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Posted by TenantNet on January 04, 1997 at 02:29:08:

In Reply to: What to do when agencies fail to remedy problems posted by Nina on January 03, 1997 at 20:40:16:

: My landlord, Walter Sakow has been cited by the DHCR, Dept. of Buildings, and ECB for numerous violations, many of which relate to ongoing illegal construction. According to Community Board 6, he neither appears in court nor has paid any fines. In June 96 Midtown Enforcement closed down an illegal gambling club being run in a converted ground floor unit.
: This past week the gas was turned off by Con Ed due to leaks caused by landlord's demolition activities. Con Ed was called by a tenant who came home to find a strong smell of gas in apartment and throughout building.
: Can legal action be brought against landlord on behalf of tenants on grounds such as "criminal neglect" or "reckless endangerment" in light of the fact that he has willfully ignored fines and citations and continues activities that put tenants at risk?
: It seems as if the typical channels of complaint are ineffectual.

You're not kidding. Both DHCR and HPD are landlord-run agencies and
the so-called tenant protections are but a shell. The first step you
should take (if not done already) is to organize your building so
you will have an effective force to reckon with. Don't get caught up
in anger, but make a list of issues you want to deal with. You can bring
HP Actions in Housing Court or you may seek (among many other potential
remedies) to have a 7-A Administrator appointed to run the building.
None of this is easy and you should speak with either a lawyer or
experienced housing group. Above all, make use of the info on our
web site.

Follow Ups:

• Re: What to do when agencies fail to remedy problems Nina 1/04/97 (1)
  • Re: What to do when agencies fail to remedy problems TenantNet 1/04/97 (0)

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Comments:
: : My landlord, Walter Sakow has been cited by the DHCR, Dept. of Buildings, and  ECB for numerous violations, many of which relate to ongoing illegal construction.  According to Community Board 6, he neither appears in court nor has paid any fines.  In June 96 Midtown Enforcement closed down an illegal gambling club being run in a converted ground floor unit.
: : This past week the gas was turned off by Con Ed due to  leaks caused by landlord's demolition activities.  Con Ed was called by a tenant who came home to find a strong smell of gas in apartment and throughout building.
: : Can legal action be brought against landlord on behalf of tenants on grounds such as "criminal neglect" or "reckless endangerment" in light of the fact that he has willfully ignored fines and citations and continues activities that put tenants at risk? 
: : It seems as if the typical channels of complaint are ineffectual.

: You're not kidding. Both DHCR and HPD are landlord-run agencies and
: the so-called tenant protections are but a shell. The first step you
: should take (if not done already) is to organize your building so
: you will have an effective force to reckon with. Don't get caught up
: in anger, but make a list of issues you want to deal with. You can bring
: HP Actions in Housing Court or you may seek (among many other potential
: remedies) to have a 7-A Administrator appointed to run the building.
: None of this is easy and you should speak with either a lawyer or
: experienced housing group. Above all, make use of the info on our
: web site.


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