damages due to landlord neglect

[alexny]

My landlord in Brooklyn, New York, had the main sprinkler valve shut off for the building and was told by the fire marshall that he had to turn it back on. Before making sure that all pipes and sprinkler heads were working correctly he had the one of his workers turn it on. When the valve was opened the sprinklers went off in my apartment. I live in a loft space and everything was exposed (clothing, etc) and therefore damaged. Water didn't come out of the sprinklers, instead ablack thick substance came out of the pipes due to years of not being in use. The landlord said that the reason they went off was because of a fire that I had in July. The fire happened when the landlord told me to hire a particular company to finish my hardwood floors because he was paying for half of the cost and could get a cheap price from this company. The floor company caught my apartment on fire. Now the landlord is saying that it is my fault and doesn't want to pay for the damages caused by the sprinklers. The damages are approx. three to four thousand dollars. I was told that the landlord is responsible for maintaining the sprinlker system throughout the entire building. Is this true? If anyone can provide me with information, I would appreciate it. Thank You.

 

[djdj]

Well stupid you, you are too cheap to protect your asssss by having renters insurance...geez only $20 a month in New York City, now you want the landlord to pay for your damage.

Good luck, you will have to asses damage,get estimates, take pictures, and either find out who his insurance company is and see if they will pay it under homeowners, they might since he was forced to turn on the sprinkersby a Fire Marshal, and before checking everything...negligence on his workers part....

But if not you will have to sue him, the max is $3000 in small claims court, over that it has to be in civil court and then present your evidence to judge.

So unless you have a rent stabilized lease, DO NOT expect a renewal if you sue him!