Question for the group re challenging apartment improvem

[NYHawk]

Query: If a rent stabilized tenant wants to challenge the landlord's claim of certain apartment improvements, what kind of "expert" is utilized -- architect, engineer, or what????? If anyone has used such expert, please give me his or her name and number ASAP. Thanks....

[Phil Cohen]

Perhaps you can elaborate a little on your situation (without disclosing details that can provide your identity).

[joliett]

You can start with an Engineer or attorney.

The way I see it, since an attorney needs the Engineer's report anyway, it would be prudent to have an Engineer evaluate the situation first.

An Engineer will advise the tenant(s) if they have a valid claim during the inspection. In addition, the Engineer's report will document the lack of repairs and list any health and building violations.

If the tenant(s) then hires an attorney, the engineer's report will advise the attorney of the existing violations or lack of claimed repairs.

A NYS licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) is acknowledged as an expert by any court in NYS.

Just be sure the Engineer and attorney have landlord/tenant experience.