Illegal Washer Dryer
My rent controlled tenant has installed a washer dryer. This is causing sinks to back up, creates noise to the tenants below her, and could cause a massive flood if it overlowed. Anyone have any tips on how I can get her to remove it. I’ve already given her a letter explaining why I want…
My rent controlled tenant has installed a washer dryer. This is causing sinks to back up, creates noise to the tenants below her, and could cause a massive flood if it overlowed. Anyone have any tips on how I can get her to remove it. I’ve already given her a letter explaining why I want it removed but she simply refuses. I’d prefer not to just consult a lawyer. thx.
Try to convince the tenant to get insurance.
I hope you have enough insurance on your building.
If the tenant has a disability or is a senior citizen, you might be out of luck in getting the washing machine removed.
Washing machines are usually run on 220v not 110.
It could be a fire hazard if tenant is running a 220v appliance off of a 110 volt power.
Call the DOB electrical control bureau and discuss it with them or your local electric company.
Maybe speak to the fire department as well.
They will help you.
I was paraphrasing multiple search results- but the tone of the NYT article implied to me that it was not just a case of “do as I say” for the landlord- otherwise why would there be a surcharge issue.
I’ve lost the page talking about showing damages tho.
OK, this is what I found 5:00.
First you file this “notice to cure” give the tenant 15 days from the date of mailing – do it RRR. Notice should look something like this:
:384. Notice to tenant to cure violation of substantial obligation of tenancy
To:
[address]
Notice is given that:
1. You are violating a substantial obligation of your tenancy in the premises located at [address, including apartment number, if any], City of , State of New York, and rented from me under a written lease dated , in that you [specify covenant breached or obligation violated] by [set forth facts establishing existence of violation].
2. Demand is made that you cure the above specified violation [on or before (date), or within 10 days after service of this notice on you], and if you fail and refuse to do so, I will commence proceedings to recover possession of the premises, as provided by law.
Dated .
AFter that you move to Notice of Termination which is explained at this link:
http://courts.state.ny.us/courts/nyc/housing/pdfs/Landlordbooklet.pdf
Please let us know what your findings are as it might help with similar issues facing landlords with uncooperative tenants.
thx
Left work early, went to housing court, and had a phone consultation with a lawyer. First, the lawyer admitted it would cost a couple of grand to pursue this and that’s if we don’t need to bring in witnesses in a long trial etc.
Seems as if I first have to file a Notice to Cure, then a Notice of Termination. Looking where I can find those pleadings now. I think I’ll try and do this pro se.
If you act like a doormat people will continue to walk all over you. Show that you are not an invertibrate. As a landlord you are running a business. Get the professional advice to run your business properly or sell it to someone else or it will fail.
3:23/2:43 – Where is the compromise on her part? She takes it upon herself to install fixtures to the roof, a washing machine in her unit that will result in increased water bills. And now, as a “Compromise” you propose spending more money on pumbing to accomidate her. The compromise would be if she pays for the plumbing work, but she is not going to do that is she?
slopefarm is right. an initial consultation to let you know where you stand isn’t going to be that expensive either
3:40 raises a good point. In fact, OP is exposed to some risk that teh other tenants who are harmed by problems caused by the washer will start withholding rent or seek other recourse.
OP seems to be looking for detailed legal advice, something you are just not going to get lawyers to do (insert your own greedy lawyer joke here). OP, if this is a serious problem for you, and not merely a minor nuisance, you should bite the bullet and consult with an attorney who is knowledgeable about L&T matters in the rent control context. You may not have to pay the lawyer to do much other than chart your initial course through a consutlation. You can decide if and when you need to raise the stakes and turn the matter over.
Although there are many good ideas posted here, you follow them at your own risk. If what you want is for the tenant to remove the washer herself, there is no magic wand. You need to find your leverage and use it wisely. Your problem is not novel, so it won’t cost you much beyond an initial consultation to get you moving in the right direction.
Finally, I think your instinct is correct not to move to self-help too precipitously.