But the tenants of 125 Cedar prefer to think of themselves as distinct, one of the originals, a family.

Smaller tenants preferred it that way, even if it meant settling for less-than-optimum fixtures and design.

"We tenants would prefer to call it eccentric," Pendergast said.

Many large corporate tenants, however, prefer notices to be served at their registered office and not at individual units.

Besides, he said, surveys have shown that most tenants eligible for subsidies prefer new housing.

Most tenants prefer the stall shower, and the rent increase for such a capital improvement is a very small percentage of the cost.

Sometimes the tenant may prefer the buyout but is demanding more cash than the investor can readily raise prior to the sale of the unit.

Every apartment had a private exercise run, but most tenants and their animals preferred the social atmosphere and natural beauty of the extensive indoor promenade.

"Once you explain the numbers, some tenants actually prefer the porters' wage."

Some tenants prefer, however, to seek to obtain from the landlord a covenant not to waive the exemption.