 HAZARDOUS CONDITION (by Keith L. Forest [NY]) May 10, 2017 5:11 AM
 HAZARDOUS CONDITION (by RathdrumGal [ID]) May 10, 2017 6:58 AM
HAZARDOUS CONDITION (by S i d [MO]) May 10, 2017 7:17 AM
HAZARDOUS CONDITION (by Barb [MO]) May 10, 2017 7:30 AM
HAZARDOUS CONDITION (by Robert,OntarioCanada [ON]) May 10, 2017 7:54 AM
HAZARDOUS CONDITION (by Vee [OH]) May 10, 2017 8:05 AM
HAZARDOUS CONDITION (by AllyM [NJ]) May 10, 2017 9:55 AM
HAZARDOUS CONDITION (by Wilma [PA]) May 11, 2017 1:07 PM
HAZARDOUS CONDITION (by Keith L. Forest [NY]) Posted on: May 10, 2017 5:11 AM
Message:
State Specific Question About: NEW YORK (NY)
I recently discovered that I am renting my studio apartment to a couple that are hoarders. The apartment is packed with stuff that they've grown emotionally attached to. I recently had the place exterminated and discovered a mice and roach outbreak that we have to remedy. In addition, they've obstructed the entrance to the backdoor with a closet and entrance to the utilities closet with various large objects.
New York City Landlord Tenant laws is extremely complex. I want to know can I address this issue in writing (I have documented the clutter and have been keeping a log of the incidents) and ask them to fix it as it is a safety and fire hazard that places them, the building as well as others in danger. Since it has led to a mice and roach infestation, as well as a health hazard, can I take action, if so what actions can I take and can I issue a addendum to protect myself and the unit?
Blessings,
Keith L. Forest/Urban ID Media - 917-714-8998 --67.83.xxx.xxx |
HAZARDOUS CONDITION (by RathdrumGal [ID]) Posted on: May 10, 2017 6:58 AM
Message:
Hoarding is now considered a mental Health diagnosis and falls under the auspices of Fair Housing. You should consult a Fair Housing attorney. It is my understanding (no personal experience) that you will first need to have a series of meetings between the tenant, yourself and a licensed clinical social worker in an attempt to resolve the issues. Google hoarding plus Fair Housing. Good luck and keep us posted. --98.145.xx.xxx |
HAZARDOUS CONDITION (by S i d [MO]) Posted on: May 10, 2017 7:17 AM
Message:
While RathdrumGal is possibly correct regarding hoarding (I don't know one way or the other) the problem here is not the hoarding. Eliminate that from your vocabulary. The problem is the tenants have created unsanitary conditions that pose a safety hazard. Sent notice to Cure or Quit the premises. If they fail, evict for damages/unpaid exterminator bills, unless NY law requires the LL to pay for extermination regardless of who is at fault.
Keep away from Fair Housing issues. People are entitled to hoard as odd as that seems. They are not entitled to create unsanitary or unsafe living conditions. Make it about the latter, period. Call code enforcement if you have to and let them document the condition of the place. Do NOT make this about their hoarding. Do not mention their hoarding ever. Again, eliminate the word "hoarding" from your vocabulary. Let the official powers-that-be state the symptom as dangerous to persons and property; don't make this your opinion on their house-keeping. This is simply a sanitation issue and needs to be treated as such.
--173.19.xx.xxx |
HAZARDOUS CONDITION (by Barb [MO]) Posted on: May 10, 2017 7:30 AM
Message:
Not only is it unsanitary, it sounds like they blocked an exit, making a potential emergency exit impossible.
You wrote: they've obstructed the entrance to the backdoor with a closet and entrance to the utilities closet with various large objects
Focus on those statements. The closet that blocks the backdoor means no egress in an emergency, and that emergency personnel cannot enter that way.
The Entrance to the utilities closet blocked means no access to water heater, furnace, circuit box, etc.
Meanwhile, I would document those violations in writing and give them a cure or quit notice. This is one instance I might contact code enforcement. You might be able to get the fire department to do a voluntary inspection of entrances and exits plus check smoke alarms? I'd check them yourself first, then contact fire department for documentation. --131.151.xx.xx |
HAZARDOUS CONDITION (by Robert,OntarioCanada [ON]) Posted on: May 10, 2017 7:54 AM
Message:
Try to contact a landlords association where google to find one. Most jurisdictions impairing safety is grounds for eviction. --66.199.xx.xx |
HAZARDOUS CONDITION (by Vee [OH]) Posted on: May 10, 2017 8:05 AM
Message:
It sounds like the fire exit is blocked, this requires an immediate resolution to retain tenancy, I would be generous and inspect in 3 days that area has been cleared and in fact access for a EMT cot can be taken thru the entire unit, everyone has a favorite recliner and footrest which can be slipped out of the way to get the cot into the bedroom where a person is unable to walk from. --76.188.xxx.xx |
HAZARDOUS CONDITION (by AllyM [NJ]) Posted on: May 10, 2017 9:55 AM
Message:
Oh, they are not hoarding, they just want to keep their stuff and those NY apartments are the size of a closet. Just keep talking to them and take one issue at a time. --73.33.xxx.xxx |
HAZARDOUS CONDITION (by Wilma [PA]) Posted on: May 11, 2017 1:07 PM
Message:
Hi Keith, welcome to the forum! Just a friendly suggestion - do as the rest of us do, and use just a first name or a pseudonym. Tenants can use Google, and could find your posts and use them against you, perhaps.
--71.175.xxx.xxx |
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