Tenant Testimonials

We recently invited every residential tenant who has been with us for 1+ years to comment on their experience living in their home. It was an anonymous survey, but participants were given the option to include their first name and last initial. Below is every comment we have received to date.

“When we met Kermit Westergaard, we were blown away. His properties aren't just his business. He puts a unique amount of craft, care, and attention into each one. The design is jaw-dropping. The history is preserved and honored. The quality is unlike anything I've ever experienced in this city. And... the entire process has been nice. Honestly, I'm afraid to live anywhere else.”
—Adam V.

“I have lived in two separate properties managed by this landlord. And I can safely say, it has been my best living experience in New York City to date. The properties are beautifully designed, I have always felt safe, considered, and respected. After years of feeling like property owners were trying to pull one over on me, or feeling like I had to beg and nag to get things done, it was such a relief to find a home that really felt like home. I cannot say enough positive things about my experience here. I am ever grateful!”
— Julia C.

"I must say living in one of Hooper and Keap’s units for over 3 years has definitely been a great experience. The space is very well-thought out with many creature comforts and built-in amenities, this has definitely been the best apartment I’ve rented so far. Once we moved in, we found ourselves in a cozy building with very friendly neighbors. Our most memorable moments were the dinners hosted by each neighbor. Kermit Westergaard and his family were always present and added to the experience, we all became like an extended family. I’ve been a resident of the neighborhood for well over two decades and Kermit’s aesthetic is a breath of fresh air. He has a keen eye for designing great spaces and bringing people together, I wouldn't be anywhere else.

When it comes to dealing with everyday rental situations, the team has always been very proactive and helpful. A few months ago, my wife and I had a misunderstanding with a tenant from a neighboring building (not owned by Hooper and Keap) which we believe might have been racially motivated. We decided to bring it up with Kermit and he took every step to deescalate the situation and make us feel safe."
— Serge S.

“The Hooper & Keap team has been incredibly attentive and communicative while I have rented one of their properties. Any issues I have had, such as when my water heater needed to be replaced, the team immediately responded and took action to get it fixed. They are also very proactive in maintaining and upkeep of the property; cleaning air conditioning filters, repainting exterior of building, and repairing minor cement work in the front yard area. As soon as you meet Kermit Westergaard you understand his belief and care for the neighborhood. Whether it is tips for dog walking locations, an open invitation to join local sports recreation group he led, or long chats on the porch to any neighbor who passed by, Kermit has consistently shown that he is committed to the community in Ridgewood.”
— Jay M.

“When we found this apartment and met Kermit Westergaard, I felt like we had fallen into one of those dream apartment situations that are rare in NYC. The place was beautiful and renovated with care in a way that rental apartments typically aren't, and it had amenities that I thought we'd have to leave the city altogether to have (a yard, central air, a beautiful kitchen, a washer/dryer). And on top of that Kermit immediately felt like a friend and someone we would want to have over to hang out with. The best part is that none of it was a ruse — the apartment has been great, and in the pandemic I am more grateful than ever to have moved here and have those amenities and to have a great landlord. Kermit is kind and flexible and responsive. On top of that, he always makes our daughter feel like the star of the neighborhood, so that always brings a smile to our faces.

Tim has also been great, always getting back to us right away in the rare times when we have an issue or question about the apartment. I love living in an apartment that feels like it was designed with care and taken care of (especially now that home is the only place we spend time!) We feel like we live in a home, and are becoming part of a community, and are so thrilled to be here. Ridgewood is a special place within the city — socioeconomically and ethnically diverse, with small locally-owned/run businesses opening more than they are closing, even during a pandemic. We are happy to have found this great spot to be part of it.”
— Eva R.

“My husband and I have lived at one of Hooper & Keap’s rental properties in Ridgewood for over 3 years and we love it here! Not only is the apartment built with the utmost attention to detail, but our relationship with both Kermit Westergaard and his team is unlike any other landlord-tenant experience we have ever had. They have always been a call away when we needed them. For example, when last summer my husband wanted to build some custom shelving for his workspace, Kermit kindly had his team cut some lumber and drop it off at our place the next day free of charge. Pre-Covid, we had multiple neighbor gatherings (we have built a nice community in our building) where each tenant would host dinners and prepare dishes from their home countries. Kermit and the team never missed a dinner and we always had so much fun. We appreciate both the professionalism with which they deal with any matter related to the apartment and the close relationship we have developed with everyone.”
— Marina F.

“In twenty+ years of renting in NYC, my current living situation is SO MUCH BETTER than any previous in NYC that it's almost laughable. Even after 6 years of living in this apartment, I still wake up some days, with the light spilling in the windows and the coffee brewing, and I'll look around and just feel so grateful to be here. Every other apartment I've had in NYC has had some serious issue arise in the first 2-3 years, whether that is a broken appliance, or plumbing issue, or roof leak... there has always been something. But not here. And guess what? If there was a serious problem, I know for sure it would be addressed immediately because even very little things (a broken toggle on a light switch or a bulb burnt out over the stove) HAS BEEN ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. Now that is saying something. And I know why these things are addressed so quickly. It's because I have a landlord that genuinely cares about his tenants, and he can be easily reached, he responds quickly and has an amazing team working with him. I have to assume that some, maybe even a lot of his tenants, feel the same way. I don't know who's gonna read this, but you need to know how absolutely unique this is. Especially for NYC. In twenty+ years of living in New York, I've had about 6-7 different apartments before this one, and I've met in person maybe 2 owners of the building I was living in. And that was at the initial lease signing, and then I never saw them again. On the opposite side of that spectrum is Kermit Westergaard, whom I consider a friend in addition to the landlord, and whom I see on a regular basis. I also love that a couple of buildings he has renovated happen to have some of my favorite bars/restaurants/retail in the area. Any time someone can build such nice apartments under the difficult constraints of renovating a landmark building, while also creating unique business opportunities for local entrepreneurs, I mean, what's not to love about that? Sure, my rent is a little higher than any other place I've lived in NYC, but the apartment is larger, newer, and better designed than any other rental I've lived in... by miles. Yes, my windows are a little worse for the wear, but it's a landmark building, so I get it. But I also have the most lovely family living below me and have gotten to see their kids come home from the hospital. And now I've gotten to see them off to their first days of school. And that is because the neighbors love their apartment too, and have been here even longer than I have. Anyway, 5 stars, 2 thumbs up, high fives all around... Hooper and Keap it up guys lol.”
— Ian G.

“While we live in NYC, we won't move anywhere else.”
— Anonymous Tenant

“Kermit Westergaard is like a friendly uncle on the block, and it feels strange to call him a landlord, as he is so much more than that! When I first met Kermit to see one of his apartments, I felt as if I had known him for years. He is one of the friendliest people I know. As time passed, I got to meet the people he worked with and realised they were all friendly, understanding, and real. Whether they are the tenants we call our neighbours, maintenance managers, or the workers he hires, everyone Kermit works with is someone I can trust. Kermit cares deeply about the wellbeing of the neighbourhood, our block, and his tenants, and I am very grateful to be a part of this community.”
— Anonymous Tenant