Poor Buildng Conditions
Pros
Landlord was open to renting to first time renters. Kept rents at affordable levels.
Cons
Building was very run down. They did not do maintenance and was very dirty. Also, heating, plumbing, and electrical issues. Heat was not at legal limits during the winter until landlord was notified. Then they installed thermostats and kept the heat at the very minimum legal limit and due to poor insulation the heat would dissipate immediately. Must keep a space heater running all winter to avoid the chill. If you put too many running appliances or computers, the power will shut off. Plumbing has severe issues. The hot water heater has been malfunctioning for years. Hot water will run out very quickly and the water will change temperatures to scalding without warning. Water also comes out with sediment and is brown at times. Videos of water running brown for more than 10 minutes have been recorded and sent to DEP. There is also a rat infestation in the front of the building and the neighboring buildings. Having a rat run over your feet in front of the building is a very big possibility. Verified lead paint all over the premises by DEP and DOB officials. Landlord was notified and did not perform any lead abatement in the apartments. The ground floor apartment units have lead paint over a large amount of the living room areas (painted walls and moldings). Issues with floors. The subflooring is caving in and requires immediate attention. The floors are all crooked and sag toward the middle of the unit. Basement has multiple joists holding up the subflooring.
Advice to the owners
Renovate the units so that it is livable.