The Nest

NestApple's Real Estate Blog

Featuring real estate articles and information to help real estate buyers and sellers. The Nest features writings from Georges Benoliel and other real estate professionals. Georges is the Co-Founder of NestApple and has been working as an active real estate investor for over a decade.

When Does Self-Managing a Rental Stop Making Sense?

Rental properties can be extremely profitable when done correctly. Yet many turn into huge money losers as they drag on for years and years. All seemingly straightforward on paper, owning a property and collecting monthly rental checks from tenants. Many… Read More

How to Get Your Security Deposit Back (2026)

Ending a lease can be stressful, especially when trying to get your security deposit returned. A security deposit is money the tenant pays at the start of the lease. It protects the landlord from damage. Here are some tips to… Read More

How to Write a Lease Termination Letter (2026)

In real estate, a lease termination letter, also called a notice to vacate, is an important document. It tells your landlord you plan to end the lease and leave the property. This is usually necessary for rentals without a fixed… Read More

How Renters and Landlords Can Start on the Right Foot with Clear Lease Documents

For landlords and tenants, a lease is more than just a bunch of paper. Lease is what builds trust. Proper execution ensures that everyone knows what to expect, avoids confusion, and fosters trust in the agreement for all parties involved.… Read More

Proof Of Income Documents for Apartments – NestApple (2025)

If you’re a landlord, verifying a tenant is a crucial step in selecting a suitable occupant for your property. Here are ten of the best documents you can request to verify a potential tenant’s income. By reviewing these proofs of… Read More

How Long Does It Take To Get Approved For An Apartment?

Getting approved for an apartment typically takes between 1 and 3 business days. However, submitting an incomplete application can delay the approval process. To expedite the process and make a positive impression on your prospective landlord, gather all necessary supporting… Read More

NYC Sublease Agreement – Ultimate Guide (2025)

Subleasing an apartment can be a bit intimidating. Many landlords in NYC create obstacles for subletting, but you usually have the right to do so. In this guide, we will examine the legal aspects of subletting and provide a step-by-step… Read More

Looking for a NYC apartment rental this season?

NestApple is here to guide you in searching for your NYC apartment rental. As one of the best apartment rental listing sites in NYC, we recommend Streeteasy and NestApple. We can help with both standard monthly apartment rentals in NYC… Read More

Who Pays For Bed Bug Removal: Renter Or Landlord?

If you have ever experienced the problems of bed bugs, you already know that getting these pests is terrible. Bed bugs are one of the most problematic types of pests to exterminate. To make matters worse, they bite and cause… Read More

2025 Guide to Net Effective Rent Before You Sign a Lease

Are you looking to rent a new apartment and have concerns about your monthly rent? If you need a short break from paying rent, you may benefit from a lease period that does not require you to pay every month.… Read More

New York security deposit law

Quick answer: In New York, a landlord has exactly 14 days after you move out to either return your security deposit in full or send an itemized list of deductions — not a vague “reasonable time,” a hard deadline. Miss… Read More

Ultimate guide to Tenant Screening Red Flags

Conducting thorough tenant screening ensures a safe and successful rental experience. This process allows landlords to make informed decisions by carefully assessing the background and reliability of potential tenants. Property management software can streamline the tenant screening process. They make… Read More

How Do You Calculate a Prorated Rent? (2024)

Quick answer: Prorated rent is the partial rent you owe for occupying an apartment for less than a full month — typically at move-in or move-out, the same formula SmartMove’s own guide walks through. The standard formula: divide your monthly… Read More

What Do You Need To Craft Lease Extension Agreement in 2024?

Lease extension agreements are integral documents that uphold the terms between a tenant and a landlord wishing to continue their lease term. Knowing how to craft such agreements soundly, especially in the changing scope of the future, i.e., in the… Read More

Can A Landlord Ask You To Vacate For No Reason?

It’s important to note that a landlord cannot ask you to vacate without a valid reason. However, if you have a month-to-month lease, the landlord can ask you to leave if they give you proper notice. If they want to… Read More