Q: My tenant is threatening or is taking me to court over an emergency work...
An issue occurred about 2-3 weeks ago where this tenant called National Grid over a gas leak (not the first time since all the mains in the neighborhood have leaks and people smell gas everywhere). The National Grid people came and said there were no leaks. But tenants kept complaining so the National Grid was like ok fine I'll shut everything off. I had a plumber came and confirmed that there we no leaks via a pressure check. But National Grid won't turn it back on until Dept of Building approves, and DOB won't do anything until I bring the piping to regulations because they are old. So I am having people come in to update the system, which means that there is no gas/hot water, etc. I offered the tenants reasonable compensation so they can move out, but they are literally going for my jugular. Meanwhile work just began because of paperwork and he's now saying he is taking me to court. What should I do? I think I've been fairly reasonable over a non-existent problem he caused...
A: Landlords have the obligation to provide heat, hot water and other essential services. If these services are interrupted while repairs are being made, tenants may have the right to a rent abatement and may commence HP Proceedings in Housing Court where violations and hefty civil penalties can be imposed against landlords.
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