Hi Guys,
New here and this is going to be a bit of a long-winded email so am sorry in advance. I am someone who really never knew my rights etc and just went along with whatever the landlord told me to do. I have lived in the same building for over 14 years along with the three other tenants in our building. NONE of us have ever had leases. Originally our building was under the loft law and was rent regulated. Our current landlord bought out those tenants and thus we became deregulated and no longer rent stabilized. However, he never brought our building or our apartments "up to code." We didn't know what our rights were and our building does have a certificate of occupancy. Now after tons of illegal rent hikes he is trying to force us all out by having us sign leases none of us want to sign (the lease gives him all the power and us none.) if we don't sign said leases we will be evicted. Essentially, I think he wants us out because he wants to sell the building and needs it in writing that the tenants will be out by such and such a date. What I'm wondering is this, has anyone sued their landlord? Each of us individual tenants have put thousands of dollars into our apartments making them what they are today while he has done nothing and never brought them up to "market rate" on his own dime not kept them up to code. I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with counter suing a landlord for neglect or such? Or if you have had a similar situation or know of one. Any insight would be so greatly appreciated. Also, if you are going to just write me that I don't have a lease and am thus screwed, please don't am really only looking for positive insight at this point and feel beaten down by the whole situation all on my own! Thanks so much guys