So I recently began digging into my apartment history as a result of my landlord springing new Utility charges on me without warning. What I have found points to many possibilities but I am hesitant to take the next step without all of the information. I have been living there for 4 years, I'm currently a month-to-month tenant, and unfortunately do not have a copy of the original lease. I have requested a copy from LL several times but he has failed to provide me with one. Oh also he is on many LL watch lists as a known predatory landlord... This is what I have found in my research so far:
- DHCR records show that apartment was Rent Stabilized until 1996 when the current owner purchased the building and stopped registering. So there is no data for over 15 years.
- Not registered with the HPD either.
-Also no Certificate of Occupancy on file.
I have yet to approach him with my knowledge of any of this so as to avoid confrontation before I have everything lined up. While he hasn't raised the rent in the 4 years I've been living here, I recently discovered that he is charging $200 less for the mirror apartment across the hall. With the information I have currently, some people have advised me to stop paying rent and wait for LL to take me to court so that I can counter with an overcharge suit. What are the possibilities that the apartment has actually legally been deregulated and I will just end up losing way more in court/lawyer fees?