Irresponsible landlord

[kakun]

The ceiling in my bedroom had leaked very badly in November. Next day, the landlord made big hole to find the leaking spot. Since then, the hole has been there. I asked him to fix it by letter in December. He put the board to cover the hole, but it was big enough. So, he put paper towel in the gaps.
According to the landlord�fs explanation, the weather has been not good to fix the whole roof. But, what can we expect in winter or even in spring?

He offered me $100 discount for January rent. Also, he offered me to fix the smoke detector without any charges, which I broke when I moved in because I did not know how to stop it.
However, the ceiling and smoke detector have not been fixed at all.

I wrote another letter in January, but I have not received any response from him. I have been ignored.

Since he has been not a good landlord, I don't think I should pay full rent for March. Also, I don�ft want to live here anymore, since I could not trust my landlord. The lease said I must give the landlord 60 days before the moving.

I have a very bad experience with the lease trick. So, I don't want to break the lease.
Tell me what shold I do.

Very angry tenant in NY

 

[dj1]

What kind of a building 2 family? 6 or more units? are you in NYcity? rent stabilized?...need more info..

You should withold the rent, take lots of pictures to show a judge when he sues you.......but you have certain rules to follow...

When does the lease end?

 

[kakun]

hate being ignored

I live in Westchester, NY.

It is apartment building, and I live on the top (3rd) floor.
I have already taken a lot of picture of my ceiling.
My lease would end in August.

I have been very understanding and patient.
I know they cannot fix the roof when it gets snow or rain.
But we have had couple nice (over 50) weather in February.
However, the landlord did not contact me even I sent the letter on January 31st.
I am tired with being ignored.
I am tired with watching the hole in the ceiling every nights.

I want to move out as soon as possible.
In the lease, I have to give to the landlord 2 months before moving out.
However, I don't think I have to follow this rule, since this apartment is not completed.

 

[dj1]

AHHHHHH you are in an ILLEGAL attic apartment.......

Call the zoning board , and the housing dept TOMORROW and get them to inspect the place,

Chances are they will fine the landlord, and if its Illegal then you CANT break the lease, since you NEVER had a Legal valid lease to begin with!

And since it its Illegal he cant charge you any rent, and you would be legally entitled to ALL of your security back, but you will have to sue him in small claims court... becuase he aint gonna give ot back to you without a fight!

Illegal apartments are a no no in NY