Rental pick of the week

A Hamilton Heights two bedroom with outdoor space that you access via the bathroom, for $2,917

By Nikki M. Mascali  | January 15, 2019 - 12:00PM
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The spa-like bath has a deep soaking tub and separate rain shower—and access to the apartment's outdoor space. 

MNS Real Estate

Finding a two-bedroom rental in New York City with two baths, a washer and dryer in the unit, and outdoor space might feel as if you’ve located the ultimate NYC apartment, so you would be wise to check everything out.

Such is the case of 322 Convent Ave., #2, in Hamilton Heights. On paper, it sounds great: Newly renovated, two good-sized bedrooms, two baths (one looks like it's straight out of a swanky hotel), full-sized appliances, and a large private outdoor space. Plus, you might be able to rent it without paying a security deposit if you use Rhino (check out Brick Underground’s guide to this and other security deposit alternatives).

Upon inspection, though, you’ll find that this apartment's $3,500 gross rent, with three months free on an 18-month lease, is well above the neighborhood median of $2,375 for a two bedroom, and that one of those bedrooms doesn’t have any windows, and that the outdoor space is a slab of concrete accessed through the bathroom, which might be a deal-breaker if you want to live with a roommate. There are no photos of the second bath or bedroom (though you can see the latter if you watch the video tour included in the listing). 

The subway-tiled open kitchen takes up one (small) corner of the common living area. Though it doesn’t have a lot of counter space, there are full-size stainless steel appliances, including a dishwasher, and a good amount of cabinets.

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The living room is large enough to comfortably fit furniture and a dining table, and has a patch of exposed brick.  

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The larger of the two bedrooms doesn't seem to have any windows, so it may not a legal bedroom.

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The good news? Not only does this bedroom have two closets, it also includes, through sliding doors, the big en suite bath that's seen in the main photo above. It has a deep soaking tub and separate rain shower, and the two-sink vanity has frosted glass doors and two drawers.

And here's where things may get a little … weird. It is through this bath that the apartment’s outdoor space can be accessed. That means that your roommate, if you have one, is going to be cutting through the bedroom and bath if they want to sip their morning coffee out there or entertain friends. 

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As you can see, the space also features a stone chess table, and while it's pretty plain, there are lots of ways to spruce up outdoor space. (Just keep in mind that your neighbors above you will be able see you if they look out their windows.)

The listing says it has a Bosch washer and dryer in the second bath, which is also not seen on the video tour, but the video does give us a peek at the second bedroom, which has two large windows that look out onto the patio.

The pet-friendly apartment is located on the corner of West 143rd Street and Convent Avenue, which is lined with trees and historic homes. If you want some outdoor space with a little less concrete, Riverbank State Park and Riverside Park are super close. There are lots of bars and restaurants nearby (do check out The Honeywell, a ’70s-themed basement bar on 149th Street), and City College is just a few blocks away. 

The A, B, C, and D trains are a five-minute walk at 145th Street and Saint Nicholas Avenue, while the 1 is a slightly longer walk to 145th Street and Broadway.

 

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