NYC's Worst Landlords Named: Tenants Speak Out on Subpar Conditions

NYC Public Advocate Releases Worst Landlord List

• 📢 The Public Advocate Jumaane Williams has released his annual list of New York City's worst landlords.
• 🏠 This list is a tool to empower tenants living in subpar housing conditions.

Tenant Grievances and A&E Real Estate

• ⚠️ Tenants report issues such as holes in shower ceilings, intermittent heat, rat droppings, and black mold.
• 🏢 A&E Real Estate, owned by Margaret Brun and Donald Hastings, is named the number one worst landlord, with a portfolio of 60 buildings and nearly 9,000 open violations.
• 🛠️ A spokesperson for A&E Real Estate stated they have invested over $800 million to improve their portfolio, citing challenges like $84 million in rental arrears and significant increases in operating expenses and real estate taxes.
• ⚖️ The city recently settled a lawsuit with A&E Real Estate, mandating repairs at some of their properties, though many buildings, including the one visited, are not part of this settlement.

"Rental Ripoff" Hearings and Tenant Advocacy

• 🗣️ Mayor Adams' administration plans to hold "rental ripoff" hearings across all five boroughs within his first 100 days.
• 👂 Tenants will have the opportunity to share their challenges at these hearings.
• 📝 Testimony from these hearings will inform a report detailing common themes and guide policy interventions.
• 💪 Tenants are encouraged to use these hearings as an organizing tool to fight back against poor living conditions.