Tenants - I know some landlords might just piss you off. but not paying your rent until they comply, is not always the smartest thing to do. All tenants have rights, some you might not be aware of.
The main thing that will make a landlord not comply with your demands or needs is you not paying your rent. When you pay your rent, your landlord will be forced to comply with your demands, if he/she refuses you have the upper hand legally. However, keep in mind tenants have far less responsibilities than landlords, therefore the more the tenants do to maintain and conserve the property, The more the landlord can improve and accomplish around the premises. If tenants are constantly destroying and vandalizing the property, it takes more money and time to repair these damages. Tenants may not damage the building, intentionally or through neglect. Tenants are also responsible for the actions of their guests. Finally, tenants must obey the terms of their leases, pay rent on time and honor the rights of other tenants. I have done some research for you that might help you if your landlord is not complying with your basic every day requirements. HEAT AND HOT WATER October 1st and May 31st. During these months, between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., if the outside temperature is below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, building owners must heat apartments to at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., if the outside temperature falls below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, building owners must heat apartments to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit.By law, building owners also must ensure that tenants have hot water 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at a minimum constant temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. MOLD Mold is a type of fungi that can grow almost anywhere there is water, high humidity and damp conditions. If there is less than 10-square-feet of mold in your apartment on walls or other hard surfaces, you may use soap and water to clean the area. Make sure to wear gloves and dry the area thoroughly.If the mold spreads or returns quickly, or more than 10-square-feet of mold is visible, the landlord should be notifi ed. There may be an underlying condition such as a water leak that needs repair. If the landlord does not fi x the condition, the tenant should call 311. To learn more about mold, visit the City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s website at http://www.nyc.gov/doh
BED BUGS Left untreated, bed bugs can spread quickly in multi-dwelling housing. Both the housing and health codes require that property owners address infestations promptly. The surest strategies to keep bed bugs from spreading are prevention, early detection and rapid treatment. As a tenant, the first action you should take if you believe that you have bed bugs is to notify your landlord. Knowing what to look for is key!
To get more help please click on the resources tab for other helpful links!