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Re: EZ PASS issued by NY or NJ
#61
Home away from home
Home away from home


There's no difference in tolls for NY-issued vs NJ-issued EZPASS. (Obviously, you have to update your account to reflect your current address and license plate, etc.)

There are a variety of discount plans you can enroll in - most are only useful if you commute by car (although I believe there's one for hybrids). Just check the EZPASS NJ and EZPASS NY websites for lists of the plans and enrollment applications, if applicable.

Posted on: 2012/5/1 14:16
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Re: Parking Spot/Lot near VVP
#62
Home away from home
Home away from home


I rent a parking space and agree that the going rate for downtown is closer to $150/month for an outdoor space (based on my own experience looking - the only space I saw listed for less was a tandem space). At least, that's the price that homeowners with an extra space charge - I don't know about the larger lots. You might be able to negotiate a better price if you're willing to pay for 6 months or a year upfront, though.

I also found that, as with some apartments, many people just post a sign near the spot, so keep your eyes peeled when you're walking around. And check Craigslist as well as the classifieds here - there are 2 listings up on Craigslist now, but they're a few days old.

Posted on: 2012/4/17 13:27
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Re: Thirty Acres Restaurant- Jersey Avenue
#63
Home away from home
Home away from home


My husband and I went on opening night and loved it so much we went back the next night (we used the excuse of taking my dad). It's wonderful to have another really good restaurant in JC.

The menu is small but excellent. I'm guessing it's intentionally small and will change seasonally, but it may also grow as the kitchen settles in. We sampled the steak tartare, potatoes with bacon and creme fraiche, and beet salad appetizers - all amazing, especially the potatoes. The chicken liver pasta rivaled the best crostini I've ever had (in Florence in 1997) and both fish entrees were really delicious - perfectly seasoned and cooked with accompaniments that complemented but didn't overwhelm the fish. And I usually don't like lemon bars so my husband thought he'd get to enjoy two - I ate all of mine. Our server, Dan, couldn't have been nicer and even remembered our names.

We've been out of town the past week so haven't yet checked back in but this is definitely our new favorite restaurant (although nothing will ever dim our love for good old Madame Claude's). We eat out at least once a week and are so glad to have another really good option within walking distance.

Posted on: 2012/4/16 16:16
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Re: Thank You, Tony Alamo Christian Ministries...
#64
Home away from home
Home away from home


Quote:

TurnSignal wrote:
...for littering my entire neighborhood with your newsletter.

Your idiotic paper forgot to mention that he is a sex offender, by the way

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11 ... ngelist-sen_n_357709.html


I thought from the creepy picture on the stupid flyer that he was a 70's porn star.

Posted on: 2012/4/6 19:02
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Re: Good arcade for an 8 year old?
#65
Home away from home
Home away from home


@CSXrailfan - Barcade is adults-only.

Dave and Busters in Times Square is a good call. Note that it caters more to adults (and tourists), so I'd avoid times of day like happy-hour. (And I believe the rule is 5 kids max per 25+ adult, just in case you're planning something like a birthday party.)

And I know the games aren't the hippest and coolest, but I love the Coney Island Boardwalk. If your 8 year old likes baseball, make an afternoon/early evening of it and check out a Brooklyn Cyclones game (that's how I got my Mookie Wilson bobblehead doll).

Posted on: 2012/4/6 18:59
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Re: Are you looking for these cats?
#66
Home away from home
Home away from home


Quote:

mrasg1 wrote:
Help!

What are the steps to insert an image I have on Flickr?

Thanks! Want to put a picture up of a cat I have been feeding that somebody might recognize.


Type with NO spaces: [ img ] IMAGE LINK HERE [ /img ]

Or click the third button in from the left (above SIZE) and a box will open with space to insert the image URL.

Click Preview before you Submit to make sure it looks the way you want (right size, layout, etc.).

Posted on: 2012/4/2 21:34
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Re: Jersey City Sanitation
#67
Home away from home
Home away from home


I've had great luck using the online help center to report missed pick-ups: http://mygovhelp.com/jerseycitynj/

They are very responsive - I receive an email within a few minutes and the truck comes back by 10am to pick up whatever was missed (usually recycling). I know I've complained here and elsewhere about JC services, so wanted to also give credit where credit is due.

Posted on: 2012/3/30 19:28
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Re: What downtown restaurants can do a private dinner for 50?
#68
Home away from home
Home away from home


I believe Vu at the Hyatt (near Exchange Place) also has a private room. It's easy to get to by public transportation (with valet for those who are driving) and the views are amazing. I've only been once but the food was really excellent (better than Liberty House, the Embankment, and Light Horse at the same price point). Also, it seems to be pretty empty on weekends (I think most of their business is corporate) so there might be room to negotiate a good price.

Posted on: 2012/3/6 17:06
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Re: backyard patio
#69
Home away from home
Home away from home


We have a concrete backyard patio (we rent so didn't have a choice). On paper, I would have said I preferred stone but the concrete is actually not bad looking. I put a couple of photos up for you here, in case it helps to see an example of what it can look like. Our landlord is pretty cheap, so I'm assuming this was the least expensive option (we put in the grass and peastone area with the firepit ourselves). It's definitely very low (no) maintenance - we don't do anything other than sweep.

Posted on: 2012/3/2 19:58
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Re: Is the Village section safe?
#70
Home away from home
Home away from home


I live in the Village and all of the JC old-timers I know in the neighborhood (people who themselves were born and raised in JC, and many whose parents also were) call it the Village. I don't think they've just recently started doing that to be hip or to follow what brokers want them to do.

There's a Knights of Columbus (I think, one of those clubs) on the corner of 1st and Brunswick and the gentlemen there can tell great stories about the old days when it was Jersey City's Little Italy (or, as they call it, the Italian Village). What I wouldn't give to have a great butcher and a cheese truck (yes, a man in a truck selling delicious cheese) back in the neighborhood!

I'm also a woman and frequently walk to and from the PATH, including after dark, and walk my dog at night. I've never had a problem and feel safe (as others have said, as safe as you ever feel in a city). If it's after about 11pm or midnight, I'll take a cab from the PATH (less than $5), just b/c it gets a little empty at night.

Posted on: 2012/2/22 15:26
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Re: IRS Filing status - civil union? domestic partner? Other?
#71
Home away from home
Home away from home


Quote:

WhoElseCouldIBe wrote:

Not sure how anyone's opinion could be that it's not discriminatory, though.


Of course it's discriminatory but, since civil unions offer fewer legal rights, benefits, and protections than marriages, it's same-sex couples who are being discriminated against.

Our state senate has made a good step forward but Christie seems determined to keep NJ on the wrong side of history.

Posted on: 2012/2/15 14:54
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Re: IRS Filing status - civil union? domestic partner? Other?
#72
Home away from home
Home away from home


@neverleft - I didn't mean to jump on you. I agree that it's an interesting article (and that the different treatment at the federal and state level for the purpose of taxes is another reason why civil unions are not as good as marriage for same-sex couples).

I just worry that the original poster is being told to file as "Married" when s/he's not and didn't want that issue to get lost.

I still don't understand @cajtax's advice. I though the only people who could file as Married/CU Couple in the state of NJ are people who are legally married or legally part of a civil union (civilly united?).

Is it really legal to file as married in NJ when you aren't legally married?

Posted on: 2012/2/14 19:19
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Re: IRS Filing status - civil union? domestic partner? Other?
#73
Home away from home
Home away from home


Quote:

neverleft wrote:
This is in today?s USAToday (2/14/12) maybe it will help??

State and federal tax laws conflict for same-sex couples

http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/t ... -couples-taxes/53084112/1


Except that the OP is NOT in a same-sex relationship. The question was about a man and a woman who are not legally married.

That's why I asked for clarification. I think @cajtax mistakenly assumed this was a same-sex couple with a legal civil union and therefore gave inaccurate advice.

The couple is NOT legally married in NJ nor do they have a legal civil union (b/c those are only for same-sex couples in NJ), so I don't think they can file as "Married/CU" on their state taxes.

Posted on: 2012/2/14 18:29
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Re: IRS Filing status - civil union? domestic partner? Other?
#74
Home away from home
Home away from home


Quote:

cajtax wrote:

For New Jersey tax law, you can be treated as married, and you choose to file as either "Married/CU Couple, filing joint" or "Married/CU Couple, filing separate" on the form.



Even though they aren't legally married in NJ?

(This is not a same-sex couple, so they also don't have a legal civil union in NJ.)

Posted on: 2012/2/14 16:51
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Re: IRS Filing status - civil union? domestic partner? Other?
#75
Home away from home
Home away from home


NJ does not recognize common law marriages if formed in NJ. If the marriage was legally formed in another state (or country), then NJ will recognize it. Basically, no matter how long you live with your partner in NJ, you will never become married under common law. You also can't have a civil union unless you're a same-sex couple. For opposite sex couples, the only option in NJ is marriage (which would also be federally recognized).

But, as @Scottacus said, marital status isn't the only consideration in filing your taxes, so you should get some advice about the best option for filing in your specific situation.

Posted on: 2012/2/13 21:07
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Re: Chill Out Pizza Lounge
#76
Home away from home
Home away from home


I live nearby and have grabbed a slice. Based solely on that experience (I didn't try to sit down or order anything other than pizza), I can't tell the difference between when it used to be Carmine's and the new Chill Out, except that the new staff is much friendlier. One of the guys also gave me a sample of their lentil soup and it was delicious, so I'm definitely willing to try some of their offerings beyond pizza.

Posted on: 2012/2/10 22:31
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Re: The Jersey City experience in one night?
#77
Home away from home
Home away from home


My husband and I moved here from Ft. Greene a few years ago (I'm now 38, he's 42). We wanted more space and weren't taking advantage of all the Brooklyn night life options like we used to. We definitely sometimes miss having a wider selection of things to do (and places to shop) but are generally happy with having more space for less money. It's also great to be able to get away on weekends without having to first get out of NYC. We live near Dixon Mills (in the Village) and really like the neighborhood. We've met lots of lovely people but many of them are ex-pats like us. (Except for the old-timers at the Knights of Columbus on First Street. Those guys are fabulous and have seriously amazing stories about JC back in the day.)

Our favorites for dinner are Marco y Pepe and Madame Claude's - we also recently discovered this awesome JC neighborhood called "Tribeca" that has some great restaurants. ;) (Seriously, the PATH to World Trade from Grove is 2 stops so we do that a lot. The Whole Foods there is convenient, too, if you don't have a car.) Light Horse is also nice although I like their drinks and apps more than their actual meals. I'm not a fan of places like Skinner's Loft and the Merchant but I know lots of people love them for burgers or brunch. There's also a ton of great Indian near Journal Square.

For fancy cocktails, we go to LITM; for beers, Barcade or White Star (also good bloody marys and eggs & pancakes for brunch) or Zeppelin Hall (beer garden) in the summer. The Thai and Vietnamese restaurants along Newark also have quite nice bars - especially the Vietnamese one that's farthest from the PATH - not trendy and full of people, but they make good drinks that aren't as pricey as LITM and are quieter for when you just want to sit and talk.

Best bakery in the world is on Second Street b/w Brunswick and Colgate, and Torico's on Erie Street has great ice cream (although they aren't open in the winter). For poking around on weekends, there's a great vintage shop on Grove called Another Man's Treasure and a cool homegoods/whatnots shop called Smith and Chang near Hamilton Park. Liberty State Park is also a great place to jog, walk, or ride a bike.

Downtown's small enough that you could also just walk around to get a feel for it - from the Grove PATH, I'd head to Paulus Hook (maybe get brunch), then head toward Dixon Mills and check out Van Vorst park, then walk up to Hamilton Park (which will take you through Harsimus Cove).

Posted on: 2012/2/10 22:23
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Re: What's going there?
#78
Home away from home
Home away from home


Quote:

tommyc_37 wrote:
Quote:

Seagull wrote:
another pizza joint? Isn't Two Boots moving in about 500 feet down the street?


From what I understand, Two Boots is strictly a pizza joint. This place, at least from 12345's description, sounds like a full restaurant and wine bar with live music. That sounds like a totally different type of business than a pizzeria to me.


I thought the Two Boots coming to JC was going to be more like the one in Brooklyn, which is a restaurant and bar with live music on weekends (obviously also serves pizza). No?

I'm glad to see something good-sounding going into that space but I do wish Downtown could move beyond the Thai/pizza hegemony. (I like both but when I go out to eat, I prefer not to have exactly the same thing I'd get if I ordered in, which is why I was excited when I thought Two Boots was going to bring more of its restaurant menu. I'm willing to settle for a bistro at Grove, though. And Thirty Acres sounds promising...)

Posted on: 2012/1/31 15:17
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Re: PATH SmartLink Card
#79
Home away from home
Home away from home


Quote:

ianmac47 wrote:
Quote:

On_The_3rd wrote:
Does anyone know where I can buy a replacement Smartlink card? My current unlimited card is on the fritz (bending in my wallet) and if I purchase online, my current card will automatically be cancelled until the new one arrives in 7-10 days. Do any of the stations sell blank/empty cards so I can transfer my account? Of the station machines I've checked so far, I can only check the balance or refill.

Thanks


I think Hoboken, 33rd, Newark and JSQ have SmartCard machines that sell them.


FAQ #3 has the complete list of vendors: http://www.pathsmartlinkcard.com/faq.html#1

Posted on: 2012/1/24 16:22
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Re: towing at shoprite
#80
Home away from home
Home away from home


Quote:

pcmxgti wrote:
Our car was towed today from that same spot today. We did some grocery shopping at BJ's, dropped off said groceries and went to Bed bath and Beyond. The car had dissapeared by the time we were done.

To make a long story short, we ended up paying $152.10 to EZ towing to recover our car.

As far as we understand the rules, we didn't do anything wrong. We never left the premises, and have receipts with timestamps to prove it.

Does anyone here has any experience battling EZ Towing and the Shoprite Plaza management company? We would really appreciate any advice on the matter.

Thank you!


I'd call BJ's and Bed Bath and Beyond to clarify if you actually did anything wrong - ask for a manager and write down his/her name. I think you were in the right - my understanding is that lot is for the use of BJ's, BBB, and ShopRite customers. It's people trying to avoid the paid lot at the mall who are breaking the rules and should be towed. By law, you should only have been towed if one of the businesses complained - not b/c the tow company saw you heading for BBB and thought you were going to the mall (that's called "spotting" and it's illegal).

If you learn (as I think you will) that BJ's and BBB both agree you shouldn't have been towed, you can file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Affairs at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov or by calling (800) 242-5846 or (973) 504-6200. (It might even be worth calling EZ Towing back to tell them about the documentation you've gathered and that you're filing a complaint - might get you a faster refund.)

Also, read up in this thread and at http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/ ... ory_towing_crackdown.html for lots more info.

Posted on: 2012/1/23 19:36
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Re: Recycle/Trash electronics.
#81
Home away from home
Home away from home


Quote:

3rdandwild wrote:
I need to toss my old PC and printer.
Are there any places where I can donate or recycle electronics?

They are not working and I don't think Salvation Army will take it.


Tekserve has an after-the-holidays recycling event going on now: http://www.tekserve.com/service/recycling.php

Best Buy also has a recycling program - for the computer, you have to remove the hard drive and they charge $10 to take the monitor, but they'll give you a $10 Best Buy gift card.

Neither specifically mentions printers so I'd call to double check before you lug it anywhere (although I'm sure it's fine).

Posted on: 2012/1/19 16:24
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Re: Jersey City Vet Costs
#82
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Home away from home


Quote:

foshizigity00 wrote:
You guys, I need prices! Anyone have any experience and can give me a rough idea of what they've been charged in the past?

I have nothing to start from except LHS, which i already know the prices for because they are published on the website.

Thanks.


For Downtown Vet, we're charged $68 for a "medical exam." This seems to be the baseline charge for our dog's annual checkup, as well as any visits in between checkups for a complaint, such as when our dog stepped on a piece of glass.

Any shots, medications, etc. are additional, but they're usually pretty good about explaining the cost breakdown of different options. As has already been mentioned in this thread, LHS regularly has vaccination clinics, so you can save money by going to them for boosters (just make sure to have that info added to your dog's record at Downtown Vets).

Our experience has been that, if there's an issue that requires follow-up visits/rechecks, they are free (included in the cost of the first visit).

We don't usually buy medication from Downtown Vets, preferring to order from 1800PetMeds (usually cheaper). (For a small amount of a one-time medication, we might get it there just for convenience.)

As others have noted, the great thing about Downtown Vets is the convenience - we started going there when we moved to JC and didn't have a car. We have liked many of the vets we've seen, haven't liked others, and don't like that you never really know who you'll get. Right now, our dog is 5 and very healthy (knock wood) so we only go in once or twice a year and don't have complicated issues that require a lot of thought. For that, Downtown Vets is fine, the cost isn't prohibitive, and the convenience is worth it.

As our dog ages (and since we do have a car now), we expect we'll want to explore other options if her needs increase/there start to be more challenges where having a relationship with a vet we trust becomes important. (I have a good friend from college who is a vet in Brooklyn and also love the vet in the NJ town where I grew up, so we do have some reliable sources for second opinions if we need them.)

Posted on: 2012/1/16 17:47
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Re: Need to get a car towed
#83
Home away from home
Home away from home


This happened to my brother in TN and here were the two best suggestions (ultimately, the tenant ended up dealing just in time, so I have no idea how/if they work):

1) Get a notarized letter releasing the city from liability and have them tow it (this may or may not be applicable to JC/NJ - your lawyer may know). They will then go after the registered owner for towing and storage fees.

2) Have it towed into the street and then let the city deal with it as an abandoned vehicle. (This one kind of cracks me up and I have no idea if there's any way it could get you in trouble. If you have to go this route, I hope you can at least take the cost of the tow out of the security deposit.)

Posted on: 2012/1/13 21:58
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Re: BE CAREFUL: SKIMMING DEVICE ON GROVE STREET PATH TICKET MACHINE
#84
Home away from home
Home away from home


Quote:

tommyc_37 wrote:
I've actually had difficulty inserting a credit card many times at various PATH machines. Also, sometimes it tells me that the transaction was not able to be completed (after a brief delay, like 15 or 20 seconds). Strange. Are these skimming devices dangerous only with debit, or credit also?


The increased danger from fraud while you're using a debit card is that the money is pretty immediately taken from your account and it could take the bank a while to put it back once you dispute the charges. This could result in bounced checks, running low on cash, etc. With a credit card, you don't have to pay any charges (or interest on charges) that are in dispute, so the risk to you is much lower.

Posted on: 2011/11/30 17:14
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Re: Second hand smoke
#85
Home away from home
Home away from home


Here's the link to the existing thread on this topic:

http://jclist.com/modules/newbb/viewt ... id=278944#forumpost278944

Basically, it's legal for your landlord to prohibit the tenant from smoking but not in the middle of a lease (unless the lease already bans smoking) - if you're lucky, the smoker is month-to-month or near coming up for lease renewal soon.

You can also tell the landlord that the smoke makes your apartment uninhabitable. Which doesn't necessarily mean that the landlord will be able to force the smoker to immediately stop. It might just mean that the landlord will allow you to break your lease with no penalty.

I think a lot of landlords are starting to realize that this is a deal-breaker for many good tenants and it's worth talking to yours about options. But it may be that moving is your best/fastest solution.

Posted on: 2011/11/22 18:21
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Local Adopt-a-Family programs for the holidays?
#86
Home away from home
Home away from home


Does anyone know of any local charities that do an Adopt-a-Family program for the holidays?

The kind where they assign you to a family in need and provide some info so that you can give each of the children presents. (Or it doesn't have to be kids if there are groups that work with older adults instead.)

My last office used to do this as a group but my current office doesn't and I'd love to find a way to do it on my own.

Posted on: 2011/11/21 20:04
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Re: Where to have the best wedding reception?
#87
Home away from home
Home away from home


Quote:

grovester wrote:

Now, my next question - does anyone have a recommendation for basic and *affordable* engagement photos? I'd like to just take a few down by the waterfront with the skyline background to kind of go with the theme.

Thanks!


Check out the list of NYC photographers on apracticalwedding.com (under Vendors). We found our photographer that way (I highly recommend her but she lives on the west coast and just happened to be east that month) and she was so inexpensive with such high quality work that my never-extravagant dad insisted on sending her a bonus after we got the pix back. And she gave us all of the images free and clear (for noncommercial use), so we were able to save another bundle on printing.

Posted on: 2011/11/10 14:09
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Re: Indoor Tennis & Racquetball
#88
Home away from home
Home away from home


St. Peter's College sells memberships to its athletic facilities (including indoor tennis courts). If you aren't an alum, space is very limited (and I've never tried to join so have no idea what the waiting list looks like) but it might be worth a call to see and/or trying to find a partner who's a member and can get you in. http://www.spc.edu/pages/1609.asp

There's also Midtown Tennis Club in Manhattan and the USTA courts in Queens (which would be super convenient if the #7 extension ever happens).

And you might hit up the Hoboken Tennis Meetup with this question - they're likely to have more insight. http://www.meetup.com/hoboken-tennis/

Posted on: 2011/11/3 18:03
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Re: Advice for Marketing a for sale by owner condo
#89
Home away from home
Home away from home


Quote:

linky wrote:
We are listing our condo in Hamilton Park neighborhood, but we want to attempt a for sale by owner route. Any advice for marketing the property and getting some exposure?


The Young House Love couple sold their house themselves and break down the process here: http://www.younghouselove.com/2010/11 ... -sold-our-house-by-owner/

I think they're fairly realistic about how hard it is, how much time it takes, and how much it costs to do it yourself. Since their full-time job is taking care of and writing about their house, the fact that even they found it difficult (although not at all impossible, and they'd do it again) should give you some food for thought.

As for marketing, you can pay to be listed on MLS and should also take out ads in local papers (probably including NYTimes, although you might do a little more research about that), update a Craigslist ad every day, and put up a for sale sign with a box for fliers and make sure to keep them stocked.

Posted on: 2011/10/21 16:15
 Top 


Re: Unwanted cigar and cigarette smoke fills up apartment
#90
Home away from home
Home away from home


This link has great suggestions for clarifying what you want (for example, is your goal to have the neighbor close his windows when he smokes, smoke cigarettes but not cigars, or not smoke in his apartment at all) and then taking action: http://www.wvsmokefreehousing.com/myf ... enants/smokernextdoor.pdf

I think one of the most important sections is about educating your management company. They may not be aware of two factors in your favor:

1) It is perfectly legal for NJ landlords to prohibit smoking in the building (although the prohibition would have to be added to your neighbor's existing lease upon renewal) and

2) Secondhand smoke probably violates the warrant of habitability or quiet enjoyment of your home (which would entitle you to withhold rent and potentially even claim damages).

I'm not suggesting AT ALL that you actually do withhold rent or take legal action, but I think it would be helpful to research your rights and calmly present information that will help to get management on your side. (You want them to understand that this is their problem as much as yours. You also want them to appreciate that you're willing to work with them, so they have an interest in keeping you in the apartment and not risking you moving out and a new tenant being much less tolerant and more litigious.)

If this were my apartment, I would absolutely require management to either ensure that my apartment isn't full of secondhand smoke or allow me to break my lease with no penalty and move.

Posted on: 2011/10/17 14:27
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