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June 21, 2025
by Estay.ai Team

NYC Rental Q&A Forum | Estay.ai

“Are there really good rental deals in Brooklyn right now?” “Which buildings are offering the best concessions this spring?” — These are the questions renters in our community are asking every day. As Spring 2025 heats up, Brooklyn’s rental market is seeing intense competition, and major buildings are rolling out eye-catching incentives like extended free rent and steep discounts.

In this Q&A spotlight, we break down the most compelling lease offers in Brooklyn right now, pairing real renter questions with expert insights from top agents — so you can make a smarter, faster decision before summer hits.

Q: What repairs or changes can I request before signing a NYC lease?

Posted by u/FairLeaseNYC • 1 hour ago

    I just toured a one-bedroom in Brooklyn that I liked, but I noticed cracked tiles and an old fridge.

    Before I sign the lease, can I ask the landlord to fix or replace anything? What’s realistic to expect, and how should I word the request so it’s taken seriously?

    Top Answer by Estay

    Estay Housing Consultant | Helped 250+ tenants secure pre-lease repairs and upgrades across NYC

    Yes—you can negotiate repairs or upgrades before signing a lease, especially if they impact habitability or safety. While not every cosmetic flaw will be addressed, smart and well-timed requests often get results—especially in a competitive market where landlords want a quick turnover.

      What Can You Ask For?

      • Broken appliances: fridge not cooling, stove not lighting, or dishwasher leaking
      • Unsafe conditions: exposed wiring, mold, broken locks or missing smoke detectors
      • Basic maintenance: chipped paint, loose cabinets, leaky faucets, cracked tiles
      • Deep cleaning: some units are delivered “as-is,” but many landlords will agree to a full clean
      • Minor upgrades: new blinds, toilet seat, or light fixtures (best requested politely)

      How to Make the Request

      Be specific and respectful. List issues in bullet form, include photos if possible, and state that your lease commitment depends on these being addressed before move-in. Example wording:

      “I’d love to move forward, but I’d like to confirm that the refrigerator will be replaced and the bathroom tiles repaired before lease signing. Please let me know if that’s possible so I can proceed.”

      Should You Get It in Writing?

      Absolutely. If a landlord promises repairs, make sure they’re listed in the lease rider or in a dated email. This avoids disputes later if the fixes don’t happen. You can also request a “pre-move checklist” signed by both parties.

      ✨ Quick Summary

      - Pre-signing requests are common and reasonable—just be clear and polite
      - Focus on safety and functionality more than cosmetic upgrades
      - Always document repair agreements in writing before signing
      - Estay’s consultants can help review lease riders and draft repair language

      Pro Tip: If multiple applicants are competing, focus on high-priority repairs only—or ask for them post-signing with a firm move-in deadline.

      Don’t settle for “we’ll take care of it later”—your best leverage is before the lease is signed. Estay helps renters like you negotiate better conditions without jeopardizing the deal.

    Updated weekly • Based on 2025 NYC leasing negotiation trends