Flatbush tenants sue landlord, claiming years of neglect

Tenants told News 12 that they have tried rent strikes and formal complaints for years to get fixes in the building. The lawsuit says the building in question has over 575 open violations.

News 12 Staff

Feb 16, 2023, 11:12 PM

Updated 596 days ago

Share:

Tenants of an Ocean Avenue apartment building are bringing their landlord to court, saying their building has been neglected for years.  
In the last few years, tenants say they’ve tried all kinds of action to get their landlord to make crucial repairs - going on rent strikes, sending letters and complaints. Now, they’re counting on the courts to hold the landlord accountable.  
Tenants showed News 12 photos of the dangerous conditions and their laundry lists of formally filed complaints on problems from structural damage, mold, rodents and roaches to unstable heat and hot water and persistent leaking issues.  
Last night, the tenants joined together to file the lawsuit against Sam Wasserman, the landlord of the building.  
The lawsuit claims that Wasserman knew of the issues but has consistently failed to make the repairs. According to the lawsuit, the building has more than 575 open violations, including close to 160 that claim the issue is "immediately hazardous."
Some of the tenants that News 12 spoke with today say they are hopeful this lawsuit will be the final act to get their landlord to provide them with a safe place to live.  
News 12 has reached out to the landlord and is awaiting a response.