No Hot Water in Building
For the past several days there has been no hot water in my building. This is the second time this has happened in 2010. My landlord is already aware of this situation, but is taking his time to get it fixed. From previous experience, the landlord has hired unlicensed workers to “fix” other problems, which…
For the past several days there has been no hot water in my building. This is the second time this has happened in 2010. My landlord is already aware of this situation, but is taking his time to get it fixed. From previous experience, the landlord has hired unlicensed workers to “fix” other problems, which continue to break down- I assume he is waiting for this unlicensed worker to fix this current problem. I quote him saying “The mechanic will come when he gets around to it.” The ground floor tenant said there was a terrible gas leak due to negligence. I assume this is why there is no hot water. I have already reported the issue to 311. When they have come to inspect the building in the past, they have mentioned that there were a lot of building violations.
How does a landlord get away with so many violations?
What would be a reasonable amount of money to deduct from my next rent check due to the lack of water heat?
What can I do or who can I call to fix the water heating issue?
This is one of many other building issues that continue to haunt me and the other tenants of the building.
Thank you!
A LICENSED PLUMBER IS NEEDED TO REPLACE A WATER HEATER. YOU ARE TOUCHING GAS. A HOMEOWNER CAN DO IT IN THEIR OWN HOME, NOT HOME DEPOT. LESS THAN 6 FAMILIES IT CAN BE LISTED ON A MONTHLY OP-128 FORM AND ONLY IF THE HEATER WAS REGISTERED ON THE INITIAL INSTALLATION! ACCESS NEEDED TO EACH APARTMENT ONLY TO BLEED AIR ONCE A NEW HEATER IS INSTALLED….HELPFUL, BUT NOT NECESSARY.
I dealt with this kind of behavior from my former landlord for the past 3 years. it will either get worse (no hot water or heat all winter), or it truly is an isolated situation – but from what you write, it might be safe to assume it won’t be. if you’re hearing from various tenants that this is a common occurance (you can check this yourself on the hpd website), then I would seriously consider moving – it isn’t worth trying to convince a shitty landlord that they have an obligation to provide you with certain things at all times (hot water being one of them.) 311 creates an official paper trail, but at the end of the day, all they can do is issue violations, which your landlord can (& probably will) chose to ignore. some landlords simply just don’t care, whether you call 311 every day, or withold rent, or take legal action (pacc offers very good & free legal help.) honestly, move out.
beyond that, do not make copies of your keys to give to the plumber. if he needs to access your apartment, he will knock & be given access to it by you. to repair a boiler, he will not need direct access to each apartment.
I hope habitability is worth more to you than slumlord reform. you can go to housing court, sure (& if you have the time, go for it), but to him, it’s just another day in the life of.
Anyone recommend a good apartment or apartment search database? Anyone know of an apartment available in their building? I am tired of craigslist false listings on location(like calling somewhere in bedstuy clinton hill) and apartment size (like calling studio apartment 1 bedrooms)
would it be a similar resolution to the issue of a broken boiler? or does that require a different procedure?
A broken boiler is serviced from the basement and he has no need to gain access to your apartment. I did have to gain access to apartments which had issues with their radiators though.
Something is definitely wrong with your landlord. I highly doubt that calling 311 every day will change things. Even though 311 does not inform the landlord which tenant complained ….you landlord might have a pretty good guess and make things hard for you.
As recommended above….I suggest you look for another apartment. Especially now while the rental market is on your side. There is no way you will be able to reform this guy.
i hear ya, but reforming a db lazy LL is very unlikely. He is probs acting lazy and db’y for exactly the reason you mention. I was in a similar situation as you a few years back, and decided to break the RS lease instead of it affecting my quality of life any further. Who cares about the next tenant? Who cares if he will make more money? At least it won’t be *your* problem anymore. In the meantime, keep calling 311.
Did you give a copy of your key? I sure hope not. Let your landlord know you do not have a leak in your apartment and you do expect for her/him to access your apartment without your knowledge. As far as having a key…your locks have been changed.
I know it’s easy to suggest someone to move- but right now it does not seem like a solution to my problem- which is dealing with this db of a landlord when it comes to fixing issues with the building. I don’t want to runaway; Which is probably what he would like to do to so he can raise the rent for the future tenants. I want to reform!
ugh, then why not take this opportunity to break your lease and find a better place? the market is still favoring renters….i am sure you have plenty of legit info to get out of your lease legally….
Actually I am not paying pennies at all- It’s quite a lot.