None of this is guaranteed to work, but if you do your research and are prepared for a conversation, you will at least seem like you’re actually capable of moving out and moving on, so the landlord may not want to call your bluff. Their biggest leverage is that moving sucks, but you can use the below to level the playing field.
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New York Values #33 - Landlord Selling
Today I’m writing something short and practical for all you renters out there, about your rights as a tenant if your landlord sells the building/apartment in which you live. It may also be helpful for anyone who owns and sublets/is considering renting out their place.
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New York Values #30 - 311
For a lack of heat or hot water 311 will reach out to the landlord IMMEDIATELY to make sure it gets fixed within 48 hours. For situations like mice, leaks, work without a permit, or a landlord who isn’t making required repairs, you can file a complaint and they will, eventually, send someone out to validate it and slap the owner with a violation.
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New York Values #10 - Heat
Heat is free for many apartments in the city (and required from October 1 to May 1). While not true for new development, older buildings generally have one boiler that heats all the apartments, so you have limited temperature control but don’t have to pay for heating oil or gas.
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