I have lived in my apartment for over 4 years and now need some advices.
Well, to start off I have to say I live on the third floor in a two-family brown stone for over 4 years.
I get my lease renewed every year, and on the lease it says I have to provide own heat and hot water (which runs about $450/month during winter), and I am allowed to have one roommate besides myself, and have to pay $100 for each roommate I get. The rent increases every year by $100.
Currently I have three other roommates, and my landlord has not said a word. Also when I moved in, I had to put down floor (it was bare plywood) and paint walls. Since I moved in I have spent about $5000 to renovate the place. I have taken out the part of wall to get light coming through.
LL has seen my renovation, and has not said a word.
Anyhow, I pay my rent in cash, or unsigned money order because the LL refuse to take personal checks.
Recently I was trying to get Time Warner cable service and the phone rep told me my address appeared on their computer as commercial, not residntial. I also found out that I was billed as commercial by Con Edison.
All this is telling me that I live in illegal apartment.
Recently my landlord changed the front door's lock, and sold us the keys for $50 each.
I have never complained, since I thought I had decent deal, but something is telling me that I might be living illegaly in this place.
Can someone tell me if I should consult professionals?
Thanks for reading.