I live in a rent-stabilized apartment, and my landlord is a large organization that operates many 100% affordable/supportive housing complexes throughout the city. Not too concerned about them identifying me from details here... I would love to actually talk to them
A little over 3 weeks ago, the AC (central air system) stopped working throughout the building. It has since been restored to several floors, but has not been fixed on mine. As far as I know, none of my neighbors on my floor have functioning AC right now. I have tried contacting my building's maintenance staff and management multiple times and gotten no response. I've spoken to building security who says maintenance "is aware of the issue" and "it sounds like the whole system has to be replaced." A few of my neighbors called 311 and HPD did an inspection, but the case was closed because HPD can't order the landlord to fix the AC. They did issue one violation for lack of ventilation in my floor's hallway area.
After 9 days, I filed a decrease in services complaint through DHCR. This is where things started getting weird. The day after I filed my complaint, the AC turned back on. It wasn't working very well, but it brought the temp down to the upper 70s and was good enough for me. 4 days later, it completely stopped working again.
Then last Thursday it started working again, and was very powerful. My thermostat said the unit was centrally locked and I couldn't change the settings (On/Cool/68), even though I pay for my own electricity. But yesterday, it turned OFF again. And at some point yesterday or today my DHCR complaint status moved to "final review."
My questions:
1. Is there anything else I can do here to compel my landlord to fix the AC?
2. I'm not aware of DHCR doing any inspections, but it seems odd that my case status changed right after my AC was fixed & locked on for 4 days. I'm worried the LL fixed it, certified that to DHCR, then turned it off again in retaliation. Is that delusional? And if it's not, what are my options (assuming DHCR does rule in the LL's favor)?
Thank you!