Recent power failures in my neighborhood (Astoria) got me suspicious over status of my apartment. I was hoping that you might be able to give me some advice.
This is the current status of the building. It is a three floor house. There are 5 apartments: basement (a couple), first floor apartment (couple), one apartment on the second floor (3 roommates) and two separate apartments on the third floor (two couples).
This is what I found out in my research here and on department of buildings site:
Certificate of Occupancy from 1984 states that the building has
-a cellar (for accessory uses);
-1st floor with following details: zoning dwelling or rooming units: 1; building code habitable rooms: 2; zoning use group: 2; building code occupancy group: J-2
-2nd floor: zoning dwelling or rooming units: 1; building code habitable rooms: 5; zoning use group: 2; building code occupancy group: J-2
-and 3rd floor: zoning dwelling or rooming units: 1; building code habitable rooms: 5; zoning use group: 2; building code occupancy group: J-2
they are all 'described' as Multiple Dwelling “A”
Building is in zoning district R-5.
If I am reading this correctly there should be only one apartment on the 3rd floor with 5 rooms (like it is on the 2nd floor). However, I live in what the landlord on my lease calls apartment 3R (rear) and there is another couple that leaves across. We have one main entrance when you get on the third floor landing and then separate entrances, separate kitchens and separate bathrooms. And there is a small hallway between our two apartments.
I cannot find any other COF or building permits issued for this house number.
Is it safe to assume that apartments on the third floor are illegally separated?
Also, I could not find a definition of multiple dwelling “A” – and I am thinking that R-5 might have something to do with being able to have 5 apartments in the building… not sure.
I’d appreciate any insight that you might have.
Thank you.