Tenants: Clarkson Avenue apartment building in disrepair for far too long
Tenants that spoke with News 12 said they've reached out to management and their landlord many times, but they never get a straight answer when a repair is scheduled.
More Stories
Dozens of tenants that live on Clarkson Avenue are demanding change for their apartments. Tenants say they've experienced multiple issues from small fires to electrical problems and caved-in ceilings.
Residents rallied on Tuesday at 80 Clarkson Ave. so their voices can be heard.
In Dec. 2022, their building had a big fire that displaced 14 families. Tenants say apartments have not been repaired. Corazon Valiente has lived in his apartment for more than a decade.
"From my experience I would say electrical fires and electrical issues are something that's been going on since I was a kid,” said Valiente. “Complaints of sparks coming out of plugs, plugs melting things, breaking down…it's been a constant issue.”
Other tenants that spoke with us said they've reached out to management and their landlord many times, but they never get a straight answer when a repair is scheduled.
"Yes we've sent letters, we've done certified mail, we've done all types of stuff. They send people that do patch work, and it just breaks down," said Valiente.
Tenants also claimed that a lack of smoke detectors and roof damages are just a few of the issues they face day to day.
The tenants filed a lawsuit on July 14, with the help of Brooklyn Legal Services and the Flatbush Tenant Association for repairs and fixes across the building.
In 2022, their landlord Brian Ritter was placed second on New York City’s worst landlord list.
The landlord and management company, Rose Property Management Group, provided the following statement that says, in part:
“Our recently appointed management company are committed to providing safe and code-compliant housing for all residents. Fire damage repairs are currently underway at 80 Clarkson and being managed by an expert consultant. Roof reconstruction is in progress, and unit repairs are slated to begin upon completion of the roof repairs. The team has been actively working to address open violations, and as of today has cleared 35 percent in the last four months, with an aggressive plan to clear the rest as quickly as possible."
Tenants tell News 12 their next court date on this ongoing housing conflict is August 7.
