Virginia K. Smith

A picture frame full of bees? A picture frame full of bees! (Curbed National)

New York's Zombie House problem is only getting worse (AM NY)

The Brooklyn real estate bubble, however, is still bubblin' (Gothamist)

Another day, another disturbing finding to worry about: Researchers at Quinnipiac University studied the toothbrushes of students who use shared bathrooms, and found that 60 percent of them "tested positive for fecal matter," and that there was an 80 percent chance the bacteria came from someone other than the toothbrush's owner.

How likely is it that your favorite neighborhood restaurant has a rat problem? Here's a map that'll tell you just that (Gothamist)

Harsher penalties may be on the way for landlords who illegally put apartments on Airbnb (NYDN)

Tips to keep you from going bankrupt during your next move (The Financial Diet)

DUMBO may be one of the city's priciest neighborhoods, but if you're on the hunt for a two-bedroom in the area, you've got bigger problems than potentially bankrupting yourself (and living with constant train noise). A number of the so-called "two-bedrooms" on the market in the neighborhood may be in violation of city regulations, as Crain's New York reports in its most recent issue after combing through listings in the area.

Dear Sam:  I want to secure a rent stabilized apartment, and I meet all the requirements (40x rent, excellent credit, etc).  The landlord originally verbally said one month rent and one month security, but is now asking for two months security, which I don't think he can do on a rent-stabilized apartment. But if I say no, he will likely just refuse me the apartment. Do I have any recourse? Nothing has been signed.