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.
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.
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