Kitchen sink

[jsatenant]

About 7-8 years ago we got a new kitchen sink and cabinet. It was a crappy job and now the cabinet is falling apart (the sink itself is fine). The super says the whole thing needs to be replaced and the landlord says that they will charge me 1/40th of the cost to my rent. Can they do that? If I pay to have it replaced myself and don't tell them am I in violation of my lease (rent stabilized standard lease)? Thanks.

[Phil Cohen]

Charge you? Hah! In his dreams. No way. A new sink, replacing a lousy old one, is not an individual apartment improvement or MCI.
Not sure about your other question, but I suspect that you can probably fix it yourself.

[TenantNet]

The LL is required to maintain and repair in your apartment. That's why you pay rent. He can charge 1/40th the cost between vacancies or only on your written consent (so don't give it to him). If you replace it yourself, you do run the risk of facing litigation for unauthorized improvements. But it also depends on what it is. Installing your own refrigerator is one thing. Cabinets might be something else. If he won't repair it, document the problem and get a HPD inspection. You can withhold rent, file a HP action or file with DHCR. None of those are great options, but should probably get the LL moving. Ask him to repair and/or replace the cabinet(s) so they are in good working condition.