Posted by Matt on December 16, 1997 at 01:43:22:
In Reply to: Re: Rodents posted by Stan on November 11, 1997 at 16:19:22:
:
: : I recently moved into an apartment building which was just renovated and is rent stabilized, but the rents are definitely market rates - especially for the neighborhood. The building next door is old and abandoned. It isn't even really a building, it is a shell, a foundation and a large hole filled with junk.
: : In our building we have laundry facilities in the basement and garbage/recycling facilities in the basement as well. You can only imagine what is coming....RATS!!! All the time - day, night, lights on, lights off. It is awful. I've called and commplained three times to the management and each time they have sent out an exterminator. However, the next time I go down there, there are still rats. Additionally, we have received a nasty letter about recycling compliance and a threat of fines.
: : I don't know what to do next. These are common areas which need to be maintained. I refuse to do my laundry in the building any longer.
: : Considering the state of landlords in this city - is there anything else I can do or expect? Will the rats ever come upstairs? At what point might I be able to break my lease over this issue (I really don't want to - I like my apartment.)?
: Yes the rats could definitely come upstairs--and probably are upstairs already. You should contact the health department, as this sounds like an emergency situation. Exterminating isn't enough -- what you need is rat-proofing. In some basements that is not always possible.
: If you want, you could lay the groundwork for withholding rent, by documenting the rat problem.
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