Rules for Repairs


Can someone please tell me the rules for repairs made in a rental apartment? I am a tenant and my landlord always has his brother-in-law making repairs. Generally, they are shoddy enough that repairs must be made to the repairs or are just coverups, instead of actually addressing the issue.

What are the legalities in terms of having a licensed contractor? Does that stand for any and all repairs? For a certain type of repair?

As an example, in the last year, I’ve had windows replaced and a counter top replaced, both my the BIL. The windows were “finished” by nailing up salvageable pieces of wood and slats of a thin balsa-looking wood. Never painted. The counter top was placed on a known and visible rotting counter.

In considering signing a new lease, I want to require a licensed contractor for any and all repairs but want to make sure that I’m not ignoring anything.

Please advise.

Categories: Renters
By kelly1013 | 03/02/2010 9:39 AM | Comment

Tenant Looking for Apartment


Hi!

I’m hoping it’s not too gauche to post here about looking for an apartment. If there is anyone out there with a place to rent, or who knows of an available apartment, please contact me (huff13puff@yahoo.com).

- Looking to move in any time after April 1st
- Max rent I want to pay is $1200
- Looking for at least a one-bedroom though two would be ideal
- I have two cats who are well behaved and are only indoor
- I would consider signing a two-year lease if the space/price are viable and landlord is amenable
- I would be more than happy to offer services in a garden/outside space or helping to maintain common areas (hallways, outside space, taking garbage to the curb) in exchange for a slightly cheaper rent
- I would love to stay as close to Prospect Park as possible but my main concerns are location to grocery, laundry, and subway

Categories: Renters
By kelly1013 | 02/18/2010 12:03 PM | Comment

landlord issues


I have been living in my rental for almost five years. I haven’t had a lease for the past two because, when I renegotiated my rent, my landlord never provided one. I tried to get one, trust me, I tried.

My landlord is from Guyana so I respect that there are cultural differences. However, I’m at my wit’s end.

- he doesn’t come to make repairs when he says he will

- when he does come to make repairs, it’s usually unscheduled

- he uses his brother-in-law for repairs and has said that the man can’t be in my apartment alone because he steals

- we have had to deal with no heat off and on all winter because his electrician doesn’t have a cell and the landlord has admitted he has no clue how to work the boiler

- what repairs are done are shoddy and ugly so I pick my battles when it comes to fixing things in my apartment

I have tried bringing these issues, and many many more to his attention but they fall on deaf ears. The other tenants just accepts this so I’m the only one standing up for myself.

I’ve kept thorough written records and pictures to cover my butt. I’ve submitted two anonymous no heat requests (there are only four apartments in the building so I didn’t want to call myself out) to 311.

Is there anything else that I can do? Or is it time for me to accept that I unfortunately have a crappy landlord and either deal or move?

Categories: Landlord
By kelly1013 | 02/04/2010 3:59 PM | Comment

Power Outage on Flatbush?


Hi!

I frequent a number of Brooklyn blogs and am surprised I haven’t been able to
find any news about this.

I live on Lefferts Ave. and had a friend over last night. We noticed the lights
flickering a lot and, when he went home (to Maple Street), he found out why. He
said that two manhole covers had exploded on Flatbush, there were fire trucks
everywhere, and his building had no power. Turns out a good chunk of Maple Street was left without power until this morning.

I’ve searched everywhere (here, blogs, papers) and haven’t been able to find
anything. Anyone?

Thanks!

Categories: News/Commentary
By kelly1013 | 01/28/2010 12:37 PM | Comment