Virginia K. Smith

While we're willing to bet that no one in the history of New York ever moved here for the peace and quiet, sometimes (OK, at least once a week), the racket can push you to a breaking point.

It's just about the most horrifying wake up call we can imagine: opening your eyes to a live rat scurrying over your chest. But that's just what a 72-year-old woman claims happened at her Upper West Side apartment--and she's taking her landlord to court for compensation, the New York Daily News reported yesterday. 

How to spruce up your place without shrinking your security deposit (Brokelyn)

It's official: after finalizing a new contract, unionized doormen will be getting a raise (NYO)

It's that time of year again when spring fever, the end of our leases or some potent combination of the two compel us to look for a new place. That, combined with the annual influx of recent graduates, mean the warm months are indisputably Moving Season, and like it or not, it's upon us once again. Even if it feels like you just got over your last move, a lot of things can change over the course of a year (apartments in Bushwick cost what? Since when?! ).

Frank talk about the actual pros and cons of renting versus buying (BloombergView)

Turning on a window air conditioner with your smartphone? The future is now, even if warm weather isn't (Gothamist)