Son, NYU student, rented apartment starting Jan 1--which wasn't at all ready (open window, no electricity, etc at first), but became more habitable by mid Jan. However, to this day (end of April), no use of kitchen stove or oven (which came with apt--to be part of apt) because no gas, and landlord will never respond. Can son start withholding rent, or a portion? Isn't a functioning kitchen something that is necessary for habitability -- son has to eat out all the time, can't cook, etc -- and paying fairly high rent for this place. Any suggestions? If he withholds and landlord takes to court, can't he defend with these defects?
Thanks in advance for any thoughts -- I am not from NY and don't know special NYC rental rules and laws though I understand tenants are usually pretty well-protected.
Dee