No heat-Maintenance Rebates

[BarbaraC]

Is is possible to get a rebate or money back from co-op maintenance for no heat? The last 2 winters we have gone anywhere from 1 to 7 days without heat in our co op almost every month. Our managing agent says we can't do this but it seems ridiculous to pay for NO HEAT. I am disabled and this has affected my health. I don't have a lot of money to hire a lawyer but want to know how to go about this.
I live in NYC - Barbara C

 

[msattorney]

This appears to be a continuing problem that affects the habitability of the unit. Are other units without heat also. Has the landlord been reported to NYC officials? Have you had to move out or purchase extra heaters? In other words, what are your damages? You could take this to small claims. The judge will listen to both sides and then rule. You do not need a lawyer in small claims, but there are limits to what you can collect. Is there a rent board inNYC that might be able to help you? Good luck

 

[BarbaraC]

The managing agent has been reported but we know little about what happens then. There is no "Real Estate Board" that I know of. I would be happy to take them to small claims but we usually have to stay in the co-op and use heaters and take showers at friend's homes. I wonder how much of a percentage of our maintenance we can ask back for the no heat??? Any one know what the precedent is in NYC???