35 days with no gas or hot water

[James]

I need some guidance. No gas or hotwater for over 35 days. hot water just got turned on 2 days ago but the stove is still out and counting.
most tenants paid last months rent assuming it would be over by now.
The tenants are having a meeting tonight to determine if we should all pay rent minus the 25 dollars a day food fee(less than half the rent) or if we should continue in the court system. We know we can be sued if we dont pay but some think she wont because it would be 20 cases. Shes cheep and the gas problem was from neglect
over 15 leeks in the pipes. con ed inspector suggested that we do the deduct food cost .
should we withhold and hope for the best or continue with the courts+we have to hire a lawyer dont we?. I know this has cost me more than 25 a day with delivery food more if i ate out. I figure if we do this then our rent balance will stay negative and could disrupt credit.
what do u all think