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I have had several problems with a new condo unit I purchased. The building got its C.O. (Certificate of Occupancy) in May. We moved in mid-July. We were the second family to move in to our apartment. During the summer, we had no AC for a week. Now, during the winter, we have no heat. I have been on management's case (who is one of the sponsor's niece) and the other sponsor's case since last week. The building is trying to correct the problem, but it delays sending the proper repair people quite a bit. What can I do? Any legal remedies I can take? is it worth filing with HPD now? Should I wait until the Sponsor doesn't control the Board and get other unit owners to join me in a lawsuit? Several of us are frustrated.
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You said it was a new unit, but not if it was a new building. Entertain the possibility that it might not be malicious and that something just isn't working properly. I moved into a gut-renovated apt. in a pre-war building 3 years ago, and none of us on the top floor had adequate heat... my apt. was often below 60°. We had engineers in here, to no avail. The lower floors were overheated and the top floor was freezing. Then, miraculously, THIS winter has been FABULOUS. The only thing that changed is that we switched from oil to gas heat. I have no idea if that made any difference, or if it's a coincidence. All I know is I am now living like a normal human being in my own apt., meaning I don't have to wear 6 layers in order to not freeze.
Get a thermometer; keep a chart; keep track... so you have proof. You can also photograph the thermometer readings in case you wanted to e-mail it to someone.
I agree... the place to start is with 311/DOB. But keep in mind violations listed w/ the DOB might end up backfiring on you, the owner, in the long run.
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call 311 and file a no heat complaint with the dob.
they'll send an inspector pretty fast to investigate.
much easier, much cheaper and very effective.
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