Comptroller’s Report Finds Chronic Lack of Heat Issues in Over 1,000 Buildings, Recommendations to Enhance City Response

On January 9, 2023, the Office of Comptroller Brad Lander released a new report “Turn Up the Heat,” which reviews the City’s efforts in addressing chronic heat complaints. By law, from October 1 through May 31, landlords are required to maintain indoor temperatures at 68 degrees in the daytime when outdoor temperatures are below 55 degrees, and at least 62 degrees indoors at night, regardless of the outdoor temperature. Hot water must also be provided <Read More>


City Announces Lawsuits Against Two Landlords and One Settlement for Building Code Violations, Dangerous Conditions

On January 6, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams and Corporation Counsel Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix announced the filing of two lawsuits against Alma Realty Corp. and Empire Management America Corp. for the failure to fix thousands of code violations which created dangerous living conditions for tenants. Additionally, the city announced a settlement with Sentinel Real Estate Corporation to establish a timeline for repairs.


DOB Launches Winter Construction Safety Campaign

The campaign follows four tragic fatalities on construction sites between November and December 2022. On December 28, 2022, Department of Buildings Acting Commissioner Kazimir Vilenchik announced the launch of a new winter construction safety campaign. The safety campaign aims to highlight potential dangers for serious injuries and fatalities on work sites. The campaign follows a series of four tragic instances of worker fatalities on sites in November and December.


Bathtub accommodation denied

Elderly tenant sought lower tub or walk-in shower. Raquel Nuredin is an 87-year-old tenant of a rent-controlled apartment building located at 31-14 42nd Street in Astoria, Queens owned by Koufa Reality. Nuredin has a claw foot tub in her apartment and is unable to use her tub because she cannot safely enter or exit due to her advanced age.


Housing Unable to Bring Harassment Claim

Judge finds that The Department of Housing does not have the authority to bring a cause of action for harassment within the Housing Maintenance Code. Juda and Baruch Rosenfeld own a property located at 180 East 18 Street, Brooklyn, New York. The Department of Housing Preservation sued the Rosenfeld’s for allegedly failing to comply with Housing Maintenance Code violations, and for harassing tenants.


Mayor, Small Business Services Appoint Dasheeda Dawson as Cannabis NYC Director

As the initiative’s founding director, Dawson will serve as the primary liaison between SBS, other city agencies, and key stakeholders. On October 12, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams and Small Business Commissioner Kevin Kim announced the appointment of Dasheeda Dawson as founding director of the City’s new Cannabis NYC initiative. For CityLand’s previous coverage of the Cannabis NYC initiative, click here.