Virginia K. Smith

Just about everyone who's rented a New York apartment has had to look the other way about something, whether it's noisy neighbors or a kitchen full of unfortunate-looking floor tiles. But even as a tenant, there are plenty of ways to make an apartment feel like your own without making changes that'll ding your security deposit when it comes time to leave.

Buying—or selling—a haunted house? This broker's got tips (and some creepy stories, too) (NYM, previously)

For the renter who wants luxury on a (sort of) budget: tenements with tricked out extras (NYDN)

Everyone likes a trip to the spa, but it seems the whole process would be that much more pleasant if you could soak, steam, and luxuriate without ever leaving your building. And if you're willing (and able) to shell out huge amounts of money, plenty of towers in NYC have spa amenities that'll let you do just that. Forget the in-building gym: we just want a sauna.

If you've been on the hunt for affordable housing options in Williamsburg, now's the time to make a move: applications are available for 38 subsidized rentals at 59 Frost Street, a new seven-story development with 47 apartments. To enter the lottery for the 38 available spots, you'll need to get your applications in before Dec. 22, DNAinfo reports.

Cramming two roommates into a 300-square-foot apartment is not only doable, it can be surprisingly stylish (Curbed NY)

Materials that mimic marble countertops for a fraction of the price (Apartment Therapy)