Winter renters lose leverage, questions for condo and co-op buyers, & more

This week readers got confirmation of something many renters are experiencing: Unusually high New York City rents in January pretty much eliminated the usual bargaining power renters enjoy during the slower winter months.

Also of interest: What condo and co-op buyers need to ask about a building's financial health before making an offer.

Here are this week's top five posts: 

1) An affordable housing lottery opens for 95 apartments on the Lower East Side

2) Renew your lease with a rent increase or try your luck with a new place? It's a trickier decision this winter

3) Before you buy: 15 questions to ask about a NYC co-op or condo building

4) How to read a NYC co-op or condo building’s financial statement

5) Why I moved to NYC from Tennessee: After bailing on a toxic job, my inner voice told me it was now or never