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Living in a sponsor controlled apartment Sep 22, 2017

I live in a co-op building since 2000, where one sponsor bought the majority of apartments. He does not reside there and only a few apartments are under rent stabilization. I am not and my lease says I sublet the apartment. The sponsor has never painted the apartment ( I ended up painting it myself)and if there is a problem, I deal with the super (who doesn't deal with subletees unless we pay him a large tip), I pay for a storage unit . and the better storage units are reserved for co-op owners.
My storage unit is next to a broken window where rodents took up residence and subsequently and destroyed everything. Even the super was shocked, but said there wasn't anything I could do. I live next to a serious hoarder who is infested with rats and roaches ( he is rent stabilized) . The fire department declared the apartment a fire hazard.
Still, I never complained about anything because I felt intimidated being a sublet.
The owner asked me to testify in court about this tenant ( I lost a days pay). The owner never followed through the courts recommendations.
Still, I never complained, even when the rent started going up $200 a year.
I'm a retired teacher living on a pension and I could no longer afford this apartment, so I'm moving upstate by the end of October.
For the first time, I'm late with my rent because I'm paying for 2 places .
Will I get in trouble if I don't pay Sept/ October rent ?
Does anyone have advice- I would greatly appreciate it!

Join the Conversation Comments (2)
Living in a sublet - Steven424 Sep 23, 2017

I'm sorry to hear about your situation and the fact you had to move due to the actions of your landlord.

You are asking a lot of good questions. Others may have good information and suggestions for you, but it sounds like your situation has a lot of legal ramifications for which you need authoritative advice. One place you can start is the NYC Housing Court at http://www1.nyc.gov/nyc-resources/service/1866/housing-court-and-tenant-landlord-disputes. See if their website can provide useful information.

One thing I do know is arbitrarily not paying legal rent, no matter how egregious the landlord's actions, almost never has a good ending. In the eyes of the court you owe the money until the court says otherwise. I hope the links on the Housing Court website will be able to answer your questions and give you a path towards a resolution.

Good luck!

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Withholding or having trouble? - REAPLLC Oct 10, 2017

You state all the items you would like remedied or repaired, issues you are having and deficiencies in your rental, then state that you're late because you are paying in 2 places.
So, are you having an issue paying and need Landlord understanding and assistance?
Or, are you withholding rent to try to get repairs made?
If its the first of the two, most Landlords will work with you to create a payment plan in time of need, especially if you've been good paying in the past. I almost always do with my Tenants. Its less costly than court.
If its the second, then you're on the wrong path to remediation and this will end up bad as the previous comment suggests. Better to request the repairs in writing and on record and advise that you will be paying the rent and formally request that these items be taken care of before XXX date. You can threaten any non-action with a phone call to HPD.

Good Luck,
~Anthony Reinglas

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