How things got so bad
Estrella told Eyewitness News that there are still ongoing issues, with leaking pipes and mold in her renovated apartment, saying that her kitchen and bathroom plumbing were never properly fixed.
The tenants believe the renovations were just an excuse to hike rents, rather than improve conditions. They told Eyewitness News that the average rent increased by more than $200 a month.
"I have no way to explain it other than it was one of the worst experiences of our lives," said Juan Nunez.
"And then for us to get hit with rent increases all for that shoddy work, and to be paying that the last seven years, since 2018, we've been paying these rent increases."
A state judge recently ruled in favor of the tenants, ordering landlord Steve Finkelstein to pay back residents and reset rent prices.
"This is a precedent that says you cannot commit fraud and then use that fraud to hike up rents for residents," New York City councilperson Pierina Sanchez told Eyewitness News.
The tenants' lawyer Michael Leonard told the news channel that Finkelstein missed the court’s Feb. 10 deadline to issue refunds.
“We're gonna pursue our other legal options such as withholding our rents or asking state enforcement agencies to take further steps," Leonard said.
Finkelstein responded to a request for comment from Eyewitness News, saying, "We are trying to get this overturned. Hoping the judge will remand back to change the order. It was a simple mistake by [the] Department of Housing."
In the response, Finkelstein also said that he invested nearly $1 million in repairs, and disputes claims of tenants being forced to share a bathroom, saying that he offered residents to stay in a hotel during construction.
Meanwhile, tenants tell Eyewitness News that Finkelstein is trying to evict some of them for nonpayment.
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Learn MoreHere’s how you can protect yourself
Protecting yourself from illegal rent hikes and managing housing costs requires some know-how, planning and smart financial strategies. Here are 5 tips to help navigate the challenges.
Know your rights
Some cities limit rent hikes. Check your local housing authority to see if rent control applies. Rent stabilization is similar to rent control, but applies to specific properties where rent increases are capped at a set percentage by local agencies.
Spot illegal rent increases
Be aware of any rent hikes above the limits in your area. In most states, landlords are also required to give notice before raising rent. If your rent goes up without improvements to the property, it could be illegal.
Track your rent payments
Always keep proof of your rent payments (receipts, bank statements or emails). And keep a copy of your lease handy so you can reference details like rent increases.
Get legal help when needed
Consult with a lawyer if you think a rent increase is illegal. Many cities have tenant unions or advocacy groups that can help with tenants' rights.
Manage housing costs
Negotiate your lease, especially if you are a long-term tenant on good terms with your landlord. Budget wisely, tracking your income against your expenses, so you can plan for unexpected rent increases. And, consider sharing your space with roommates to cut costs, if it’s allowed under your lease.
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