-John Nuzzolese
It was May 2007 when I received the keys to my very first apartment. My roommates and I were so excited. FINALLY we were real adults handling real responsibilities. No rules there weren’t our own, we could come and go as we please and company whenever we wanted. We definitely thought we were living the life. As time went on and the seasons changed, we started to notice things wrong in the apartment. The entrance door to the building itself was broken for a while and hadn’t been fixed. The heat was never turned on so we were freezing! My roommate’s window wouldn’t entirely close so her room was like an icebox and we found what looked like mice droppings throughout the place. The landlord was ALWAYS M.I.A but was ALWAYS available to pick up the rent. When comfronting him about the issues at hand, his response was always the same “No problem. I’ll take care of it.” After finally going through the court system in order for us to receive some justice, we were allowed to keep the money we had withheld from him because of the unfit living environment and was allowed out of our lease. This is the story for more then half of New Yorkers dealing with good for nothing “slumlords” as most like to call them. There is one everywhere, trying to get over on someone. They feel depending on the age, sex, or citizenship status; they can get away with treated one as if there nothing. Well 1stClassLadies are here to bluntly tell you THAT’S A CROCK OF SHIT!! We’re here to put you on to any and everything you need to know when looking for an apartment, having problems within your current apartment or want out and need to know how!
The Before Check.
· When applying for apartments, be certain to check everything BEFORE signing anything. If this is your first apartment, take someone with you who has personally looked for an apartment themselves. This way the proper questions, comments and/or concerns are being obtained.
· Check out the building on the web for violations. Even inquire with neighbors and/or other tenants. The landlord might lie but the people won’t. Especially if they are going through issues with the landlord themselves. Also Google the neighborhood in general. With the technology of computers now a days, you can find out what activity has been going on in that particular area.
· Check ALL things that should work in the apartment. Turn knobs, cut water off and on as well as lights, closets, toilets, the door bell, even down to the tile on the floor. This way if something is incorrect, they can be fixed before the move even takes place.
· Ask as many questions as you want. Be as informed as you can be about were your going to be living in order for you to feel safe and comfortable.
During Time Period. So you have been in your place for a while and problems that weren’t there in the beginning have started to submerge. Let’s handle that!
· If things are staring to break are come undone SAY SOMETHING. You pay you’re hard earned money to reside there as a result you should be getting your moneys worth.
· Don’t Be Afraid. If the results are not handled in a timely manner or at all after reaching out to you landlord more then twice call 311. Keep records of ALL documents that are sent to you. They sign your lease jus like you do and are suppose to uphold there end of the bargain just as you do when it comes to paying them.
· If you and your neighbors are in agreement that the things transpiring from the situation is not right, take a stand TOGETHER. One voice is great and can definitely get the job done but more is always greater. The bigger the team, the better the statement.
· Play Private Eye. Take pictures or record problem (s) keep a paper trail, log down calls to the landlord. Note what was said and whether you spoke to them or left a message. The more evidence you have to show they are not doing their job the better.
Judgment Day. If nothing comes of you complaints its time for court! If you’re choosing to not pay rent as your method getting the landlord’s attention make sure to put the rent in money orders. This way you can prove to the judge it’s not that you don’t have the money however you want the damages fixed first or he/she let’s you out of the lease. Understand most judges have no sympathy for slumlords taking advantage of their tenants. The home is supposed to be your place of comfort not your place of misery.
The website to check the status of a bldg. http://www.nyc.gov/html/hpd/html/pr2007/pr-03-29-07.shtml
E~M~P~L~O~Y~M~E~N~T
No comments:
Post a Comment