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I am having difficulty with the super in my building. I have addressed the issue with board members who have given me “well that’s he said she said” and it’s my perception. While I was with the managing agent we ran into the super and the MA began to ask the super about repairs done in the apartment above me. When I went to clarify something the super went ballistic and hurled accusations regarding my mental health. His side kick then chimed in and told me that I belong in a mental institution and that my family is warehousing me here. The level of hostility was so intense that I was shaken afterward. Since we recently had security cameras installed the incident has been recorded. I have requested that I be provided with this surveillance and I was told the board would have to approve it. I am disgusted with their refusal to help me and their unwillingness to view the tape so that the “he said she said” will no longer be an issue.
The only reason I needed to speak with him was because my new bathroom ceiling was destroyed by the tenant upstairs. The first time it leaked I was told it was the rain by the person upstairs. The leak was no were near an exterior wall and even a ten year old could make the determination that it was not caused by rain (not rocket science).The super refused to look because of the bad blood between us despite the managing agent asking him to do so on 2 occasions. I had to go through my insurance and received compensation from them. I had made arrangements for my contractor to repair it but had to cancel because it began leaking (really pouring like a spout) again. Since it had been dry they were not able to blame the rain. It had to be addressed and a plumber came and according to the super the plumber grouted. Then it happened again and then it happened a 3rd time. Since I saw the grout/chalking repair was not complete because there was a gaping hole in it right next to the floor (point of entry) I knew it was only a matter of time before I would be flooded again. I asked the MA to check the spot which I have photos of and he assured me that it was taken care of.
But really when I first alerted them that my bathroom was being damaged from water above they could have provided relief by taking action. Instead they did nothing so the damage is now worse. And now that I can finally prove to them that I am not making up the treatment I have been receiving from the super think about it and discuss it. Although the MA witnessed the entire fiasco where I was under siege I am not sure he can help me because the board members love this super are happy with the status quo. I am sure that if the shoe was on the other foot they would not be happy, so I do not understand why they think I am willing to tolerate it.
I am stuck here for another year because of financial reasons so moving although an option will be a hardship for me. If this was not the case I would have left already. What is the big deal with providing me the surveillance tape, it would clear the air once and for all.
Please follow this link:
http://www.courts.state.ny.us/courts/nyc/housing/services.shtml
especially the sections describing the Help Centers and Volunteer Lawyers Project.
The legal system views your relationship with the board as that of a tenant to a landlord. As is the case with any living situation where a lease is involved, the landlord has certain legal obligations, one of which is the warrant of habitability.
Although I have no first hand experience with the NYC Housing Part, my understanding is that they are very pro tenant. In other words, it's not a place a board wants to have to defend itself for failing to ensure that water does not leak into your apartment.
Why don't you read about the court, go down and talk to someone there, then sue the b******s?
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It sounds like you've a got a board that isn't taking care of its fiduciary responsibility, one of the biggest of which is care and maintenance of the building itself. This sounds like the kind of board that only responds to lawyers and subpoenas. I'm sure there are housing advocates and similar agencies, which you can find online, who might help you at no cost. If you are a senior, there's a city agency that will help you.
This kind of behavior by a board is intolerable: You don't say "he said she said" and then refuse to consider surveillance-video documentation. I'm also curious why this board doesn't ask the managing agent who witnessed the exchange his view of what happened.
Needless to say, no super ever has ANY rationale to yell at a resident, and no one has any right to make vicious mental-health claims.
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