pix11.com Open in urlscan Pro
151.101.193.91  Public Scan

Form analysis
0 forms found in the DOM

Text Content

PIX11



NYC TENANTS FILE LAWSUIT AGAINST LANDLORD, ALLEGE THEFT OF SECURITY DEPOSITS

Jay Dow
2 hours ago

EAST HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) — East Harlem tenant Tom Crawford’s wayward
window requires duct tape to stay shut. It’s just one of the several issues he
and his fellow tenants said they manage on a daily basis.

“Our entire building has hot water and water pressure issues,” said Crawford.



Sandeep Chandur, one of Crawford’s neighbors, added, “The floor has actually
come up. It’s like a lift up, not a dip. I have a problem with my eyesight, so
tripping is definitely a concern for me.”

Joined by their advocates and attorneys, Crawford and his neighbors in several
adjoining buildings – from 112 to 126 East 103rd Street – held a rally Thursday
morning to announce a newly filed lawsuit against their landlord – Emerald
Equities.

College swimmers, volleyball players sue NCAA over transgender policies

Manhattan Legal Services senior staff attorney Matt Latterner said the
allegations include padlocking fire exits and the theft of tenant security
deposits.



“Emerald Equity Group blew off the city and failed to make rent impairing
violations for more than six months. Every indication is that this landlord
illegally commingled the security deposits with their own funds. These tenants
don’t have to pay rent,” said Latterner.

New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams said Emerald Equities is no
stranger to scrutiny; it currently ranks No. 72 on his office’s annual “Worst
Landlords” list and has been in the news for years regarding reports of
financial troubles.

“We won’t see behavior change until these buildings are taken from landlords or
they’re arrested,” said Williams.

PIX11’s multiple calls to Emerald Equities were not returned. PIX11 visited the
Midtown Manhattan address linked to the company, only to be told no one was
available to speak.



Officials with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and
Development are also in the process of trying to hold Emerald Equities
accountable.

“We stand with the residents because all New Yorkers deserve a safe and healthy
home,” Housing Preservation and Development Deputy Press Secretary Natasha
Kersey said in a statement. “HPD is actively engaged in holding Emerald Equities
accountable for their negligence across their entire portfolio. We will continue
to work hand in hand with LSNY to ensure the families of these properties have a
comfortable place to come home to.”

It’s early in the legal process, and too early to tell if Emerald Equities,
which owns buildings all across the city, would ultimately be forced to
surrender certain properties. But Crawford and other tenants said after recently
receiving lease renewals, which include rent increases, they are making plans to
find a new place to call home.

Categories: Local News, Manhattan, News



PIX11

Back to top

Ad