noise from construction in apt. below

[jonay]

since feb. 10 i have been plagued by extremely excessive noise due to construction in the apartment below. the place was gutted and they are starting from scratch so one can imagine the noise level. they begin every morning at 8am and go until 7 - 8pm every night, including saturday. they're also just beginning the drywall phase (the kitchen and bath will go in next) so i expect the noise to continue for at least the next month.

my question is this; what are my rights concerning my rent? i seem to remember hearing somewhere that a rent reduction is in order for tenants living in apartments above, below, or adjacent to construction like the type going on in my building. anyone know the validity of this? am i even responsible for any of the rent during this period? i have been paying up till now but april rent is due and i'd like to find an answer before i have to pay another month. thanks for your help.

[mbrenner]

I don't know about rent reduction -- but you
could call the Dept of Buildings. I believe they
can only do construction from 8 am to 5 pm and
only on week-days (unless they get a special
permit for week-ends -- I'm unsure). They may
be violating regulations and even receive a fine.
I've been thru construction (in my building) no
one ever got one cent -- but the DOB was here a lot.