HOUSE TOUR | Insane $1,300/month "Rent Stabilized" New York City Apartment | BEFORE & AFTER

Hattie Kolp is living the dream of so many New Yorkers. She lives in a grand two-bedroom 1,500 square foot pre-war apartment and only pays $1,300/month. If you're not familiar with Manhattan real estate prices, $1,300/month would most likely get you a dark, teeny-tiny studio apartment with a view of a brick wall and no natural light. So how is Hattie's lucky situation possible, you might ask? According to her, the apartment is "rent-stabilized." It's a complicated real estate term but essentially landlords can only increase rent a certain percent. Hattie, who is a special education teacher in Harlem, grew up in this 1890s Upper West Side apartment with her parents and when her parents moved out, they put the lease in her name. Over the past three years she has worked tirelessly to update and transform her childhood home. To see more of her interior design work check her out on Instagram @hattiekolp.
*Be sure to watch this video incredible BEFORE & AFTER images*
#hometour #interiordesign #homedecor
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[@tawiwicury]

this honestly like winning the lottery, unheard of!

[@cecilyerker]

I like that it was passed down through her family and she kept all the original elements.

[@HattieKolp]

Thank you! Always restore, never change!

[@olbird7647]

@@HattieKolp what you've done is really lovely! 😊 from the 🇬🇧

[@darkpearl88]

Well honestly, that's what wise parents do. They pass their resources on to their children.

[@MontserratGyal]

@@HattieKolp I love the top you are wearing in this video! Do you remember where it is from?

[@debrabaker6021]

Ridiculous that people are allowed to pass a rent stabilized apartment on to relatives. The rent control system is grossly unfair to almost anyone in NYC.

[@09amlenz]

It's really cool that she's now making her childhood home into her grown-up home. so special!

[@e.d.h5533]

Your apartment is a goldmine, and you better not EVER move! I lived in 2 apartments in the Bronx that had picture frame moulding, high ceilings and hardwood flooring. I loved them! Some of your rooms are bigger than studio apartments. I've never paid more than $750 per month to live anywhere, and if I lived in NYC again, my place would have to be as large as yours. It looks like a house. What a blessing! My mom has lived in a shoebox in Harlem for over 30 years, and has been paying $600.00 for years. She's in a gated community with nice grounds and security guards. Her place lacks charm. Your color choices are superb, and make your place homey. Thank you for sharing your living space.

[@HattieKolp]

Ah thank you! Yes I am super grateful for this place and situation! Thanks for watching ❤️

[@chaank1069]

what a lovely comment.

[@PhotosyntheticFool]

This is so beautiful, yet so painful... The jealousy welling up inside me is not pretty.

[@k_a_y_l_e_e]

i felt this on a spiritual level.

[@nickimorelli9991]

@kara lynn Truth. This is just too unbelievable for words. I would live in just her bedroom with the fireplace and be happy/ So jealous. But good for her.

[@sabina8618]

You are honest about it and that's admirable

[@Kiwiwanderer]

I feel your pain....the daily lacerations to the soul...

[@tiwantiwaabibiman2603]

I know, right?!!!!! I was planning to relocate 1/2 the year to NYC (Brooklyn) this year but RONA hit and I'm stuck here. I LUV NYC and need to be there --- in her apartment. I mean an apartment like/as affordable as her's... The trick for not letting dishes pile up is to wash them. I don't use/believe in dishwashers. They waste water. I just my dishwasher as a dish rack to free up my one small counter...

[@1coolgyrl]

I would NEVER tell people how much I paid in rent if I had a deal this good. It’s almost cruel to make people so green with envy! 😅

[@vaderladyl]

Oh yes. Envy can be very destructive and dangerous.

[@user-lk1qx7gb5o]

I agree. It's an ahole and bourgeois thing to do, especially in these times. It's right up there with what Kardashian did by purposefully flaunting her massive diamond during hard economic times whereby she got mugged and almost killed for it!

[@gracefultimes]

Absolutely! I lived in a rent controlled apt. When people found out what I paid I could just FEEL the envy and sort of judgment too? As weird as that sounds. I later started making up some random high number.

[@sue2611]

Nothing good ever comes out of telling people anything about your finances.

[@janetcorey5102]

Very show-offy

[@NKelly-yc1wt]

The apartment is great, but more importantly, the kitty walking around like he owns the place. Love cats!!

[@bettinarossi7908]

😽💖💖💖

[@bettinarossi7908]

N.Kelly.."but more importantly"...love that the kitty is your focus, mine too😽..cat lover here.❣

[@poodlegirl55]

I'm amazed that you can do all of that remodeling and changing in a place you don't own. It's also hard to get my mind around a New York apartment being a childhood home that you inherited.

[@swicheroo1]

I'm a landlord. You can do whatever you want, as long as you don't move walls or fiddle with the systems. It is your right. But you must return it to the original condition once you vacate. Also, she didn't inherit. She got the lease switched over in her name. This can often happen with family members--especially if they have been living in the unit for years before the departure of the original tenant.

[@poodlegirl55]

@@swicheroo1 I have been a landlord too. She did take down a wall.

[@HattieKolp]

I haven’t “changed” anything. I’ve restored it. The walls were crappy sheets of drywall put up by another tenant who was probably renting rooms. And yes correct as someone else said, I didn’t inherit anything!

[@violettababenko4847]

@@HattieKolp how does that work. Why would the landlord switch leases in your name, wouldn't they want them to run out? That way they can charge market price? Or is this a Monica from Friends situation? Like it's confusing

[@garveysmith1807]

@@violettababenko4847 It's bc it's rent stabilized. They can only change the rent by a certain amount each year and it's against the law to jump it up to market price. Usually, if you suggest someone to take over your lease when yours runs out, most landlords will at least consider who you've suggested so long as you tell them in advance and they have good credit, regardless of it it's rent stabilized or not.

[@sugarbabygirl22]

This is exactly what I would look for in NY! They don’t keep apartments like this anymore. They are always being renovated and the charm is stripped away. Prewar perfection!

[@MargeryHannah]

A rent stabilized apartment is a gift from God. I hit the jackpot a few years ago and just recently gave it up to buy a co-op. Now is a great time to invest in the city.

[@SandraGonzalez-tk3ms]

U mean gift to new apartment? What mean Rent stabilized?

[@ButacuPpucatuB]

This is a beautiful flat! I appreciate so much that everything was basically kept as is, the colours changed, and pocket doors restored. It’s beautiful to see the family home well loved and cared for.

[@lindahind2205]

I think it is a lovely apartment and you’ve made it even more beautiful. Sad about all the envious commenters! You are a peach....enjoy!

[@librowoman]

I loved this! The longevity, the tradition, and most importantly, the intentional and creative decor! Brava

[@lizelsby3407]

My favourite apartment on this channel ever. EVER!

[@HattieKolp]

Yay! Thank you!

[@janewalsh545]

Impressed that her parents scored this place in 2002!! I thought she was going to say they got it sometime in the 70s. Per some of the comments below, I thought RC tenants lost their apartments once they died/or left. Didn't think they could transfer the lease. ANYWAY--good for her!! It helps with my overwhelming envy that the kitchen and bathroom are small :))

[@bellebeauty67]

I lived in a rent controlled apartment on 4th Street and the Bowery. My boyfriend at the time acquired it in the 70’s. The original rent was $72.00. I attempted to get my name on the lease, even went to court…no dice!! She is soooooooo fortunate!

[@JamesCM86]

@@bellebeauty67 why would they not let you? Is this normal practice in nyc? Do people live in rented apartments for essentially a lifetime?

[@bellebeauty67]

@@JamesCM86 My name was not on the original lease, we were not married, and even though I had lived in the unit more than 7 years. Rent controlled apartments are now like rare diamonds in NYC.

[@Vinnie-cv5qv]

@@bellebeauty67 Rent control tenants have no leases and it ended in 1971. Maybe you are referring to rent stabilized apartments. You may have lived in a rent controlled apartment but it would never be yours unless your boyfriend moved out and you lived there at least 2 years and can prove you are some relation. Being a girlfriend is not enough.

[@bellebeauty67]

@@Vinnie-cv5qv

[@gracefulvintage]

If I had a rent controlled apartment I would not be telling the world about it. Yes, no question it makes for great content on this channel. There was a video made a few years ago about someone in a tiny studio that was rent controlled or possible stabilized and she ended up losing it, owners didn’t like all the attention it was getting. Family members have succession rights if they are already living in the unit at the time the tenant moves. She had stated that she moved back when they were going to retire & move away. TMI!!

[@user-uk9gw9il6o]

I agree there are a lot of jealousy out there and the energy they have can sometimes play a part in a negative weird way. I myself don’t hold or struggle with jealousy as I believe that blessings are given to all at some point in some way or form.

[@evening6402]

Getting the lease on a rent-stabilized Manhattan apartment transferred into your name can be a process fraught with frustration and peril. Congratulations on your victory! It's a lovely apartment, and I commend you for identifying its noteworthy architectural elements, and for your hard work at making them shine. I really love the William Morris-esque paper you used on the backs of the butler's pantry cabinets. A word of advice: when using glossy enamel paint, you need a pristine, smooth surface. While it DOES reflect light, it also highlights EVERY flaw on the wall's surface. You have decades of excess paint layers. Some surface remediation* would be best prior to painting, but I can understand your reluctance since it is a rental unit. But avoid gloss or semi-gloss in favor of a satin finish, which will also reflect light but not draw as much attention to the flaws. *Use caution as some of the older paint likely contains lead, and inhaling sanding dust can be hazardous to your health. Also, use caution in publicizing your efforts. There are unscrupulous people who will engage in criminal acts to get access to a NYC apartment like this. Don't allow ANYONE to move in with you, or even stay for a few days, or you could end up losing your home to the roommate from hell.

[@lindaestoll1104]

Actually, the saying, “sight for sore eyes” means that something is pleasing to look at. Something that would sooth “sore eyes”. I think she meant the before room was an “eyesore”.

[@ItsNadine71335]

Finally someone who has my aesthetic. Others sometimes scratch it but never really have the same. Your place looks stunning :)

[@eamcbmsc]

I call dibs on the apartment after you’re done with it lol

[@lucymoon]

This is beautiful ❤️

[@kirstenrubberducky]

This is absolutely STUNNING! I'd never leave that apartment, it's so full of charm and warmth.

[@katcampbell9213]

What a blessing. I’m glad that she has been fortunate enough to have this opportunity. She has made it really really lovely too 😍

[@debras9020]

Oh wow! That is one beautiful apartment. Love the dark colors in contrast with the light colors. Your kitchen is darling. Great job. So glad to see those pocket doors. Very charming home.

[@texasgeeg5972]

This is amazing! Love, love, love this apartment! She has done an amazing job. And what special history to share with her parents.

[@tammyr2966]

I absolutely love what you have done with this apartment! It’s totally homey and just my vibe! Love the fireplaces and butler’s pantry!

[@matev4786]

This is insanely big. I live in a 2br rent controlled on the upper east side, it belongs to my roommate & I pay the full rent which is only $450 a month. There’re some real gems you can stumble upon in nyc.

[@davidawilliams252]

Mate...450.00??? You lie!!! 😂😂😂 Seriously??? Wow!!! Hmm....

[@MTMF.london]

@@davidawilliams252 Something fishy is going on here. Most rent-controlled apartments are occupied by old people who've been living there for decades and once they are gone, the landlord can de-control them - the children can't "inherit" either. His roommate must have taken over the lease without the landlord's knowledge or some kind of "key money" was given to the building manager.

[@MTMF.london]

@desertgoddess3520 I know the difference - I lived in NYC for decades. My comments were regarding the person claiming to share a 2 bedroom rent-controlled apartment for $450 a month in UES.

[@ginacrusco234]

"a sight for sore eyes" actually means something beautiful

[@joymae]

Beautiful job on your home congrats on getting this rent stabilized it’s huge

[@Aisha_Davis]

This lady has been getting a lot of coverage lately. I’m happy for her. Her apartment is beautiful.

[@sadie513]

Yeah, I think I've seen this place on Apartment Therapy. Cool place. Lucky her.

[@phyllisstein1837]

Wow, that’s a lot of space. And decorated so well. So much character. Very nice.

[@Jessica-kk1cz]

Aaaaa MAAAA Zing. Really, just so beautifully and artistically done. I’m saving this video.

[@paulapirpignani4802]

Love it! Charming and fun🤗...thx for sharing!

[@th3azscorpio]

Such a beautiful, and well decorated apartment. I adore how she kept all of the vintage touches. I love older apartments, with that classic European/French/New York look. She's very lucky to have been passed down this from her family. I plan to do the same thing for my children one day :). Hattie you did a wonderful job transforming this apartment!

[@valeriejohnson6926]

I love love that light in the living room

[@xristinapantazi6669]

What an amazing house!! It really match my ascetic and it is really nice to watch someone who has decorate their home in such a beautiful way!!

[@holleyjomartinez4009]

OMG I just LoVe ♥️ what you have done with the apartment. I love dark colors in small spaces too. To me, it makes the area cozy. Thank you for sharing. You have so many wonderful ideas! The television was awesome. ♥️

[@justtsui]

Loveee the pantry. The vintage feel and the earthy colors🥺

[@MoniqueBourgeois]

Nicely done...Love all the art work hanging too:)

[@irenetovar7756]

Thank you for the tour of your lovely apartment. It's beautiful.

[@kathrincichos3114]

Nice, nice, nice! A wonderful warm place to live! 👍 🤗 I love it. And I like the dark wall-colours!!

[@HattieKolp]

Thank you!

[@mollbatt30]

Absolutely gorgeous! You have a great eye for detail!

[@amyweaver7413]

What a beautiful home - I absolutely love the changes you’ve made. You have a treasure of a home. 👍❤️🇨🇦

[@4everyoung24]

What a great place! I love the dark green butler’s pantry.

[@CL-lo4wd]

That bedroom is larger than my entire apartment in Queens and she pays less rent than I do. Life is unfair!

[@beanbag136]

same here. I live in the east village in 350 square feet and before pandemci my rent was over 3,000.000

[@annieolivencia4390]

Wow, your apartment has so much character and architectural interest. Absolutely beautiful!

[@TheTishy44]

Your place is awesome, your decorating and re-doing of the apartment is great. your cat's pretty cute too.

[@ursonate]

such a privilege afforded to so few to have that amount of space for so little $$. it's a weird quirk of nyc real estate.

[@HattieKolp]

Such a weird quirk that needs some serious reforming!

[@ursonate]

@@HattieKolp yup!

[@hdmm9136]

@@HattieKolp why does it need reforming? What aspect of it? I don't live in the US so I know nothing about any of this lol excuse my ignorance.

[@twilit]

Just a matter of supply and demand

[@ursonate]

@@hdmm9136 These apartments are soooo absurdly below market rate that the people living in them never move, or pass them on often illegally to family and friends, thus removing inventory from the market for decades...unless the landlord manages to kick them out.

[@becomingellis9303]

I've used that gray color tone on walls I painted in 2 of my past apartments....love it!

[@latinwaterpoloperez]

I love the dark green in the butlers pantry! Favorite part of the apartment

[@calvin1148]

Not only is the apartment my dream, but the decor and your taste is also my dream........awesome job!

[@tabathaogost4982]

Oh so glad the people that need it are getting the rent subsidies they need. Phew! Also, girl the sticky tiles on those fireplaces? NO.

[@kathysarmiento4652]

I love the light fixture in the ceiling!

[@joyful8072]

I love your space. Your decorating is amazing.

[@okayboomernyc]

That is a real New York City apartment - gorgeous - thank you for sharing.

[@fostercat751]

Gorgeous, I love it. Love your kitty cat too!

[@thezmanchar]

Every time I see your apartment, I see something new. Just love your taste.

[@a697ag]

Her family home is beautiful. I hope she has a long, happy life there and passes it on to her kids

[@lolitalolipops4154]

Wow absolute wow .It's so beautiful

[@iconeon]

Very nice place. As a former Upper West Sider who lived in a classic six, you are one very fortunate person to have this place for a fraction of market rate. I also spent a few years in a 225 sq ft fifth floor walk-up in the West Village and when I moved out back in 2010, my stabilized rent was $1710.42. That said... Living in a rent stabilized apartment has its shortcomings that only a true New Yorker would understand.

[@deltastate3936]

what are the shortcomings please? I'm from London and just wondering... i can't believe how little she's paying for that flat - convert it into pounds and she's practically living for free!

[@bbygrlpt2]

I live in a rent stabilized apt but dont see much of a difference with a regular apt except the rent increases...

[@deltastate3936]

@Kay Flip thanks I was just wondering what the shortcomings of living in a rent stabalized apartment would be? That's what the original commenter said

[@barbarawillis5187]

Hattie made some great choices for decorating. I like the framed pictures against the dark walls. I like the pantry. She has a nice collection of lighting fixtures. I just love the natural wood kitchen counter. The whole place has a English country feel to it. It is a nice home for her kitty Beatrice to explore.

[@pennywild4131]

❤ your taste is absolutely stunning! Definitely loveit all!

[@janinafisher101]

And what a beautiful job of it she has done! A lovely space - though such a shame that with all that space the kitchen is so small. Nicely done, Hattie Kolp!

[@karynsuepohlmeier2109]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE your Butler! Your entire house is the most amazing apartment/house I've ever seen. The rich colors, the built-in cabinets with your beautiful china dishes, it's all so well thought out and put together! Wish I had a bit of your imagination! I live in a 4 bedroom, 4 bath and my house is not even beginning to compare to your amazing place! Btw, I'm glad you put your t.v. where you did, I've always thought sitting ones t.v. next to the fireplace is a bit tacky...or a faux pas. Anyway, lovely place!! Five Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@sumar207]

Wow! Your apartment is spectacular! And real!

[@HattieKolp]

Thanks!

[@lady_bakes_a_lot1426]

Absolutely gorgeous what you've done with the place! Although there wasn't a close-up, from afar it seems like the yellow tiles in the room with the TV could look amazing, and oddly wouldn't clash with anything.

[@pinkopat]

teachers deserve the world, good for her

[@audeysmith6675]

What a great vibe just lovely

[@caroljones1605]

So lucky to have rent control...she made it so fabulous!

[@janaetoval5375]

Beautiful apartment! And great style. Love that you kept the charm of the home. Random question where is your top from? So cute!

[@kimprice1864]

Great job!

[@denisecarter5117]

Wow what a blessing. Lovely home.

[@juliehock6059]

Clever lady. Colour expresses her personality, and she is not afraid to move away from the “considered fashion” which is quite often very boring. I find that using colour in a small apartment gives character to one’s living space.

[@cookieaddictions]

I follow you on Instagram and tik tok and now you’ve popped up on KZbin for me too! Beautiful place. You’re really lucky to have it.

[@jsmith5509]

This is my IDEAL floor plan !!!

[@katebc9148]

Wonderful home; how lucky she was to be able to make this her home. Well done!

[@phillipmcgough6282]

I want to hate this - but I just can't! What you've done with this 'inheritance' is very special

[@susanvelez6534]

Wow I just love that apt so much character

[@almacarter7968]

she lucked out with it being in the family and being affordable, it is a large apartment but oh so comfortable

[@ladymeropi]

One could only dream to live like you do in NYC paying so little. Your landlord must be fit-to-be-tied knowing how much he could be charging for your place. I imagine you will never ever leave and your children will also benefit inheriting this treasure. Love your taste and how you incorporated the old with the new. I enjoyed viewing every minute of your video.

[@MTMF.london]

Her children will not be inheriting this apartment. You can't hand it down what you don't own. Her landlord can actually de-stabilize the apartment and start charging market rate. It is a long, complicated process but he will eventually go through with it (especially if it's in a big building with a big corporate owner).

[@antoniafoster8264]

Maybe all landlords aren’t as greedy and just want good renters, that will take care of their homes.

[@marianabetancourt9049]

GREAT JOB WITH YOUR APARTMENT!!!

[@HattieKolp]

Thank you!

[@mmcjireyesvivianclairether318]

So lucky and this so beautiful!!

[@VeronikaGonzo]

Looks welcome warmly and comfy. Price totally excellent. 😌

[@nell8170]

Amazing place you have. Who needs a big kitchen or bathroom anyway. Thanks for sharing...Nell from Suffolk, England.

[@kialee1257]

I love it!

[@CL-lo4wd]

I want to die - the space and the price! I am so freaking jealous ...

[@patmcraig45]

I absolutely love your space

[@nancykintner9177]

Love your comments on the green gloss paint... I had a room in Ohio painted the same and I am about to paint my office /den/ guest room this week a deep glossy green....so very restful!

[@gerardinecizmar]

The slate color is really nice. I'm a landlord and always stick to white but I think I may try that color on an apartment I'll be upgrading soon.

[@martineskaret]

oh my this is the actual dream, so cheap and SO big and beautiful!

[@annabodhi38]

It will be nice when you get around to doing the floors. Thanks for the video.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Stunning apartment.

[@HattieKolp]

Thank you!

[@karlstriepe8050]

Good illustration of why rent control doesn't work: rich people just monopolize and pass it on to their kids and family and poor people don't have access to a program meant to benefit them.

[@jadedavis822]

Truth!

[@msj792]

She's a special needs teacher - this is not "rich people"!

[@vaderladyl]

Not all are rich people. I know middle class that live in rent controlled apts too.

[@purplepanda67830]

hey I saw this comment and really felt the need to explain why this is absolutely not true. I can understand why somebody might feel frustrated by someone having the luxury of having a fixed cost rent controlled place, especially in a city like New York, However, I grew up in a rent controlled apartment in Los Angeles, my dad moved there in the 90s and had no idea that the rents would become what they are now. My parents are in their 60s now and with out rent control would have not been able to afford even a studio anywhere near where they have lived for the past 30 years. Somebody bought their building they decided to kick everyone out to sell the property. There are ways around rent control where you force people out of their homes and sell it, usually to demolish it but for other things as well. My parents can not afford anything even remotely in their area so they are now making some tough decisions parting with their furniture, their community their home that they raised their kids in. If anything, rent control protects families against rich corporations or people buying up the propertys and leaving families homeless or needing to completely uproot their lives and move to different areas. It protects against gentrification in naighborhoods and it looks out for people like my parents who are now unprotected. Maybe do a little research on the benefits of rent control on working class families before you make such a ridiculous comment Karl!

[@fishercourt]

@@msj792She stopped being a teacher and became an influencer. So, that tells you something about her real attitude. She cried and had a tantrum when she thought she could not get back into her instagram account for like two or thee full days. Check it out, she was just really coming out as crazy. She was crying and talking about how there’s just no way that she can be blocked from her instagram account, because that’s how she pays her bills. She mentioned that there’s NO WAY SHE COULD GO BACK TO TEACHING SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN!! She said that was out of the question and she was going to lose her business and everything was going to hell. Well, she showed her true colors. She’s from a wealthy family and they have her the apartment and I’m pretty sure she does not pay them monthly rent. It’s just a rich snob showing off her stuff that she inherited from her family. She is NOT a teacher and she is very conceited. Check out her other older videos.

[@HumanCredential]

The envy....Your parents had great friends! It’s lovely. Good for you! 😆

[@socalkim1115]

What a beautiful home.

[@jenocean824]

Wow! Beautiful!

[@chelseasummers2365]

Absolutely beautiful! You’re one lucky girl,

[@arila656]

Just amazing! 😀

[@christinagarza7944]

Very, very fortunate girl. Thank goodness she also has great taste!

[@teejourney4880]

i have samsung Frame too. Love it. Lovely place. Still a bit young for me. I believe she will grow into a sophisticated and polished interior designer.

[@lillianhernandez9879]

Love ,love your place ❤