Rental at 4 East 89th Street,

You mean the asking rent, not the fee. There is no fee.

The pattern is that the landlord and broker guess at what the market will bear, then raise or lower the asking rent until somebody signs a lease. Makes sense to me.

If you want a landlord who's not out to maximize revenue and minimize trouble, best look elsewhere.

I looked at a 2 bedroom in this building about three years ago and I was shocked. AMAZING location, but the apartment was garbage. If I recall they were asking around $5k for what would be a low $2k per month apartment anywhere else. I am talking about the lowest end, plastic white dishwasher, small white fridge, and floors that looked like the previous tenant (and the the 20 prior to that!) had lived in the apartment wearing noting but ice skates all day long. To check my sanity I also poked my head in an available 1 bedroom and it was the same deal there too. Honestly its a shame, if this management company cared they could make this a very sought after building. As to why anyone pays what they ask given the condition/presentation is beyond me.

2k for a two bedroom bandit? that's like section 8 pricing. be realistic.