorg dot com manages a number of buildings in uws.

Hey,inonada,

What is your method for finding condo owners who are looking to rent?

I came across this thread and I'm in a similar position--can anyone recommend a good management company that manages buildings on the UWS? I'm already familiar with Brodsky and looking to broaden my search. To the extent that it's relevant, I'm looking for a 1 bedroom with no fee (hence the management company angle). Any names would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Slope,
What's your definition of a good managing agent, as separate from a good super/building manager as separate from a good board. What problems do you attribute soley to the managing agent and what's your metric for deciding they are not up to snuff?

Stay away from West Side Management (Brusco). I had a really good experience with Equity Residential, but I think they are above your price range for the most part since they're mostly doormen buildings.

Mall Properties Inc. owns and manages 347 West 55th Street, 173 West 78th Street and 810 West 183rd Street. We also manage many other residential, well kept buildings. We have studios and one bedrooms in your price range. We have doorman buildings and all of our buildings feature a live in super. Small pets are allowed with a vet certification letter. If you are interested please email me at ccapitummino@mpi-re.com or call me at 212-217-6674.

Yes! Stay away from West Side Management for sure. AWFUL. Truly awful.