Question on tenants rights-New York State

[Lubaz]

Been living in an apt on Long Island for three years now. First year had lease but years two and three just agreement with landlord... Rent always paid so no dispute.
Recently, Landlord changed the thermostat from one we controled to one that he controls depriving us of our rights for which we paid rent.
Question? Can we request him to place it back the way it was or do we have to live with it because it is his house?
We were not given any advance warning of a change in heat control and the new way is causing our children to suffer.

 

[HomeGuru]

L must restore to original setup. Be prepared to get a notice to vacate.

 

[zino]

I did the same thing to my tenant. When I come home and the windows are open and they call saying its not warm enough. I dont belive the landlord has to restore it. By NY State law Heat must be supplied from October 1 through May 31, to tenants in multiple dwellings if: a) the outdoor temperature falls below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, between 6 A.M. and 10 P.M., each apartment must be heated to a temperature of at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit; (b) the outdoor temperature falls below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, between the hours of 10 P.M. and 6 A.M., each apartment must be heated to a temperature of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. (Multiple Dwelling Law § 79)

 

[LL]

I don't know anything about NY law, but I am guessing that what Home Guru had in mind was, that if landlord takes away an amenity which tenant had, and thus reduces the rental value of the unit, he has to either restore it or drop the rent.

Thus, the amenity which was taken away is the thermostat, i.e., the control which the tenant had over setting the temperature. How much does that lower the value of the rental premises? Tenant still has heat, according to law, during applicable hours. He doesn't have control to keep it nice and warm during the night if he wishes.

Seems to me that the value reduced is pretty small.

I don't know if you can do this in NY, rent control and all, but can you send the tenant a notice that rental terms are being changed, effective in 30 days?

 

[mary hartman]

sorry kiddo, you will have to move if you throw a temper tantrum... he will give you a 30 day notice to vacate.

Its just that asssshole landlords will never change....he should have explained that his heating bill is exorbatant and he needs to control it from his apartment.....

BUT if you had a LEASE.....you could force him to return it until the lease has expired!