120-128 West 79th - beware

Had a very bad experience with 120-128 W 79 landlord and his exclusive broker - we had agreed in writing (via email) to lease terms with them. Agent then stonewalled presenting us with a lease but asked for a month's rent to hold the apt (which we did). Then a week later emails telling us the owner wants $1k more per month or will re-list the apartment. Thankfully we got our check back, but after many wasted hours. Broker blamed landlord, but either way, totally untrustworthy as a counterparty. We spoke with residents of building who gave similar stories of legally questionable/ethically bankrupt conduct by landlord.