Posted by Scott Bowman on July 30, 1997 at 12:50:03:
In Reply to: Re: Harassment: does it carry a prison term now (1997 Reform)? posted by TenantNet on July 30, 1997 at 12:18:35:
: : I have had no luck finding out (officialy) if Building Owner harassment of
: : a tenant carries possible imprisonment.
: : The Rent Regulation Reform Act of 1997 states that a fine of $1000-$5000
: : can be imposed on a Building Owner (or superintendent collecting rent for
: : the owner) if they harass a tenant with intent to cause the tenant to
: : vacate the housing accomodation. I had heard rumors of possible
: : imprisonment with that but can't seem to confirm it officially.
: : Can someone give me an 'official confirmation' amswering this dilemma
: : (that the above CAN or CANNOT be imprisoned as per such and such law)?
: Don't put much (if any) faith in these new provisions. There have been
: similar provisions on the books for years and they've gone unenforced.
: This was all a public relations ploy by Pataki and Silver. The amount of
: time landlords have been imprisoned can be counted on one hand with
: two fingers cut off. One (of several) problems is how can you prove
: "intent" unless you have a video tape of the owner actually doing
: something and where he admits he is "intending" to get the tenant out.
: Some actions should be obvious as to owner's intentions, but the
: real world is that the politicans, DHCR and the courts virtually
: never enforce these statutes.
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Dear respondent,
I'm honestly appreciative of your response and insight to the "real world".
Sure, things don't always work as they should by the book.
Nonetheless, i want to put something in writing to distribute in my
building. In my building the power of the pen has been demonstrated
and an answer to my question would indeed be helpful.
(Bear in mind, that when dealing with a landlord who has a bad past record
you are at an advantage because he wants to keep his nose clean.
It is similar to dealing with a criminal who is on parole.
They don't need more trouble. I handle such situations brilliantly.
I can do a good job at proving intent or proving pretty much anything
if i want to).
If you know the answer to my question, I repeat that it would indeed
be helpful to me (and the tenants that I represent).
If you don't know the answer but can direct me I appreciate it.
Thank you
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