Apartment Building Residents Launch Rent Strike Over Ongoing Building Conditions

By Y.M. Lowy

Tenants at 924 Metropolitan Avenue have launched a rent strike, saying a number of ongoing issues inside the building have gone unresolved despite repeated complaints.

The biggest concern they are pointing to is a rat infestation, but they also point to problems including a broken elevator, water leaking through ceilings, standing water in the basement, and frequent fire alarm issues. Some tenants have posted signs outside the building to draw attention to the conditions and say this is the third time they have organized a rent strike.

The building’s owner, 924 Metropolitan Avenue Realty LLC, says it takes tenant complaints seriously and responds quickly to maintenance issues. Management says the elevator and fire alarm have been repaired and disputes reports of flooding in the basement. The company acknowledged the rat problem, saying it has hired a pest control company for repeated treatments and believes nearby construction may be contributing to the issue.

According to city records, the building has received dozens of complaints over the past two years, with multiple open housing violations still listed.

Nobody wants to be talking about rats in their building. Hopefully this is one issue that gets resolved for good.

illustration photo: Shutterstock