Even Heating


I am a renter in a beautiful 2 family brownstone. The landlord lives on the garden and parlor floors. My family lives on the 2nd and 3rd floor. My issue, is that the landlord has not installed zoned heating in the building. The thermostat is located in his unit. While his apartment reads: 72-75 degrees, my unit is regularly below 65 degrees, especially on the 3rd floor where the bedrooms are. I have a 2 year old, and a newborn on the way, and need to resolve this heating issue with my landlord, who refuses to turn up the heat, given that there is no heating issues in his until.

Does anyone have any experience with a similar issue like this? How can we best resolve.
1. My landlord getting too hot?
2. My family getting too cold?

Another thing to note, heat is included in my lease. Expert advise from the community will be greatly appreciated!

Categories: Heating
By printpants | 11/30/2009 12:40 PM | Comment

Crumbling Brick


I am a renter in a beautiful duplex brownstone in Carroll Gardens. We have exposed brick walls in the kitchen, with a non-working brick fireplace. The owner has chosen not to seal the interior brick. Although this adds charm to the kitchen, I worry about the health hazards of the crumbling brick for my family. I have a 2yr old and new born. I don’t mind the clean-up, but does anyone know if there is any immediate health hazards for old crumbling brick (interior) walls?

Categories: Masonry
By printpants | 10/31/2009 10:43 AM | Comment