I am a rent controlled tenant (51+ years at this location) living in NYC (28 Unit Apt Building).
We have been having problems with the landlord ranging from rent issues, maintaining the common areas, and tenant harassment.
The landlord recently started renovations replacing common area walls, installation of new apt entry doors, and installation of a new intercom system.
Common Area work was begun without proper notice to tenants resulting in major chaos from the debris.
Additionally, installation of apt entry doors was started and the work being performed was sub-standard.
The tenants filed a complaint with DHCR and the landlord upon receiving notice of said complaint had his field agent approach certain tenants individually and demanded that they sign a statement rescinding their participation in the above mentioned complaint.
They all refused his request and the landlord's agent made threats such as "I don't think you will be getting a new door then" .
Landlord has since replaced the original workers and work is now being done properly in the Common Areas of the building.
Individual apt upgrades are being done (landlord still refuses to give proper notice to tenants).
Basically workers are sent to apt units unexpectedly and demand access to do the work.
Example: The contractor installing the intercom system came unexpectedly on a Sunday demanding access.
Many tenants are elderly and retired and grant them access either out of fear or ignorance of their tenant rights requiring proper notice.
Doing the work in this fashion has made the update process painfully slow as many other tenants are still employed or unavailable when workers are sent to do the work.
Work has slowly progressed to the point where about five units are still awaiting installation of new doors, and or intercom system.
It is no small coincidence that these tenants just happen to be:
I have received verbal threats from the landlord's field agent in the past such as:
"We are going to teach you a lesson" and "You are going to get yours..."
Certified letters sent to the landlord stating my desire to have these upgrades done and inquiring as to why I have never been contacted to schedule access go unanswered.
Additionally, since sending these inquiries to the landlord they have sped up the work in the common areas (new sheetrock surrounding tenant apt entry doors) so it is obvious they do not intend to change the remaining doors.
Here are my questions at this point:
Please advise ASAP...
We have been having problems with the landlord ranging from rent issues, maintaining the common areas, and tenant harassment.
The landlord recently started renovations replacing common area walls, installation of new apt entry doors, and installation of a new intercom system.
Common Area work was begun without proper notice to tenants resulting in major chaos from the debris.
Additionally, installation of apt entry doors was started and the work being performed was sub-standard.
The tenants filed a complaint with DHCR and the landlord upon receiving notice of said complaint had his field agent approach certain tenants individually and demanded that they sign a statement rescinding their participation in the above mentioned complaint.
They all refused his request and the landlord's agent made threats such as "I don't think you will be getting a new door then" .
Landlord has since replaced the original workers and work is now being done properly in the Common Areas of the building.
Individual apt upgrades are being done (landlord still refuses to give proper notice to tenants).
Basically workers are sent to apt units unexpectedly and demand access to do the work.
Example: The contractor installing the intercom system came unexpectedly on a Sunday demanding access.
Many tenants are elderly and retired and grant them access either out of fear or ignorance of their tenant rights requiring proper notice.
Doing the work in this fashion has made the update process painfully slow as many other tenants are still employed or unavailable when workers are sent to do the work.
Work has slowly progressed to the point where about five units are still awaiting installation of new doors, and or intercom system.
It is no small coincidence that these tenants just happen to be:
- Rent Controlled (Some living at this location for 50 years +)
- Where listed in the complaint(s) against the landlord on various issues
I have received verbal threats from the landlord's field agent in the past such as:
"We are going to teach you a lesson" and "You are going to get yours..."
Certified letters sent to the landlord stating my desire to have these upgrades done and inquiring as to why I have never been contacted to schedule access go unanswered.
Additionally, since sending these inquiries to the landlord they have sped up the work in the common areas (new sheetrock surrounding tenant apt entry doors) so it is obvious they do not intend to change the remaining doors.
Here are my questions at this point:
- What is the legal standard as far as required notice for access to tenant apt units for upgrades?
- Is it legal to "Cherry Pick" who will get such upgrades in the building?
Note: Building never had an intercom system before and one is being installed at the direct request by all tenants.
- How do we proceed at this point?
Please advise ASAP...
