[MayaLeons]

I live in a two bedroom apt in the little italy section of the bronx. I viewed the apt first as a 3 bedroom two bath in 2008. Yet hen I moved in may 2009 half of the apt was gone. I spoke he explained to me that the kitchen needed to be fixed and his son would stay on the other side of the apt until it was done. Soon after I found out he rented the other half. I spoke with him again he said that they were going to reopen after the renters lease expired and he needed the extra money to complete the final touches. It was lies. The renter moved but he opened the wall up just to pass inspection. He broke up my furniture left my house a mess. My kitchen that was in the living room was no longer and as the took my kitchen apart the threw everything everywhere. Then few weeks later he ask me if he can close the apt back, I refused and then found court papers and he would send workers to close the apt while I wasn't home. Every time we had the conversation he would threaten to put us out. I was afraid to do anything in fear of losing my apt in which I share with two small disabled children. He has closed the apt again sept 2011, I have called 311 and made numerous reports to have the apt inspected since Nov.2012 until now still nothing! How can I take it upon myself to protect my tenant rights, what are my options after the inspection, what to not get eviction on my file ? How can I stop situations like this? What is the process for a situation like mines?

[ScottGem]

I'm sorry no one answered your post. This is probably due to your posting as a piggyback on someone else's thread. I've moved your question to its one thread.

First, I would make a trip to the Housing Dept.

Bronx Housing Dept
1932 Arthur Ave Rm 301
Bronx, NY 10457
Neighborhood: Tremont
(718) 579-6773

Show them your lease and tell them that the landlord has not followed through. Insist that an inspection be scheduled immediately.

Next I would file suit in Small Claims court to recover the rent you have paid for an apartment that was not what you signed a lease for. Also for damages to your furniture and any other costs that you have incurred because of the problems.

If the landlord tries to evict you, you show the Housing court judge that you have a pending suit against him filed before he started eviction proceedings and that should stop any eviction until the case is finished.

I would also contact Social Services to recommend agencies that can help you fight this guy.