Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New York

my partner and i moved into our current apartment in october of 2009. it is a 2-floor duplex, where we have the ground level floor, as well as the basement. when we initially moved into the apartment, we were never told by our landlord that there was a leak in the basement. A day or two before actually moving in, we ran into the old tenants, and they informed us that they have had a problem with leaking in the basement. we did not know the severity of the problem till it rained heavily. we discovered that the downstairs living area is not livable, as no furniture or items of worth can be put down there due to possible water damage. we are currently asking them to reduce rent by 25% until the problem can be resolved. they have come by to take a look at it, but are unable to locate where (behind the dry wall) the leak is exactly. we currently have 3 dry wall patches downstairs, and are refusing to give us our requested 25% rental reduction as they are saying it is an act of nature. due to the inability of using what is considered to be the second bedroom of a two bedroom apartment, we believe we deserve at least a 25% reduction until this problem is completely resolved

if you have any advice or information for me in regards to this situation, I would great appreciate it


Asked on 2/03/10, 4:11 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Thomas Sirianni The Law Office of Thomas A. Sirianni

I would need more information from you in order to give you the best answer I can. Feel free to call me at 516-314-1343 and I can give you as much time that you need in order for me to help you. The phone consultation is free.

Tommy

516-314-1343

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Answered on 2/09/10, 9:29 am
Steven Czik CZIK LAW PLLC

We have substantial experience handling these types of cases, however, we would need some more information before making a complete and proper determination. You are welcome to contact us for a free consultation.

Law Offices of

STEVEN J. CZIK, P.C.

101 Avenue of the Americas, 15th Floor

New York, New York 10013

212.413.4462

[email protected]

The information provided by The Law Offices of Steven J. Czik, P.C. (LOSJC) is for general educational purposes only. There is no attorney-client relationship established by this communication and no privilege attaches to such communication. LOSJC is not taking and will not take any action on your behalf and will not be considered your attorney until both you and LOSJC have signed a written retainer agreement. There are strict deadlines, called statutes of limitation, within which claims or lawsuits must be filed. Therefore, if you desire the services of an attorney and decide not to retain LOSJC on terms acceptable to LOSJC, you are advised to immediately seek the services of another attorney.

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Answered on 2/11/10, 11:07 am


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