Help, please! I just want to know what my rights are.
I am renting a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Queens. The building is a 2-family house and I am on the second floor - the landlord lives downstairs. We (my wife, my 4 year-old, and I) have been living in the apartment for the last year. I recently visited a friend's coop rental (big building, more than 100 units) and discovered that he has Window Guards even though he has no children. I thought it was a great idea since I have a four-year old. I also learned that it was required by the LL of a multiple dwelling unit to provide window guards if any unit has a child less than 10 years old living within.
Now, I know that a 2-family house is NOT a multiple dwelling (defined as 3 units or more). However, I thought LL cannot deny installing window guards if tenants specifically request it for safety reasons. Herein lies the conflict...
A month ago, I requested that the LL install window guards since I have a 4 year-old. He said no and indicated that he was not required to do so. He indicated that *if* it were a multiple dwelling, he cannot refuse if requested. But since a 2 family home isn't a multiple dwelling, he CAN refuse. While I doubted that, I then asked if I can pay and install the window guards myself. He indicated that it would "damage" the windows with screwholes, and I would have to pay for the damages, which could be the replacement of all windows. We do have a lease and the agreement does indicate that damages made by the tenant shall be paid by the tenant.
Who is within their rights here? Can I get the LL to install one with no cost to me? And if not, can I install it without fear of "damage payments?"
Thanks so much for the feedback!
Jeff