Brooklyn, NY asked in Landlord - Tenant for New York

Q: Can my landlord require proof of my chronic illness to make a repair?

The intercom and buzzer for my apartment hasn't worked in over a year. My building management has claimed over the same year that they are waiting on a chip to replace the entire system. In the interim, Ive requested an electrician look at the current system to see if a temporary solution can be achieved.

I told my landlord that I live with a chronic illness that impacts my mobility at times, an that the lack of a working buzzer and intercom is a major inconvenience.

They are asking for proof of my chronic illness before they take action. Am I required to provide them with proof?

Related Topics:
3 Lawyer Answers
Sandra M. Colatosti
Sandra M. Colatosti
Answered
  • ALBANY, NY
  • Licensed in New York

A: They should fix it regardless of any medical condition you may have. Contact the code department

1 user found this answer helpful

Elaine Shay
PREMIUM
Elaine Shay
Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • New York, NY
  • Licensed in New York

A: Call 311 to request an inspection for a housing violation.

Roland Godfrey Ottley
Roland Godfrey Ottley pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • New York, NY
  • Licensed in New York

A: NYS Multiple Dwelling Law Sec. 50-a, regulates entrances: doors, locks and intercommunication systems in building that meet the criteria. Your landlord/ management company has to have the intercom and buzzer. The owner should explain why it is taking a year to fix the intercom and buzzer system. File a complaint with HPD to see if they comply within HPD's time to fix the buzzer system. This is a violation and the management company's audacity to request your personal health information in order to do what is imposed upon them by statute may be a form of harassment! Also, the management company is prevented by law from retaliating against you in any way for complaining to HPD.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.