I've been reading this board for awhile, and it's been really enlightening--thanks. I've lived in a rent-stabilized apartment in lower Manhattan for 4 years now, and I have two questions.
1. Approximately two months ago, my toilet, in layman's terms, "broke." It overflowed due to a broken valve (in the toilet installed by my LL, unaltered by me in any way) that prevented flushing and the water going back down. The overflow happened late one evening, and I had nearly a foot of water in my bathroom. I had tried, unsuccessfully, in the past to get the number for the maintenance people who work for my landlord, and my super was out of town. Because I was unable to reach anyone at my LL's office (I did leave a message, which went unanswered), I had to call an outside plumber who repaired my toilet for a substantially large rate.
I called my LL again, and was told to forward the bill to them, which I did. I have been following up several times a week, and I was told that the bill has been sent to their maintenance people for review several weeks ago. I've continued to follow up, but my messages go unanswered.
I've looked for provisions and cases on this, but am unable to find anything. Being that appears to be a situation that would have normally been covered by my LL under his duty to keep the premises in good repair, shouldn't I be entitled to receive a rent abatement? I'm pragmatic and am aware that maintenance people sometimes overcharge (especially single women in desperate situations) so I am not expecting to receive an abatement in the full amount of the bill, but I think there should be reimbursement to a reasonable extent.
What's the next step? My LL is sitting on this. Should I begin an HP proceeding? I have consistently paid timely rent during my tenancy, and I have continued to pay my rent in full after these repairs for fear of a holdover proceeding. Does anyone have advice or similar experience?
2. Several tenants in my building have been offered and accepted "buyouts" where the LL has offered them approximately $10,000 to move from their rent-stabilized apartments. One couple who was offered this buyout was only allowed to accept it on the condition that they not attend community board meetings and discuss their issues with the building with other tenants. I have a feeling that I may be approached for a buyout in the near future, and I'm curious if these conditions are proper on my LL's part, and if he's allowed to impose these.
Thanks again for any help!