Tenants in a group of rent-stabilized Brooklyn Heights buildings say long-running disrepair has rendered their homes unsafe, with complaints ranging from leaks and mold to rodent infestations and ceilings that have given way.
What’s happening?
The tenants, already facing New York City’s steep housing costs, suspect that their landlords are intentionally neglecting the buildings to pressure them to leave their units, BK Reader reported.
The five landmarked Riverside Buildings — home to 156 rent-stabilized apartments and eight commercial units on Columbia Place and Joralemon Street — were the focus of a July 15 rally where residents pressed the Pinnacle Group to address persistent problems.
According to residents, they have faced leaks, mold, rodent mites, heat failures, water shutoffs, and structural hazards such as collapsing ceilings and staircases. Some tenants reported developing body rashes due to the disrepair…