QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) – Residents of two rent-stabilized buildings in Queens gathered on Thursday to rally against their landlord’s alleged neglect and history of harassing tenants.
According to residents of two buildings, located at 89-04 34th Ave. and 89-14 34th Ave., their landlord has allegedly failed to protect tenant’s safety, address several maintenance issues, and harassment. The tenant association along with Communities Resist filed lawsuits in 2023 to force to landlord to complete repairs and build an accessibility ramp.
The lawsuits named DHK Property Three LLC, Michael Young Realty Inc., Michael Young, David Krumholz, and Gloria Young.
“For the last twenty years we have been demanding from our landlord to take care and do the repairs needed in the apartments and common areas, to no avail,” said tenant leader Maria del Carmen Cruz “It was like going against a cement wall.”
The building has over 250 code violations from malfunctioning locks to hazardous conditions. The tenants alleged that some of the poor living conditions include “recurring leaks and mold, cockroach and mice infestations, ceilings that have caved in and patchwork and inadequate repairs.” The walls and ceilings in the building are also “buckling and crackling.”
Many Queens elected officials joined the protest in support of rent-stabilized tenants and called for better living conditions.
"Our neighbors at 89-04 and 89-14 34th Avenue should not have to fight tooth and nail to have dignified housing,” said Council Member Shekar Krishnan. “Their landlord, DHK Property Three LLC/Michael Lee Realty Inc., must comply with court orders to make necessary repairs and ensure these tenants have a safe and warm place to lay their heads at night.”
Charline Charles is a digital journalist from Brooklyn who has covered local news along with culture and arts in the New York City area since 2019. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here.
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