Virginia K. Smith

Posts by Virginia K. Smith:

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Reel Estate: Single White Female is more realistic than you thought
By Virginia K. Smith
August 5, 2015 - 14:59 PM
Even 23 years after its first came out—and intervening years that saw the advent of Craigslist, no less—Single White Female still might be the greatest cautionary roommate tale of all time. It's extreme, yes, but the escalation of the drama also covers a large swath of more typical roommate crimes. Before Hedy (Jennifer Jason Leigh) murders roommate Allison's (Bridget Fonda's) boyfriend and puppy then tries to kill her, she starts with (relative) baby steps of hellacious roommating: bringing a puppy into the apartment without permission, stealing Allie's clothes, weirdly getting a matching haircut, and hitting on her boyfriend. What makes this movie truly terrifying is its fast run down the slippery slope to psychotic homicidal mania. It could happen to any of us!
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Ask Sam: Is my landlord obligated to upgrade my ancient kitchen?
By Virginia K. Smith
August 5, 2015 - 10:59 AM

Dear Sam: Is there any type of requirement in rent-stabilized apartments for the landlord to update/upgrade the bathroom or kitchen after a certain amount of time? I moved in 18 years ago and the bath and kitchen are original to the building.

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With amenities like these, you may never have to leave the Mercedes House
By Virginia K. Smith
August 4, 2015 - 13:59 PM
Designed by Enrique Norton, renowned architect and principal of critically-acclaimed design firm TEN Arquitectos, Mercedes House is one of New York City's latest architectural icons.
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Do landlords change an apartment's locks in between tenants, and if not, can I change them myself?
By Virginia K. Smith
August 3, 2015 - 11:59 AM

Q: I'm moving in and nervous about the idea of a former tenant having keys to my apartment. Do landlords change the locks in between every tenant, and if not, am I allowed to do it myself?

The policy about changing locks varies from landlord to landlord, say our experts, and while it's a wise idea to make sure yours are new, you should check in with your landlord first before you take any action.

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Next week is roommates week on BrickUnderground
By Virginia K. Smith
July 31, 2015 - 15:59 PM
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How young New Yorkers scrape by, mesmerizing design GIFs, and more
By Virginia K. Smith
July 29, 2015 - 10:59 AM

Living with a bathtub in the kitchen, stealing roommates' cable, and other survival tactics of broke New Yorkers (Thrillist)

Just some soothing GIFs of well-organized small spaces (Apartment Therapy)

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