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Hi all. I own a small building in Brooklyn – 2 apartments and a store. The units have consistently been rented for the last 7 years, with no problems from any tenants. We have a part-time super that cleans in front of the building every week, as well as the landing, stairs & hallways several times a month. I’ve had no complaints except for this one tenant who has been increasingly demanding and borderline harassing in the last year or so. I have accomodated her every request, since she pays on time and keeps her apartment in good condition. She calls every week to demand the hallways be painted – though they were painted three years ago and traffic in the building is minimal. She complains about the cleanliness of the stairs, though I always check on them at least twice a month and they really are spotless. She refuses to sign her lease unless I remove several clauses regarding any alteration in the apartment. These clauses have been in the lease I present my tenants with since I bought the building, which clearly state (among other things) no painting can be done without my approval. She recently repainted the apartment without my permission, though upon inspection I was fine with it. She emails and calls constantly, calls me names – my favorite is “belligerent” – though I have truly done everything I can to keep this woman happy. I recently renovated the kitchen & bathroom for her, though she is now complaining that the work is not professional enough and the workers made her apartment dirty. She has lived in the apartment for 2 years, this would be her third, and she has only had one 4% rent increase. This is not a rent-stabilized building and the rent is slightly below market (downtown Brooklyn/Cobble Hill area.)

I am at my wits end. She now calls my husband and daughter – who both manage the property with me – to complain on a consistent basis. She has called me the same names to them, says I am inconsiderate to her needs and that I do not address any of the problems the building has fast enough. I am consistent with the heat and painting laws in NYC, as well as those regarding security, water, etc. What to do when a tenant is so demanding despite all you do? What are my rights here?

I appreciate any help & will be glad to provide more info.