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Hot Water laws

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Hot Water laws

Postby JingoFresh » Wed Apr 02, 2014 2:25 pm

In my apartment , I often have issues with the hot water. It runs out pretty quickly i.e. in 5 minutes or isn't there at all sometimes.

I am wondering, if this is legal? I have a lease that says hot water will be provided 24/7 and I thought that was the law.

My landlord says they installed an additional water heater (although nothing has changed) and that if I run out of water it could just be due to overlapping schedules and I would have to live with it.

Is this really correct?
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Postby TenantNet » Wed Apr 02, 2014 3:28 pm

You can call 311 and get an inspection. Just make sure when they come the water isn't hot on that day only.

The problem is that when complaints are made, HPD calls the LL and lets him know an inspector is coming, so the LL often turns on the water for that day, then goes back to the same old situation.
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Postby JingoFresh » Wed Apr 02, 2014 5:25 pm

Before I complain or do anything I'm trying to figure out if what they are doing is illegal or merely a breach of my lease.

Does hot water have to be available 24/7 in NYC?
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Postby TenantNet » Wed Apr 02, 2014 5:53 pm

Yes,

Don't complicate things. 24/7/365
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Re: Hot Water laws

Postby JingoFresh » Mon Apr 07, 2014 6:44 pm

I don't want to complicate things but wanted to avoid having a confrontational relationship, which seems out the window.

WIll call 311 to report, thank you for the info.

My ceiling lights shorted out and I've been waiting 2 weeks to get them fixed. Do I have any recourse to fix them myself and deduct the cost from my next rent?

How long is a reasonable time to fix ceiling lights, that are needed in the apartment?
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Re: Hot Water laws

Postby TenantNet » Mon Apr 07, 2014 6:59 pm

In my view, two weeks is more than enough time.

If you're handy and have the ability to do the work yourself - and if it's a minor repair - then that's one option.

If you want the LL to do it, and you don't have the skills, then the options are

a) repair and deduct, where you call an electrician and deduct the cost from your rent. Of course you could end up in court if the LL isn't willing to go along.

b) file a HP case

c) file with DHCR

d) withhold rent and have the LL take you on a non-payment case.

I would call 311 and get an inspector - either HPD, DOB or both.
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Re: Hot Water laws

Postby JingoFresh » Mon Jun 23, 2014 5:46 pm

Going to withhold rent for no hot water.

I have it but it runs out far too often or isn't available.

Do I have to do anything other than notify the landlord and wait to be taken to housing court?
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Re: Hot Water laws

Postby TenantNet » Mon Jun 23, 2014 5:59 pm

Get an inspection. Keep a dairy.
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Re: Hot Water laws

Postby JingoFresh » Mon Jun 23, 2014 6:01 pm

TenantNet wrote:Get an inspection. Keep a dairy.


I got an inspection via 311, but it was hot when he came. Will get another one.

Have my girlfriend as a witness to lack of hot water and have several emails detailing the issue.

Going to notify by email as that is how we communicate, unless it needs to be certified mail or something?
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Re: Hot Water laws

Postby TenantNet » Mon Jun 23, 2014 6:32 pm

Do it certified. Judges like that.
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Re: Hot Water laws

Postby JingoFresh » Mon Jun 23, 2014 6:33 pm

OK, thank you.
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