WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, Manhattan (PIX11) -- Dozens of tenants of two buildings owned by a landlord considered New York City’s worst landlord said conditions have not improved.
“Our teams will continue pursuing further charges against him and his properties to keep NYC families safe in their homes," said the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).
Their landlord, Daniel Ohebshalom, served 60 days at Rikers and was released. Some tenants said they want to own their homes now. A news conference was held on the steps of 709 West 170th Street.
Sitting in her window—64-year-old Kenny Rodriguez, who has lived in the building for 43 years. She said she's living a nightmare. PIX11 captured a video of a rat in the lower part of her building.
New York City’s Public Advocate, Jumaane Williams, said the landlord is infamous for problems.
At the top of his annual worst landlord list in 2022. Ohebshalom was arrested back in March. Some tenants’ lawyers said he still fails to perform hundreds of court-ordered repairs on his properties, including the extermination of rodents to reoccurring boiler issues.
PIX11 tried reaching Ohebshalom's lawyer several times and is still waiting to hear back.
Councilmember Carmen de la Rosa said that in the next two weeks, she will fight for $2.5 billion to be put in the city’s HPD budget to create more affordable housing and allow tenants to own their rent-stabilized apartments. The plan is called Homes Now.
An HPD spokesperson tells PIX11 News:
“HPD has a zero-tolerance policy for slumlords who neglect unsafe conditions and will use all its enforcement tools to hold them accountable. Because of his neglect, HPD imposed fines and brought charges, and now the worst landlord has been arrested and is in jail. Our teams will continue pursuing further charges against him and his properties to keep NYC families safe in their homes."
Ohebshalom's next court appearance scheduled for this landlord is Oct. 21 in housing court for harassment claims.
If you have a story, reach out to Monica Morales at [email protected].
English (US) ·