Rent-stabilized tenants accuse Crown Heights landlord of harassment, neglect
"There is an infestation of roaches and mice and he hasn’t done anything. But he comes for his rent every month.”
Eighteen tenants of rent-stabilized units in four Crown Heights buildings owned by Rubin Dukler went to Brooklyn Housing Court on Thursday to seek a court order forcing him to fix the violation-ridden buildings and stop what they allege is harassment of tenants.
Dukler was named the 17th worst landlord in the city last year by Public Advocate Letitia James, whose office listed 531 HPD violations and 45 DOB violations in the four buildings.
Conditions inside the buildings include inadequate heat and hot water during the winter, mold, water leaks, mice and roaches, missing window guards, uncapped radiator valves and broken front doors and intercoms, according to Urban Homesteading Assistance and Brooklyn Legal Services’ Tenants Rights Coalition.