NY living questions

I've studied abroad in Sendai and Tokyo and have gone through a lot. After coming back to the US I've helped my mom rent out the second floor to international students. I also have a Japanese language partner.

I try to be as helpful as I can and I get a lot of questions about living in the NYC. So instead of a blog where all I do is rant (there are plenty of those) I'll use this blog to try to answer questions.

One of the topics I'll address now is landlords / landladies. Sorry, this isn't in any particular order.

1) They should always give you a key. If they withhold a key from you that is just wrong.

Why?

If they require that only they can open the door then what will they do, stay in 24 hours a day every day? It's not fair if you have to stand out in the cold just to 'wait' for them to come home.

2) Privacy. No landlord should forbid you from locking your door. You are renting the room. Your room is not for them to store things and for them to enter and leave as they please.

Why?

If anything goes missing from your room, e.g. passport, money, are they willing to take responsibility?

Note: A landlord can enter your room if it is an emergency or if they receive your permission

3) Toilet paper and other shared items. That's what they are -- shared. If they require you to pay for things they use it is not fair. The cost should be split.

4) If there is a contract that you must sign that says you will not call on a lawyer DON'T sign. What are they afraid of that you must agree not to use a lawyer later on, if needed? One friend lost 2 months rent because the landlord refused to give back the money and she could not sue because she signed a contract.

5) ALWAYS READ THE CONTRACT THOROUGHLY! Goes without saying.

6) If you disagree with part of a contract for legitimate reasons but the landlord refuses to compromise, don't sign the contract and find a better place.

7) This is a very, VERY important note. Do not try to get a room just because the landlord is Caucasian and you think you can practice English with them. Nothing is for free. If you get a nice landlord, great. Else there are many conniving, evil people out there who think that you don't know the laws that protect you and will take advantage of you.

I'll go over more things later like shopping and areas to live. I am also open to questions.