Tenants
from both Brooklyn and the Bronx gathered Tuesday to rally outside of a
landlord’s building in Borough Park, demanding that he cancel rent and drop his housing court
charges filed against many tenants.
Protesters
say the conditions in landlord Yechiel Weinberger's buildings are
inhumane. Many said they have complained about dirty water, stoves that don’t
work and no heat for months.
Weinberger
owns 73 buildings in both Brooklyn and the Bronx. In 2015, he was named the
third worst landlord in New York City by the public advocate.
News
12 reached out to Weinberger, whose attorney provided a statement on his
behalf. It reads in part:
“The
landlord has been working diligently to inspect and repair conditions alleged
by tenants. When notice of a condition is provided, access is arranged, and
repairs are completed as quickly as possible. The landlord stands ready,
willing and able to make all repairs as required by law. However, some tenants
have failed to provide access."
Tenants
at the rally said they want a fair negotiation and demanded to
have a conversation with him.