Airbnb removes listings from three PLG buildings after tenants sue landlords
On left: photo from inside a tenant's apartment on Flatbush Ave. On right: image from an Airbnb advertisement in one of the apartment buildings. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Legal Services.
Airbnb removed all listings from three Prospect Lefferts Gardens apartment buildings just days after the landlords who own them were sued for allegedly harassing and terrorizing rent-regulated tenants.
Ten tenants filed the suit against their landlords — Miriam, William, Richard and Michelle Shasho, along with their companies First Kings Management LLC and 611 Flatbush Ave. Realty Corp. — in Kings County Supreme Court on Tuesday, claiming the landlords had gone so far as to deliver live rats, mice and roaches inside “refurbished” appliances just to scare them off.
They also accused the Shasho family of gut-renovating apartments at 599, 607 and 611 Flatbush Ave. to rent with luxury amenities on Airbnb. Their own requests for repairs were routinely ignored, tenants said.
Elizabeth Hayes, who has lived at 607 Flatbush since 1981, said she can’t sleep at night because a worker stomps around the building until 3 a.m. Eagle photo by Noah Goldberg.
“We have suspended these listings,” said Liz Debold-Fusco, a representative for Airbnb. “Hosting is a serious responsibility, and if we determine that certain listings violate our standards and expectations we will remove those listings,” she said.
The Airbnb rental apartments come with air-conditioning, coffee machines and flat screen TVs, the tenants say. The lawsuit alleges that the rentals violate New York State’s Multiple Dwelling Law and City’s Rent Stabilization Code.
“I hope that is the end of it,” said Elizabeth Hayes, a tenant of 607 Flatbush Ave. since 1981.
But — she doubts it. “I will keep my eyes on things,” she said. “Why should he [William Shasho] stop now? He will find his way around it.”
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
