NYC Renter Stunned After Discovering Massive Gaps in Bedroom Door: “It Offers No Privacy at All”

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK — A New York renter’s frustrating discovery about their bedroom door has gone viral after they shared photos showing massive gaps around the frame that leave the room exposed to light, sound — and a total lack of privacy.

The tenant, who lives in a pre-war NYC apartment, posted a picture of the wooden door that appears to be poorly fitted within the frame, leaving up to two inches of open space above the top edge. Even the small transom window above the door, once sealed with paint, still leaks light and noise.

“I’m a renter in a pre-war NYC apartment, and the door to one bedroom is very poorly done or fit to the frame,” the tenant wrote online. “The window above the door is sealed with paint but also leaks light and sound because it’s partially open. The largest part of the gap is about two inches above the door.”

A Door That Barely Serves Its Purpose

The viral post, shared under the “Advice Needed” tag, immediately caught attention from renters and homeowners alike. Many were shocked at the poor construction and offered sympathy — along with a few creative DIY ideas.

Some users noted that such large gaps are not unusual in older pre-war buildings where original structures have shifted over decades. However, others called it “unacceptable” for a unit that tenants are paying New York City prices to rent.

“It’s crazy how these old apartments can cost so much and still have this level of disrepair,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “That’s not a door — that’s an acoustic nightmare.”

The tenant explained that they haven’t asked their landlord for a replacement yet, expecting resistance. “They’re cheap and argumentative about repairs,” the renter said. “I’m fine paying up to an extent, but I’m not super handy.”

Experts Say Poor Fitting Doors Can Impact More Than Privacy

Home improvement experts say such issues can lead to more than discomfort — they can increase heating costs, cause noise pollution, and allow dust and odors to move between rooms.

“Gaps around old doors can cause major energy inefficiency,” said a Chicago-based contractor familiar with older apartment structures. “If the door is letting in that much light, it’s also letting in air drafts, which adds up on heating bills.”

Bedroom door has crazy gaps and offers little privacy
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For renters unable to perform major repairs, professionals suggest weatherstripping, foam door seals, or door sweeps as inexpensive solutions. Light-blocking fabric or tension rods above the doorway can also reduce visibility and noise leaks without altering the structure.

Still, experts recommend tenants notify landlords in writing before making any changes — especially in pre-war buildings, where original fixtures can be protected by housing regulations.

Tenants Across Cities Share Similar Frustrations

The Reddit thread quickly filled with similar stories from tenants across the country — many of whom rent in older city apartments with quirky or failing fixtures. From warped floors to crooked door frames, renters said that even high-priced urban units often come with surprising flaws.

“I lived in a place where the bathroom door wouldn’t close at all,” one commenter wrote. “You could see straight through the gap. My landlord said, ‘That’s character.’”

The New York renter said they’re now considering a DIY fix to improve privacy, possibly using foam insulation or a makeshift soundproof panel. “Where on earth do I even begin to fix this?” they asked humorously.

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