Metropolitan Council on Housing 339 Lafayette St. PERIODICAL New York, NY 10012

Vol 31, No. 5 25¢ May 2001 DidDid RudyRudy CallCall thethe Shots?Shots? RGRGBB ReversesReverses ItselfItself toto KeepKeep ‘Poor‘Poor Tax’Tax’ By Steven Wishnia ven by Rent Guidelines Board standards, it was are worse than they’ve a strange night. On May 9, the nine-member ever been.” E panel reversed its initial vote and proposed pre- The board rejected a liminary rent-increase guidelines of 3% for a one-year rent freeze, 7-2. lease, 5% for two years, and a $15 surcharge on apart- Next, landlord represen- ments under $500. tative Vincent Castellano The board, packed with three new members picked urged the board to en- by Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, initially voted slightly dorse a rent increase, be- higher guidelines, but returned after a recess to recon- cause the economy is so sider them. New member Mort Starobin claimed he good tenants can afford it. hadn’t understood what he was voting on, and then cast “I do not find the moun- the deciding vote to add the “poor tax” surcharge to tain of human need and low-rent apartments. misery tenant advocates Although the proposed guidelines coincided exactly claim to see,” he declared. with what a New York Times article said the Giuliani ad- “Anybody who wants to ministration wanted, new RGB chair Steven Sinacori— work is working.” But in- a former mayoral aide—denied that pressure from City stead of proposing a high Hall had caused the board to reconsider. “Starobin did increase, the owner repre- STEVEN WISHNIA not know what he was voting on,” Sinacori told Tenant/ sentatives suggested con- April 30 demonstration demanding a rent freeze outside an RGB meeing in downtown Brooklyn. Inquilino.” But when asked why he himself had voted tinuing last year’s for the poor tax, Sinacori replied, “Why don’t you call guidelines—4% and 6% for ants in the crowd barely though Tenant/Inquilino the City Hall press office?” one and two-year leases, had time to raise their was able to take several Giuliani’s office would not comment on the issue. with the $15 poor tax. “Freeze Rents Now” signs. pictures before being told The RGB will set the final guidelines June 20. They They lost 5-2, and public (Police kept 20 or 30 to stop.) will apply to leases beginning after Oct. 1, 2001 and member Bartholomew people outside, although “Watch them come back before Sept. 30, 2002. Carmody then suggested the 173-person capacity to vote on the poor tax,” The all-male board’s ritual began as usual, with ten- a compromise: the same auditorium at lower activist Rafael Sencion ant representative Jeffrey Coleman giving a number- increase, but without the Manhattan’s College of whispered. Outside, Rent laden speech urging a two-year rent freeze. poor tax. Insurance was far from Stabilization Association One-quarter of rent-stabilized tenants pay more than It passed 5-4 with no full. They also banned pho- President Joseph Stras- half their income for rent, including 18% of middle- debate, and the whole pro- tographers and TV cam- burg was making the same class renters, he said. “Landlord profits are at a record cess was apparently over in eras, saying it was a high,” he continued. “Housing prices in New York City barely half an hour. Ten- “private building,” al- continued on page 7 MiracleMiracle onon 24th24th StreetStreet Penn South Cooperators Vote to Remain Not-for-Profit Until 2022 By Gloria Sukenick In the last several years, a choice. The first occurred the Chelsea landscape. city’s tax-relief proposal, would continue to rise number of moderate-in- in 1987, when a 25-year Everywhere one looks which would freeze taxes through 2012. Many coop- come co-ops have decided contract with the city of- there is the looming pres- at the current level for at erators would be priced to cash in and go private, fered a tax abatement and ence of cranes heralding least 12-14 years if Penn out of their homes. Most hoping to make big bucks provided for a phase-in to the approach of yet an- South remained-limited Penn South cooperators on a hot real estate mar- full taxation by 2012. Co- other luxury building. equity through 2022. are elderly, and most have ket. Of course, this de- operators rejected going Many existing older build- Or, Option #2, which incomes well under pletes the dwindling private then. ings are in various stages of would allow the possibility, $40,000, certainly not supply of affordable hous- Penn South, a complex rehabilitation, and rents and only a possibility, of enough to replace their ing even further. But the of ten 21-story buildings are escalating. Some going market-rate in housing in this city. results of the Penn South between 23rd and 29th Chelsea condos are selling 2012. The catch: Taxes Not unexpectedly, there referendum show there is streets and Eighth and for $1 million or more, and would begin rising steeply a ray of hope on the hori- Ninth avenues, was built rentals are going for as starting this June, and continued on page 8 zon. by the International La- much as $2,000 to $3,000 On April 4 Penn South, dies Garment Workers a month for a one-bed- just about the last bastion Union in 1962, as afford- room apartment. of such housing in Man- able housing for its mem- All this new develop- INSIDE THIS ISSUE hattan, voted to remain a bers. It was later opened to ment has caused real-es- limited-equity, not-for- the general public, and has tate taxes to hit the Editorial ...... pg. 2 profit co-op, and by a big a long waiting list. Current stratosphere. If we kept majority: 75% of the coop- carrying charges for a one- our current contract El Inquilino Hispano ...... pg. 3 erators voted in this refer- bedroom apartment are through 2012, it would endum, and 70% of those about $450-$500, and mean huge monthly in- DHCR Lawsuit...... pg. 5 who voted supported stay- people who exceed creases as we phased-in full Tenant Briefs...... pg. 6 ing limited-equity. middle-income limits pay a taxation. This is the second time surcharge. These were the choices MBR Update ...... pg. 8 in its 39-year history Penn But now, as we know, we were to vote on. Op- South has faced this gentrification is changing tion #1, to accept the May 2001 — TENANT/INQUILINO 2

E D I T O R I A L The Case Against Rent Control: Myths, Lies & Editorials On May 1st, the day after the Murdoch, the even wealthier intended pur- abrupt “You can’t fire me, I quit” multinational media magnate pose of keep- departure of Rent Guidelines with a reactionary political ing rents Board chair Ed Hochman, the agenda, are following their class affordable is Daily News lead editorial stated, interests. They are ignoring the that people “Deregulate Already.” reality documented in their own like Mayor Gi- Confusing the RGB’s deliberate news pages: That hundreds of uliani and failure to fulfill its mandate (to thousands of families—low, mod- Gov. Pataki— enforce the rent laws and keep erate and middle-income—can- hostile to the rents affordable for 2.3 million not afford existing rents, while very laws they New Yorkers living in rent-stabi- owners’ profits are at an all-time are sworn to lized apartments) with some in- high. enforce, and evitable law of nature, the News “Myth” is a polite word for the heedless of concluded “the state legislature bogus arguments put forth by the the plight of must scrap rent regulation [be- real-estate industry in pursuit of the residents cause] about 1 million apart- their limitless appetite for profit. they are sup- ments have been removed from “Lies” would be more accurate. posed to pro- the open market over the years During the 1997 fight over renewal tect—have through rent stabilization. Which of the rent-stabilization law, which appointed creates an artificial shortage.” ended with numerous weakening like-minded Nonsense: New York City has had amendments, real-estate spokes- hatchet men an acute housing shortage since men actually said that ending rent to the execu- the 19th century, and rent regu- regulations would cause rents to tive and ad- lations are a response, not a cause. go down. Really? Is that what they ministrative The next day, the New York Post were spending millions of dollars to agencies chimed in, with “The Eternal accomplish? Who is kidding charged with KENNY SCHAEFFER ‘Emergency’,” rewriting history whom? implementing them. tion again in 2003, time is running with a bold stroke and saying, “If Calling the rent laws “a vestige The “poor tax,” or low rent out for tenants to wake up. We the 20th century taught the world of World War II,” as the Post does, supplement on apartments rent- must use our votes intelligently in anything about markets, it’s that is like dismissing the Fourteenth ing below $500 a month, is a case 2001 and 2002 to elect people who they work best when officials steer Amendment to the United States in point. Imposed with slight will ignore the temptation of real- clear.” Really? Is that truly the Constitution—enacted to guar- variation throughout the first estate contributions, and enforce lesson of the multibillion-dollar antee due process and equal pro- seven years of the Giuliani admin- the rent-stabilization law and the savings and loan scandal of the tection of laws to the freed men istration, it has contributed to Emergency Tenant Protection ‘80s? Of airline deregulation? and women of the South—as a the loss of more than 200,000 low- Act for a change. We have nothing What about 1971-1974, when New Civil War relic, notwithstanding rent apartments—more than to lose but our homes. York under Gov. Nelson Rocke- the fact that its promise is still not half the supply—since 1993. But feller imposed vacancy decontrol, fulfilled. that is not a flaw in the rent laws leading to the deregulation of over The biggest reason rent regula- themselves. 400,000 apartments in three tions have not accomplished their With the rent laws facing expira- years, a decrease in maintenance, and an inflation of rents which continues to this day? Vacancy decontrol was such a disaster that Scott Sommer hosts Met Council’s the Legislature was forced to pass the Emergency Tenant Protection is published monthly except August by Act of 1974, in which it stated that Metropolitan Council on Housing (Met “preventive action by the legisla- HOUSINGHOUSING Council, Inc.), 339 Lafayette St., ture” (i.e., rent regulation) is nec- NY, NY 10012 (212) 979-6238 essary “to forestall profiteering, NOTEBOOKNOTEBOOK Tenant/Inquilino is distributed to members speculation and other disruptive and to affiliated organizations of Met practices tending to produce Council as part of their membership. Subscriptions are $2.50 per year for threats to the public health, safety Mondays at 7:00 p.m. on members, $5 for institutions per year. and general welfare.” (The current rent-stabilization system dates WBAIWBAI 99.599.5 FMFM EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Ella Matthews, Seth Miller, from the ETPA.) William Rowen, Kenny Schaeffer It is clear that Mortimer Zuckerman, the wealthy real-es- Listen on the Internet EDITOR Steven Wishnia tate developer who owns the www.wbaifree.org/index.html News, and Post owner Rupert PRODUCTION/DESIGN John M. Miller SUPPORT LISTENER SUPPORTED WBAI PUBLIC RADIO PHOTOGRAPHERS William Rowen, BECOME Marietta Hawkes A ™ STAFF Online Resource for Florence Daniels, Vajra Kilgour, WRITING TenantNet Residential Tenants Maria Maher, Anne Moy, Joyce Rodewald, Gloria Sukenick

TENANT New York Tenants Articles, letters, artwork and photographs are welcome. Text furnished on Microsoft on the World Wide Web Word for Macintosh is preferred. 3.5" MACINTOSH OR IBM FORMATTED Met Council wants to http://tenant.net DISKETTES ARE PREFERRED. email: [email protected] profile you and your Periodicals postage neighbors’ struggle to paid at New York, NY n Met Council’s Tenant/Inquilino newspaper posted Postmaster: Send address changes to: obtain affordable quality TENANT/INQUILINO monthly housing. We want you to 339 Lafayette St. n News from other NY tenant groups New York, NY 10012 write for Tenant/Inquilino. n n Fact Sheets & complete Housing Laws Metropolitan Council on Housing, founded in 1958, is incorporated as Met n Bulletin Board & e-mail mailing list Council, Inc., a membership organiza- For more tion dedicated to decent, affordable, n Rent Control/Rent Stabilization/DHCR information integrated housing. information call n Weekly Housing Court Decision summaries 212-979-6238 ISSN-0400-3083 ©2000 Viviendas para el pueblo, no para lucrarse May 2001 — TENANT/INQUILINO 3 E L I N Q U I L I N O H I S P A N O ¿Dio¿Dio RudyRudy laslas órdenes?órdenes? Para mantener en pie el “impuesto de pobres,” la RGB anula su voto inicial Por Steven Wishnia, Traducido por Lightning Translations Aun para los estándares de cialmente por pautas lige- del New York Times, el rehusó hacer comentarios parte de los inquilinos con la Junta de Regulación de ramente más altas, pero nuevo presidente de la sobre el asunto. renta estabilizada gastan Rentas fue una noche ex- volvieron después de un RGB Steven Sinacori—un La RGB fijará las pautas más de la mitad de sus in- traña. El 9 de mayo, el receso para recon- ex ayudante del alcalde— finales el 20 de junio. Apli- gresos en renta, incluyen- panel de 9 miembros anu- siderarlas. El nuevo miem- negó que la presión de la carán para contratos que do un 18 por ciento de ló su voto inicial y propuso bro Mort Starobin se quejó alcaldía hubiera causado comiencen después del 1 arrendatarios de clase pautas preliminares de un que no comprendía por lo que la junta recon- de octubre de 2001 y antes media, dijo. “Las ganan- incremento a la renta del que estaba votando, y al siderara. “Starobin no sa- del 30 de septiembre de cias de los caseros están 3 por ciento por un contra- final sufragó el voto defini- bía por lo que estaba 2002. más altas que nunca,” to de un año, 5 por ciento tivo para agregar el sobre- votando,” explicó Sinacori El rito realizado por los agregó. “Los precios de la por un contrato de dos cargo conocido como a Tenant/Inquilino. Pero miembros de la junta (to- vivienda en la ciudad de años y un sobrecargo de 15 “impuesto de pobres” cuando se le preguntó dos hombres) comenzó Nueva York jamás han esta- dólares para la renta de para los apartamentos con porqué él mismo había como de costumbre, con do tan malos.” apartamentos en menos rentas bajas. votado por el impuesto de Jeffrey Coleman, repre- La junta rechazó la con- de $500. Aun cuando las pautas pobres, Sinacori respon- sentante de los inquilinos, gelación de rentas por 7 La junta, llenada de par- propuestas coincidían dió, “¿Por qué no llama a la recomendando una con- votos contra 2. tidarios por los tres nuevos exactamente con lo que la oficina de prensa de la al- gelación de rentas por dos En seguida, el represen- miembros elegidos por el administración de Giuliani caldía?” años, en un discurso carga- alcalde Giuliani, votó ini- quería según un artículo La oficina de Giuliani do de números. La cuarta pasa a la página 4

Los Ajustes de la “Junta de Regulación de Renta” de la Ciudad de Nueva York (Orden No. 32) Para los contratos de apartamentos de Renta Estabilizada que comienzan el 1ro. de octubre de 2000 hasta el 30 de septiem- bre de 2001, incluyendo las concesiones de Pataki adoptadas por la Legislatura Estatal el 19 de junio de 1997

Los topes de renta que apa- inquilino haya tomado posesión tablece anualmente lo que ellos Exención de Incrementos crementos para las unidades recen en el cuadro son los incre- del apartamento, puede esco- llaman el “Tope Especial de la para las Personas de Mayor de desván vacías. mentos máximos que los ger entre llenar un formulario de Renta de Mercado Justa,” el cual Edad: Las personas de 62 años Hoteles y Apartamentos de dueños de edificios pueden co- queja de sobrecargo de renta es empleado por la DHCR para o más que viven en apartamen- una Sola Habitación Lo estable- brar legalmente por los aparta- con la oficina de la División de bajar las rentas de mercado in- tos estabilizados y cuyos ingre- cido es un 2% para los aparta- mentos de renta estabilizada en Vivienda y Renovación Comunal justas de los inquilinos que llenan sos familiares anuales son de mentos de hotel de Clase A, la ciudad de Nueva York. Son (DHCR), o disputar la cantidad el formulario llamado “Apelación $20,000 o menos, y que pagan casas de habitaciones, hoteles válidos para todos los contratos de la renta en la corte de vivien- a la Renta Justa de Mercado” (o enfrentan un incremento de de clase B (de 30 habitaciones o que comienzan dentro del perío- da de la ciudad para que se de- (FMRA). Según la Orden 32, es la alquiler que los forzaría a pagar) más), hoteles de una sola habi- do de doce meses a partir del termine cuál es el alquiler legal. Renta de Mercado Justa de HUD una renta de un tercio o más de tación, y las casas de habitacio- 1ro. de octubre de 2000. Los in- Si un posible inquilino da o un 150% sobre la renta base sus ingresos, pueden tener dere- nes (Clase B, 6-29 cuartos), crementos de alquiler basados muestras de conocer sus dere- máxima. Ningún inquilino de un cho al programa de Exención de sobre la renta legal que se paga- en las pautas para la renovación chos, lo más probable es que el apartamento de renta estabi- Incrementos para las Personas ba el 30 de septiembre de 2000. del contrato de 1 o 2 años pue- casero no firmará ningún contra- lizada que fue descontrolado el de Mayor Edad (SCRIE, por sus No se permiten incrementos den cobrarse solamente una vez to con tal inquilino. Los caseros 1ro de abril de 1984 o después siglas en inglés), si aplican al para apartamentos vacíos. Lo durante el período cubierto por evitan contratar con inquilinos debe dejar de poner a prueba la Departamento de la Ciudad de incremento estipulado no se dichas pautas, y deben ser apli- que les pueden dar problemas. llamada “Renta Legal Inicial Re- Nueva York Sobre las Personas puede cobrar a menos que un 70 cados a la renta legal estabi- El sobrecargo de alquiler es gulada” (renta de mercado) que de Mayor Edad, cuya dirección por ciento de las unidades en el lizada para el 30 de septiembre muy común. Todos los inquili- los caseros cobran cuando hay es: SCRIE Unit, 2 Lafayette edificio sean ocupadas por in- de 2000. Las cantidades que nos deben luchar contra posi- descontrol del apartamento. Use Street, NY, NY 10007. Si el alqui- quilinos permanentes de renta aparecen en el cuadro y los in- bles sobrecargos. Obtenga y el formulario de DHCR Form RA- ler actual de un inquilino que tie- estabilizada o controlada, pa- crementos para los aparta- llene un formulario Form RA-89 89. Indique claramente que su ne derecho a este programa gando rentas reguladas legales. mentos vacíos no se aplican a con la oficina de DHCR para queja es tanto una queja de “Ape- sobrepasa un tercio del ingreso, Además, no se permiten incre- los apartamentos que estaban determinar el alquiler correcto lación a la Renta Justa de Merca- no se lo puede reducir, pero es mentos si el casero ha omitido de sujetos a renta controlada en en los archivos oficiales. Llame do” como de “sobrecargo.” La posible evitar incrementos de darle al nuevo ocupante una aquella fecha. a la DHCR a (718) 739-6400 corte de vivienda no puede tomar alquiler en el futuro. Obtenga el copia de los Derechos y Respon- Los Contratos para Aparta- para obtener un formulario. decisión sobre una Apelación de formulario de SCRIE por llamar al sabilidades de los Dueños e In- mentos Vacíos o Nuevos En ju- La Apelación de la Renta de Renta de Mercado. Apartamentos (212) 442-1000. quilinos de Hoteles. nio de 1997, el gobernador Mercado Justa Otro tipo de so- vacíos que antes estaban contro- Unidades de Desván (Lofts) La Desregulación de Ren- George Pataki, al intentar des- brecargo ocurre frecuentemente lados en edificios que se han Los incrementos legales sobre tas Altas y Altos Ingresos (1) truir la regulación de rentas, cuando se vacía un apartamento convertido en cooperativas o con- la renta base para las unidades Los apartamentos que legal- forzó cambios que les dieron a que previamente estaba sujeto a dominios no se vuelven de desván son de un 3 por cien- mente se alquilan por $2,000 o los caseros una sobrepaga renta controlada y se alquila con estabilizados y no satisfacen los to por un contrato de un año y un más por mes y que se desocu- muy grande por los aparta- renta estabilizada. La Junta de requisitos para la Apelación de la 5 por ciento por un contrato de paron entre el 7 de julio de mentos vacíos. Una cláusula Regulación de Renta (RGB) es- Renta Justa de Mercado. dos años. No se permiten in- 1993 y el 1ro. de octubre de de la “Reforma al Acta de Regu- 1993, o en o desde del 1ro de lación de Renta” de 1997 per- Tipo de Contrato Renta Legal Actual Contrato de 1 Año Contrato de 2 Años abril de 1994 son sujetos a la mite que los nuevos alquileres desregulación. (2) La misma sean incrementados en un por- Más de $500 4% 6% desregulación se les aplica, Renovación centaje obligatorio: 20% para $500 o menos para el mismo período estable- 4% + $15 6% + $15 un contrato de dos años, y por del Contrato (Alquileres de $215 o menos se alzan a cido en (1), a los apartamentos un contrato de 1 año, 20% de in- $215 después de aplicarse los aumentos) que legalmente pagan $2,000 cremento menos la diferencia Incrementos por o más mensualmente aunque en el tope de renovación para desocupacíon cobrados 18% 20% no se desocupen, si el ingreso los contratos de 1 y 2 años. La Más de en los últimos 8 años total de la familia es más de nueva ley permite también in- $500 Incrementos por 0.6% por el número de años 0.6% por el número de años $175,000 en los dos años con- crementos adicionales para desocupacíon no cobrados desde el último incremento por desde el último incremento por secutivos previos. Para cum- los apartamentos vacíos don- en los últimos 8 años estar vacío, más el 18% estar vacío, más el 20% plir los requisitos de esta de no se habían cobrado incre- segunda forma de desregula- Contratos Incrementos por 18% + $100 20% + $100 mentos por desocupación por Menos de desocupacíon cobrados ción, el casero tiene que en- para ocho años o más. $300 en los últimos 8 años viarle un formulario de cer- Aparta- Sobrecargos de Renta Los 0.6% por el número de años 0.6% por el número de años tificación de ingreso al inquili- mentos Incrementos por inquilinos deben estar al tanto desocupacíon no cobrados en desde el último incremento por desde el último incremento no entre el 1ro de enero y el 1ro de que muchos caseros van a Vacíos los últimos 8 años estar vacío, + 18% + $100 por estar vacío, + 20% + $100 de mayo, así como someter aprovecharse de la complejidad Incrementos por dicho formulario al DHCR y de estas regulaciones y sub- Renta 18% o $100, 20% o $100, conseguir su aprobación. desocupacíon cobrados lo que sea mayor lo que sea mayor venciones, así como del poco de $300 a en los últimos 8 años conocimiento de los inquilinos $500 Incrementos por 0.6% por el número de años 0.6% por el número de años del historial de renta de sus desocupacíon no cobrados desde el último incremento por desde el último incremento por apartamentos, para cobrar un en los últimos 8 años estar vacío, mas 18%, estar vacío, mas 20%, alquiler ilegal. Una vez que el o $100, lo que sea mayor o $100, lo que sea mayor May 2001 — TENANT/INQUILINO 4

tuvieron tiempo de levantar sus La órdenes pancartas que decían “Congelen viene de la página 3 las Rentas Ahora.” (La policía dejó afuera a entre 20 y 30 personas tante de los caseros Vincent Cas- aunque el auditorio en el College tellano pidió a la junta que respal- of Insurance de Manhattan, con dara un incremento a las rentas, una capacidad total de 173 perso- ya que la economía está tan bue- nas, fue lejos de estar lleno. Tam- na que los inquilinos pueden pa- bién prohibieron la entrada a los garla. “Yo no veo la montaña de fotógrafos y cámaras de televisión, necesidades y miseria humana que diciendo que ese era un “edificio los defensores de los inquilinos privado”; sin embargo Tenant/In- afirman ver,” declaró. “Cualquier quilino pudo tomar varias fotogra- persona que quiera trabajar se fías antes de que le dijeran que encuentra trabajando.” Pero en dejara de hacerlo.) lugar de proponer un alto incre- “Seguro que regresan para vo- mento, los representantes de los tar por el impuesto de pobres,” dueños sugirieron continuar con susurró el activista Rafael las pautas del año pasado—4 por

Sencion. GEORGE CARVA ciento y 6 por ciento para los con- Resultó profético. Cuando la The ‘Brooklyn Radical Cheerleaders’ chant for a rent freeze. tratos de uno y dos años, respec- junto regresó después de un rece- tivamente, con el $15 de impuesto so de 25 minutos, Starobin, un ex brazo legal del ayuntamiento de que al menos 70 por ciento de los de pobres. Perdieron 5 contra 2 y casero de Brooklyn, propuso Giuliani, y a él le habían dicho que cuartos sean rentados a inquilinos el miembro público Bartolomeo reconsiderar el voto, diciendo que era legal. permanentes y que los nuevos Carmody sugirió entonces un pensó que había votado sobre la “¿Por qué estamos proponiendo inquilinos tengan derecho a con- compromiso: el mismo incremen- separación del impuesto de pobres una reconsideración?” preguntó vertirse en permanentes. El orga- to pero sin el impuesto de pobres. de las pautas principales. Los re- Castellano. nizador de inquilinos de hoteles Esto pasó 5 a 4 sin debate, y presentantes de los caseros se “Porque Rudy lo quiere,” gritó de una sola habitación (SROs) parecía que todo el proceso termi- opusieron, pero Sinacori dijo que un asistente enojado. Terry Poe fue optimista, diciendo naría en casi media hora. Los inqui- ya había hablado con el asesor Solamente los miembros de los que el hecho que los caseros res- linos entre los asistentes apenas jurídico de la ciudad, el cual es el caseros se opusieron a votar otra paldaran un incremento del 2 por vez. En seguida, la junta rechazó ciento podría indicar que recibi- las pautas del 4 por ciento y 6 por rían un incremento más bajo en el ciento, con Starogin sufragando voto final. No se quede el voto decisivo. Votaron 5 a 2 para Para los apartamentos con ren- el 3 por ciento y 5 por ciento, con ta controlada que se van a desocu- helado: la abstención de los representan- par, la RGB propuso una vez más ¡ORGANIZESE! tes de los caseros, con los represen- que las pautas para una renta jus- tantes de los inquilinos en contra ta sean del 150 por ciento de la y Starobin sufragando de nuevo el renta base máxima más un sobre- voto decisivo. cargo por combustible o la renta “¿Puedo felicitar al New York federal de mercado justa—lo que La ley requiere que su casero participación de todos los inquilinos proporciona calefacción y agua en su edificio que pueden firmarlo. Times por imprimir en el periódi- sea mayor. Esto esencialmente los caliente a las temperaturas Reclame una orden para restaurar la co de esta mañana lo que serían traería al precio del mercado, re- siguientes, desde el 1ro de calefacción y el agua caliente, y que las pautas?” preguntó Castellano. plicó Coleman, y Castellano acce- octubre hasta el 31 de mayo: se reduzcan y congelen (¡disculpe lo El nuevo miembro David dió, “Eso podría suceder.” Desde las 6 a.m. hasta las 10 p.m.: Si la de “congelen”!) todas las rentas. Rubinstein, subdirector del depar- “Estaba preparado para lo peor,” temperatura afuera es de menos de 55 k Necesitarán una fuerte asociación de grados, la temperatura dentro debe ser tamento de presupuesto de la ciu- dijo después David Pagan, un fun- inquilinos para obligar al casero a dad, propuso entonces un cionario del grupo de vivienda “Los al menos de 68 grados en todo el proporcionar la calefacción y el agua apartamento. caliente. Escriban y llamen al casero impuesto de pobres de $15 y $215 Sures” en el lado sur de Desde las 10 p.m. hasta las 6 a.m.: Si la para demandar las reparaciones y como renta mínima. Coleman lla- Williamsburg en Brooklyn. Pagan temperatura afuera es de menos de 40 aceite. Prepárense para una huelga mó a esto “una obscenidad” y “una dice que el vecindario—alguna vez grados, la temperatura dentro debe ser de renta (sobre todo con asesoría abominación.” una comunidad latina y judía al menos de 55 grados en todo el legal)—de relámpago si es necesa- apartamento. rio. El representante de los dueños hasídica donde últimamente se Se tiene que proporcionar agua caliente Las leyes sobre la calefacción Harold Lubell restó importancia a han establecido artistas y profesio- a un mínimo de 120 grados en el grifo establecen también: cifras que muestran que los ingre- nales jóvenes que ya no pueden las 24 horas del día, todo el año. k Que el Departamento de Reparacio- sos promedio de los inquilinos que pagar las rentas del East Village— Si su casero no mantiene estas nes de Emergencia de la ciudad le viven en apartamentos de menos se ha vuelto tan burguesa que los temperaturas mínimas, usted proporcione la calefacción si el de $500 es de $15,000 al año, como edificios ahí son demasiado caros debe: casero no lo hace. (No se siente en un producto de “un estudio anecdó- para llenar los requisitos de los bloque de hielo—otra vez, ¡discul- k Comenzar una “Acción HP” (HP pe!—mientras espere que lo haga.) tico y poco serio realizado por al- subvenciones de la sección 8. Action) en la Corte de Vivienda. Pida gún profesor en Queens.” “Entre Pagan dice que muchas de las una inspección por orden de la corte k Una multa de $250 al casero por cada menos puedas pagar, mayor será razones por las cuales las rentas y una Orden de Corrección (Order día que se produzca la violación. to Correct) (Pero la verdad es que la Corte de su incremento,” respondió David son tan altas se encuentran más Vivienda raras veces impone las Pagan, el otro representante de allá del poder de la RGB: las con- k Llamar al Buro Central de Quejas multas, y mucho menos las cobra). (Central Control Bureau) de la los inquilinos. versiones para cooperativa y con- ciudad de Nueva York al (212) 824- k Una multa de $1,000 al casero si La RGB votó por el impuesto de dominio, el desarrollo de baja 4328 inmediatamente, para algún aparato de control automático pobres 5 votos a 4, con los miem- densidad, un débil cumplimiento documentar la violación del casero. se instala en la caldera para bros públicos Agustin Rivera y de la ley en torno al cobro excesi- Llame repetidamente. Se supone que mantener la temperatura por debajo un inspector vendrá eventualmente, del mínimo legal. Carmody votando en contra tam- vo de las rentas y especialmente aunque a veces no lo haga. bién. Una vez más, Starobin sufra- incrementos mayores de capital k Si el tanque de combustible de la k Exhortar a los otros inquilinos en el caldera está vacío, los inquilinos gó el voto decisivo. para mejoramiento. “Usted cam- edificio a llamar al Central tienen el derecho de comprar su Starobin también negó que Giu- bia un refrigerador que cuesta Complaint. Todos deben llamar propio combustible después de haber liani lo estuviera presionando. “No $500,” señala. “Usted divide esto repetidamente, al menos una vez al pasado 24 horas sin calefacción y hubo presión de nadie,” dijo des- por 40 y el resultado es eterno.” día, todos los días en que tenga también sin obtener ninguna problemas con la calefacción. respuesta del casero. Esto no se aplica pués. “Ni siquiera sé donde está el si la caldera está rota y necesita tanto alcalde.” Pero no explicó su apoyo k Comprar un buen termómetro para reparación como combustible. afuera y adentro, para documentar para el impuesto de pobres, di- las fechas exactas, las horas, y las ¡Cuidado! ¡proteja su dinero! Si los ciendo, “Estoy cansado en estos temperaturas, tanto afuera como inquilinos deciden comprar el momentos.” adentro, mientras tenga problemas combustible, hay que seguir los La RGB también votó por un con la calefacción. Esta documenta- procedimientos legales cuidado- ción es su evidencia sobrecargo de 10 por ciento sobre samente. Consiga la ayuda y el apartamentos subarrendados por k Llamar a la División de Vivienda y consejo de un organizador de Renovación Comunal del Estado de inquilinos. La existencia de leyes de 7 votos contra 2; por incrementos Nueva York (DHCR, por sus siglas en calefacción y agua caliente vigentes de 2 por ciento y 4 por ciento para ingles) al (718) 739-6400, y pedir no garantiza que el gobierno las desvanes, 5 votos contra 4; y un que le envíen el formulario de Queja implemente. No se quede helado incremento de 2 por ciento para de Calefacción y Agua Caliente. por esperar que la ciudad o el Llene el formulario y consigue la estado actúe. ¡Organízese! hoteles residenciales y pensiones, 7 votos contra 2, a condición de May 2001 — TENANT/INQUILINO 5 SuitSuit FiledFiled Vs.Vs. DHCRDHCR CodeCode ChangesChanges by Dave Powell On April 19, tenants and DHCR code changes filed in Brooklyn, tenant the new code?” Because law, and violating them can their allies filed suit in thrown out, the decision attorneys have been chal- the new code is so broad, put your housing in jeop- Brooklyn Supreme Court will be binding on stabi- lenging individual aspects there is no one answer to ardy. to challenge recent lized tenants across the of the new code changes this question. It is further As of press time, the changes to the Rent Sta- city. as they come up in court. complicated by the fact DHCR has still not re- bilization Code, imposed The basis for the legal An example of this is an that although DHCR sponded to the suit. We by the state Division of challenge is twofold. First overcharge case pending passed these changes last estimate that the case will Housing and Community of all, attorneys for the in the Appellate Term. December, it has still not probably go before a judge Renewal last Dec. 20. tenants are arguing that The case was initiated be- issued operational bulle- in the fall. When that The new changes give DHCR violated the State fore the changes were tins or fact sheets on time comes, grass-roots landlords everything from Agency Procedures Act, passed last December. But them. To some degree, activism in support of this new loopholes for opting which outlines how on appeal, the landlord tenant advocates have legal effort will be crucial. out of rent stabilization changes to state regula- attempted to apply the been left to guess on the Also to be considered is and collecting extra rent tions are carried out. rules of the new code. details of how they will be the 2002 gubernatorial increases, to new ways of Among other things, the Attorneys representing implemented. If you have race. Candidates looking evicting tenants. Judith lawsuit claims that DHCR the tenant are hoping to a question as to what to do for any votes from the over Goldiner, an attorney failed to consider the eco- win the appeal and set a when faced with an issue 2 million stabilized ten- from the Legal Aid Society nomic impact of these precedent that would relating to the new code ants in New York must who is counsel to the ten- drastic changes on ten- knock out that aspect of changes, call Met Council. pledge a complete trash- ant groups in the suit, calls ants. Secondly, it claims the new code. Remember that as of now, ing of these horrible anti- them a “landlord wish that DHCR exceeded its Tenant attorneys expect these code changes are tenant code changes. list.” authority by making to bring more of these Plaintiffs in the suit in- changes to laws passed by suits as tenants start get- clude Met Council, NY the state legislature. ting hauled into court on State Tenants and Neigh- DHCR has claimed that new code issues. Rent-sta- Rent Too High? bors Coalition, Brooklyn the recent changes simply bilized tenants should be Housing and Family Ser- brought the Rent Stabili- on the alert for landlords Testify! vices (formerly Brooklyn zation Code in line with trying to take advantage Tenants Council), River- the changes to the rent of the changes. If you’re The federal government defines rent hardship as side Tenants’ Association, laws passed in 1997. How- asked to pay any unusual when a tenant pays more than 30% of their Assemblymembers ever certain aspects of the rent increases or get income in rent. If you are a rent-stabilized tenant Clarence Norman and new code are not in the taken to court for any of in this situation, it is crucial that you testify before Brian McLaughlin, State vaguest way related to the the reasons stated below, the Rent Guidelines Board! Don’t let Mayor Senator Martin Connor 1997 changes, such as a contact Met Council! We Giuliani say that his rent increases don’t hurt real and several individual ten- provision limiting what a are trying to monitor how people! The RGB public-hearing schedule is on ants. They are all Brooklyn prime tenant can charge the courts and DHCR are page 7. tenants, membership- their roommate, and new interpreting the code, based groups with tenants grounds for landlords to and to keep track of ten- If you would like assistance in preparing your in Brooklyn, or elected of- evict tenants, including ants for possible lawsuits. testimony, or for more information, contact Met ficials representing “tenant harassment of “So in the meantime,” Council: (212) 979-6238 ext. 6; ask for Dave Brooklyn tenants. If they landlords.” you might ask, “what do I Powell. succeed in getting the Prior to the suit being do if my landlord acts on

Contact Met Council, if ... Overcharges/4-Year Rule * If the rent charged four years before you filed an overcharge complaint was higher than the rent on the registration statement on file at that time. * If your apartment was vacant 4 years before filing of an overcharge. * If your apartment was “temporarily exempt” (because of occupancy by member of landlord’s family or super) 4 years before the filing of an overcharge complaint. * If you filed a rent overcharge within 90 days of being served a RR-1 form, but are being barred from proceeding because it is more than 4 years since the Fair Market Rent was set. * If you filed an overcharge claim before December 20, 2000, but the new code is being applied to your case.

Roommates * If you receive a letter from the landlord, landlord’s attorney or managing agent requesting information about how much you are charging your roommate. * If you are asked by DHCR to fill out a form requesting information about how much you are charging your roommate. * If you are facing eviction based on charging your roommate more than the “proportionate share of rent.”

Appliance Surcharge * If you receive a charge or notice of intention to charge for use of a washing machine, dryer or dishwasher, especially if the landlord has been aware of the appliance and permitted its use without such a charge.

Non-Primary Residence * If your landlord is seeking not to renew your lease based on “your failure to maintain the apartment as primary residence,” especially if the grounds for non-renewal is based on you having legally subletted the apartment.

Tenant Harassment of Landlord * If you are facing eviction due to “harassing” your landlord.

Reduction of Services * If you and your neighbors are forced to hire an architect or engineer to counter a landlord-hired architect or engineer’s affidavit of restora- tion of services following a Rent Restoration Order. * If you have a reduction of services complaint denied due to more than 4 years having passed since the condition arose without you com- plaining.

MCIs (major capital improvements) *If you and your neighbors are forced to hire an architect or engineer to counter a landlord-hired architect or engineer’s affidavit that the MCI has been properly completed.

For a complete listing of the new code changes in English or Spanish, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Met Council on Housing, attn: D. Powell/DHCR Code changes, 339 Lafayette St., New York, NY 10012. For further questions call the Met Council hotline Monday or Wednesday from 1:30-5 p.m.: (212) 979-0611. 6 May 2001 — TENANT/INQUILINO Top Pols Call for Rent Freeze Clinton Residents Protest At Met Council’s May 8 by the scheduled prelimi- Planned 62-Story Tower press conference at the nary vote on May 9th. As a By George Spelvin City Hall rotunda, we called result, I join Metropolitan for a rent freeze at the next Council on Housing in Invoking the memories of ton/Hell’s Kitchen west of semblage by 44% through day’s Rent Guidelines calling for a rent freeze the late Joseph Papp and Eighth Avenue said “wait a a theater-rehabilitation Board preliminary vote— over the coming year.” Colleen Dewhurst, the minute,” reminding the zoning mechanism to or a delay of the vote, given On April 22, City Comp- Manhattan Theater Club project’s proponents that reach the 62-story height. the inexperience of the troller Alan Hevesi wrote pulled out all the stops they were also out on the Board 5 put off its vote RGB’s three new members to then-RGB chair Ed May 10, urging Commu- streets with Papp, until its June meeting, and the cancellation of the Hochman that he was nity Board 5 to endorse a Dewhurst and others, but the point was made invited expert testimony “shocked” that the board proposed 62-story tower marching to save endan- that the huge tower would on April 30. “may be considering rent at 47th Street and Eighth gered Broadway theaters have an impact on the sur- “The lack of affordable increases of up to 13%. At Avenue as part of a plan to in the mid-1980s. Many of rounding neighborhood. housing is driving working a time when landlords are restore the Biltmore The- those protesting the plan It would cast a shadow as families out of the city. If reaping record profits, ater. were from the performing far as Tenth Avenue, in- rents continue to sky- such an enormous in- But residents of Clin- arts: Papp and Dewhurst, crease noise and traffic, rocket, New York’s middle crease would be grossly they claimed, would think and exacerbate the wall- class will soon be a thing of unfair.” The comptroller twice about saving a the- ing-in and secondary dis- the past,” Public Advocate added that the RGB deducting that difference ater at the expense of a placement in Clinton. Mark Green said. “There should “take into account from any increases which neighborhood where per- Many Clinton neighbor- should be no rent increase not just landlord costs, but might be considered for forming artists have often hood groups, elected offi- in 2001.” also profits,” and “should this year.” Joining the May found affordable housing. cials and Met Council are Manhattan Borough determine if landlord 8 press conference were The plan is similar to the saying, “save the theater, President C. Virginia costs have indeed risen as council members Steven one used for the 90-story but not with a 62-story Fields agreed, saying “the much as the rate in- DiBrienza, Bill Perkins, Trump World Tower on the tower.” recent resignation of the creases granted. If the Margarita Lopez, Chris- East Side: Developers as- Rent Guidelines Board true cost increases in past tine Quinn, Guilllermo semble contiguous build- chair, as well as two as yet years have not equaled Linares, Eva Moscowitz, ing lots in order to “merge” unfilled vacancies on the the rent increases—for Stanley Michels and Ken the aggregate develop- board, will mean that example, if costs only in- Fisher, as well as represen- ment rights into a massive three new Board mem- creased 2% but rates in- tatives from the Coalition bulk much larger than that bers will not have an oppor- creased 4%—then the for the Homeless, SRO normally allowed. In this tunity to thoroughly RGB should consider Tenants United, Latino case, the developer has review the many issues re- granting rebates to ten- Officers Association and merged 10 lots, and then lated to rent stabilization ants for the difference, or other groups. increased the entire as-

NYC Rent Guidelines Board Adjustments (Order No. 32) for Rent Stabilized Leases commencing Oct. 1, 2000 through Sept. 30, 2001, including the Pataki vacancy bonuses adopted by the State Legislature on June 19, 1997 The above rent guidelines table cent for a one-year lease and 5 shows the maximum increases Lease Type Current Legal Rent One-year Lease Two-year Lease percent for two years. No va- landlords in New York City can more than $500 4% 6% cancy allowance is permitted legally charge for rent stabilized on vacant lofts. Renewal $500 or less apartments on all leases com- 4% plus $15 6% plus $15 Leases (Rents that are $215 or less brought up mencing in the twelve-month pe- Hotels and SROs to $215 after increases applied) riod beginning October 1, 2000. The guideline is 2 percent for Vacancy allowance charged Increases in rent based on the 18% 20% Class A apartment hotels, lodg- within last 8 years 1- or 2-year renewal guidelines More ing houses, Class B hotels (30 can be charged only once during than No vacancy allowance 0.6% times number of years 0.6% times number of years rooms or more), single room the period covered by the guide- $500 charged within last 8 years since last vacancy since last vacancy occupancy (SROs) hotels, and lines, and must be applied to the allowance, plus 18% allowance, plus 20% rooming houses (Class B, 6-29 legal stabilized rent on Septem- rooms), above the legal rent ber 30, 2000. The above guide- Vacancy allowance charged 18% plus $100 20% plus $100 paid on September 30, 2000. No Vacancy Less than within last 8 years vacancy allowance is permit- lines and vacancy bonuses do $300 leases 0.6% times number of years 0.6% times number of years not apply to an apartment which No vacancy allowance ted. The guideline is not collect- since last vacancy allow–ance, since last vacancy allow–ance, was rent controlled on that date. charged within last 8 years ible unless 70% or more of the . plus 18% plus $100 plus 20% plus $100 units in the building are occu- Sublease Allowance pied by permanent rent stabi- Landlords can charge a 10 per- Rent Vacancy allowance charged 18% or $100, 20% or $100, lized or controlled tenants cent increase during the term of $300 to within last 8 years whichever is greater whichever is greater paying legal regulated rents. a sublease that commences $500 Further, no increase is allowed 0.6% times number of years 0.6% times number of years during this guideline period. No vacancy allowance when the landlord has failed to charged within last 8 years since last vacancy allowance, since last vacancy allowance, plus 18%, or $100, plus 20%, or $100, provide the new occupant a Vacancy Leases whichever is greater whichever is greater copy of the Rights and Duties of In June 1997, Governor George Hotel Owners and Tenants. Pataki, as a part of his efforts to destroy rent regulation, forced Housing and Community Re- “Special Fair Market Rent Senior Citizen Rent High-rent, High-income changes that gave landlords newal or challenging the rent in Guideline” that is used by DHCR Increase Exemption Deregulation large vacancy bonuses. Provi- Housing Court to get a determi- to lower unfair market rents for Rent stabilized seniors, 62 (1) Apartments legally renting sions of his Rent Regulation Re- nation of the legal rent. tenants who file the Fair Market years or older, whose dispos- for $2,000 or more a month that form Act of 1997 allow the rents A prospective tenant who ex- Rent Appeal (FMRA). Under Or- able annual household income became vacant from July 7, of apartments to rise by a statu- presses knowledge of their der 32, it is HUD Fair Market is $20,000 or less and who pay 1993 through October 1, 1993, tory percentage: 20 percent for a rights will probably not be given a Rent or 150% above the maxi- (or face a rent increase that or on April 1, 1994 and thereaf- 2-year lease, and 20 percent mi- lease to sign. Landlords avoid mum base rent. No stabilized would cause them to pay) ter are subject to deregulation. nus the difference between the 1- renting to tenants who may be tenant of an apartment that was one-third or more of that in- (2) The same deregulation ap- and 2-year renewal guidelines for troublesome. Overcharging is decontrolled on or after April 1, come in rent may be eligible for plies in the time periods set 1-year leases. The new law also very common. Every tenant 1984 should fail to challenge the a Senior Citizen Rent Increase forth in (1) above to apartments allows additional vacancy in- should challenge possible over- so-called Initial Legal Regulated Exemption (SCRIE) if they apply legally renting for $2,000 or creases for apartments which charge. With DHCR, obtain and Rent (market rent) that land- to the NYC Dept of the Aging, more a month without their be- have had no vacancy allowance fill out Form RA-89 to determine lords charge upon decontrol. SCRIE Unit at 2 Lafayette coming vacant if the total in eight or more years. the correct rent from official Use DHCR Form RA-89. Indi- Street, NY, NY 10007. If an oth- household income exceeds records. Call DHCR at (718) cate clearly that your complaint erwise eligible tenant’s current $175,000 in each of the prior Rent Overcharges 739-6400 to obtain the form. is both a complaint of “over- rent level is already above two consecutive years. To be Tenants should be aware that charge” and “Fair Market Rent one-third of income, it cannot be eligible for this second form of many landlords will exploit the Fair Market Rent Appeal Appeal.” The Housing Court rolled back, but future rent in- deregulation, the landlord must complexities of these guidelines Another type of overcharge fre- cannot determine a Fair Market creases may be waived. Obtain send an income certification and bonuses, and the tenant’s quently occurs at the time that a Rent Appeal. Formerly con- the SCRIE application form by form to the tenant between unfamiliarity with the apartment’s previously rent controlled apart- trolled vacant apartments in calling (212) 442-1000. January 1 and May 1 and file it rent history, to charge an illegal ment becomes vacant and is buildings converted to co-ops or with and get the approval of rent. The tenant can choose re-rented as a stabilized unit. condos do not become stabi- Loft Units DHCR. between filing an overcharge The Rent Guidelines Board an- lized and are not eligible for a Fair Legalized loft unit increases complaint with the Division of nually sets what they call the Market Rent Appeal. above the base rent are 3 per- May 2001 — TENANT/INQUILINO 7

the mayor is.” But he wouldn’t ex- RGB plain his support for the poor tax, continued from page 1 saying, “I’m exhausted right now.” prediction. The RGB also voted a 10% sur- They both proved prophetic. charge on subleased apartments, When the board returned after a 7-2; increases of 2% and 4% for 25-minute recess, Starobin, a lofts, 5-4; and a 2% increase for Top, demonstrating former Brooklyn landlord, moved outside the April residential hotels and rooming to reconsider the vote, saying he 30 RGB meeting; houses, 7-2, provided that at least thought he’d been voting on bottom, CUNY 70% of the rooms are rented to whether to separate the poor tax professor Cita K. permanent tenants and new ten- Karan remonstrates from the main guidelines. The ants have the right to become per- with new RGB landlord representatives chal- manent. SRO-tenant organizer member Mort lenged it, but Sinacori said he’d Terry Poe was hopeful, saying that Starobin. already talked to the city Corpo- the fact the landlords supported ration Counsel—the Giuliani

a 2% increase might indicate they GEORGE CARVA administration’s legal arm—and could get a lower increase at the been told it was legal. final vote. “Why are we moving to recon- For rent-controlled apartments sider?” Castellano asked. becoming vacant, the RGB once “Rudy wants it!” shouted a again proposed that the guideline heckler. for fair rent be either 150% of the Only the landlord members maximum base rent plus a fuel opposed a new vote. The board surcharge or the federal fair-mar- then rejected the 4% and 6% ket rent—whichever is greater. guidelines, with Starobin casting This would essentially bring them the deciding vote. They voted 5-2 up to market rate, Coleman for 3% and 5%, with the landlord charged, and Castellano con- representatives abstaining, the ceded, “that could happen.” tenant reps dissenting, and STEVEN WISHNIA “I was prepared for worse,” Starobin again casting the decid- David Pagan said afterwards. Pa- ing vote. gan, an official with the housing “Can I congratulate the New Old Whine in New Bottles: group Los Sures in Southside York Times on printing in this Williamsburg, Brooklyn, says that Owners Cry “More Profits, Please”; morning’s newspaper what the neighborhood—a once Latino guidelines would be?” Castellano and Hasidic Jewish area now in- Rudy’s New Reps Comply asked. creasingly home to artists and By Kenny Schaeffer New member David Rubinstein, yuppies priced out of the East In bizarre choreography, Mayor from oppressive rent hikes. deputy director of the city’s bud- Village—has become so gentrified Giuliani appointed three new On April 30, the morning set get department, then proposed a that buildings there are too ex- “public members” to the city Rent aside for RGB members to hear $15 poor tax and $215 minimum pensive to be eligible for Section Guidelines Board immediately expert invited testimony from rent. Coleman called it “an ob- 8 subsidies. prior to the May 9 vote on prelimi- both the tenants’ and the owners’ scenity” and “an abomination.” It is crucial that tenants turn nary lease-renewal guidelines over sides, the New York Times re- Owner representative Harold out in large numbers to the RGB the coming year (see story on ported that Mayor Giuliani was set Lubell dismissed figures that the public hearing on June 13 and page 1). to dismiss Hochman and replace average income of tenants in the final vote on June 20. Met Although two of the vacancies him with Steven Sinacori. Sinacori apartments under $500 is under Council will be street tabling had existed for months, the posi- is a 30-year-old Queens lawyer, $15,000 a year as the product of “a citywide and phone banking from tions were filled at the 11th hour, former aide to Giuliani’s chief of facetious anecdotal study by some our office in effort to turn tenants and one of the new members ei- staff and member of the city’s professor in Queens.” “The less out to these meetings. If you ther forgot his instructions from Board of Standards and Appeals, you can afford, the higher your in- want to help with this outreach, City Hall or had not yet learned which rules on zoning variances. crease,” replied David Pagan, the contact Met Council: (212) 979- RGB procedure. After casting the Instead, when the meeting con- other tenant representative. 6238, ext. 6. deciding vote for 4% and 6% in- vened, Hochman abruptly re- The RGB backed the poor tax by creases for 1- and 2-year renewals, signed, throwing it into chaos and 5-4, with public members Agustin with no low-rent supplement, forcing cancellation of the sched- Rivera and Carmody also voting no. Mort Starobin called for a “do- uled testimony, including that of Once again, over.” He then cast the deciding Patrick Markee, senior policy ana- Starobin vote for 3% and 5% increases, with lyst at the Coalition for the Home- cast the de- yet another $15 poor tax on apart- less. ciding vote. ments renting below $500 a While tenants have been calling Starobin month, an extra rent hike that has for a Rent Guidelines Board whose also denied been imposed cumulatively every public members reflect the diver- any pressure year so far during the Giuliani sity of New York City’s population, from Giuli- administration. the three members appointed on ani. “There Met Council had called for the May 9 are all white males. Further, was no pres- removal of all three of the de- one is a past mayoral aide sure from parted members of the Rent (Sinacori), one a high-ranking anybody,” Guidelines Board. Ed Hochman, mayoral aide (David Rubenstein is he said after- the RGB’s outgoing chair, had a deputy budget director), and one wards. “I “let them eat cake” dismissal of a former landlord (Mort Starobin). don’t even the housing-affordability crisis It is clear that our calls for a truly know where GEORGE CARVA affecting hundreds of thousands representative body have fallen on of working families, low-income, deaf ears, adding more urgency to and even middle-class New Yorkers. enactment of Intro 859, which Demand a Rent Freeze! Tenants had also called for the re- would give the City Council advise- placement of Edward Weinstein and-consent power over RGB ap- Come to June RGB Meetings and Justin Macedonia, two other pointments. Introduced on “public members” who could not December 19, Intro 859 has lan- have been further out of touch guished in committee, thanks to Wednesday, June 13 PUBLIC HEARING 10 a.m.-9:45 p.m. with the plight of ordinary New the apparent lack of support by Langston Hughes Auditorium, Schomburg Center, 515 Malcolm X Blvd. (aka Lenox Ave., btn. 135 & 136 Sts., Manhattan Yorkers. They were also out of Council Speaker Peter Vallone. touch with both the letter and Meanwhile, two of Vallone’s rivals Wednesday, June 20 FINAL VOTE 5:30-9:30 p.m. intent of the Rent Stabilization for the mayoral nomination, Mark The Great Hall, Cooper Union, 7 East 7 St. (at Bowery), Manhattan Law of 1969 and the Emergency Green and Alan Hevesi, have Tenant Protection Act of 1974, sharply criticized the RGB pro- which together are supposed to cess, with Green joining the call Call RGB to confirm dates and times: (212)385-2934 protect 2.3 million tenants in over for a rent freeze. 1 million stabilized apartments May 2001 — TENANT/INQUILINO 8 State’s Highest Court Penn South working and moderate-income continued from page 1 people and supported with tax to Reconsider MBR Case were those who saw Option #2 as dollars. We felt it was inappropriate By Jenny Laurie the opportunity to privatize—a for the buildings to be used as an real get-rich-quick scheme (many opportunity for venture capitalists. The New York State Court of Ap- state legislature had that power. of them the same people who If people were looking for a peals has agreed to hear an appeal However, the landlords lost in the wanted to privatize in ‘87). Of moneymaking investment, they of a lower-court decision affecting courts at every level, including course, in order to get rich, one should have bought a market rate the rent increases of rent-con- the Appellate Division’s January would have to move. But where— co-op. trolled tenants (Tenant/In- decision. and how much would replace- And so it went. The group I am quilino, January 2001). Last “The effect on tenants will be ment housing cost in this city? active with, the Assembly of Con- January, the Appellate Division of devastating if the Appellate Divi- Greed played a big role for Option cerned Cooperators, who have a State Supreme Court had ruled sion is reversed,” says Steve #2 advocates, though there were 25-year history at Penn South and unanimously against landlords’ Dobkin, of Collins, Dobkin and a few who saw this as a chance to a strong commitment to keeping challenge to a formula set by the Miller, who is representing tenant relocate to a warmer climate or to it the best-run nonprofit housing City Council in 1997 to determine groups. “This case would affect leave their apartment to a family development, now and for the the maximum base rent. rent increases going back to Janu- member. However succession future, went to work. We The Council had adjusted the ary 1, 1996.” rights are under review and may leafleted, we talked to neighbors‚ method used to calculate in- The change in the formula has be expanded in the future. But we worked hard to convince our creases in the MBR, the maxi- affected thousands of rent-con- many Option #2 voters were re- fellow cooperators that Option mum rent theoretically possible trolled tenants—who are over- flecting the current ethic, “if it #1, the city’s tax-relief proposal for rent-controlled apartments. whelmingly low-income and makes me money, it’s good—after was the right choice. We arranged What tenants actually pay is the elderly—by blocking the full 7.5% all, I gotta look out for number to have house parties in many of maximum collectible rent (MCR), per year rent increase for them one and only number one.” the 10 buildings. Cooperators which goes up 7.5% a year until it since 1996. A change back to the As the vote neared, a veritable were invited to come with ques- reaches the MBR. As a result of old system would allow the retro- snowstorm of leaflets ensued. tions. A few days before the vote, the 1997 change, MBR increases active charging of those increases. From Option #2 supporters, “Flip we had a rally replete with bal- were much lower, which resulted However, tenants shouldn’t panic. taxes will bring in millions.” A flip loons and music and winding up in thousands of rent-controlled “Every judge that has heard this tax is a portion of the sales pro- with a march through the Penn tenants not having to pay the full case so far has agreed with our ceeds a co-op requires each per- South grounds accompanied by a 7.5% increase in their MCR. case,” Dobkin says. son who sells their apartment to drum, a tambourine and chants The Council had changed the Tenant groups, including Met pay the co-op. Those funds serve for Option 1. formula (which it had originated Council, are being represented in as a reserve to pay for tax increases The outcome was gratifying not in the early 1970s) to conform it the case by Dobkin, as well as Wil- caused by the co-op converting to only to cooperators here, but to a to changes in the state tax rules. liam Gribben of Himmelstein, the private market, for repairs and large number of others who have The landlords immediately sued, McConnell, Gribben & Donohue. capital improvements. But it’s been concerned by recent priva- claiming that the state’s Urstadt For more information, call often a one-shot deal and, there- tization trends at other not-for- Law prohibited the Council from Jennie Laurie at (212) 979-6238. fore, not a reliable funding profit co-ops. It’s a victory for us acting; they claimed that only the stream. Other told of the riches to and offers a bit of hope to others. come from “new construction on We intend to remain a visible pres- under-utilized parts of our prop- ence here, holding educational erty,” “the excess open space at forums, encouraging participa- WHERE TO GO FOR HELP the northern border of our prop- tion by our neighbors and working LOWER EAST SIDE BRANCH at HOUSING COMMITTEE OF RENA erty,” “income-generating devel- to develop a strong and active Cooper Square Committee Covers 135th St. to 165th St. from opment” and “agreement with a community. 61 E. 4th St. (btwn. 2nd Ave. & Bowery) Riverside Dr. to St. Nicholas Ave., professional real estate de- Tuesdays ...... 6:30 pm 544 W. 157th St. (basement entrance). veloper.” Thursdays ...... 8 pm Other flyers clearly iden- BENSONHURST TENANT COUNCIL tified Option #1 as both the 1708 West 10th St., Brooklyn, 718-372-2413 LOWER MANHATTAN smart economic choice and Monday-Thursday ...... 10 am-5 pm LOFT TENANTS the ethical choice. “The Call for appointment. St. Margaret’s House, Pearl & Fulton 8,000 people on the waiting Sts., 212-539-3538 Wednesdays ...... 6 pm-7 pm list deserve the same op- CHELSEA COALITION ON HOUSING th th th portunity we’ve had for Covers 14 St. to 30 St., 5 Ave. to the Hudson River. VILLAGE INDEPENDENT decent, affordable housing 322 W. 17th St. (basement), CH3-0544 DEMOCRATS right in the middle of Man- Thursdays ...... 7:30 pm 26 Perry St. (basement), 212-741-2994 hattan‚” said one, “a list that Wednesdays ...... 6 pm-7:30 pm would be meaningless if GOLES (Good Old Lower East Side) Penn South privatized.” 525 E. 6th St. (btwn. Aves. A & B) Lower WEST SIDE TENANTS UNION BETTY MACKINTOSH East Side tenants only, 212-533-2541. 200 W. 72nd St. Room 63; 212-595-1274 Many of us pointed out that Penn South cooperators support remaining Penn South was housing Tuesday & Thursday ...... 2-5 pm nonprofit. Tuesday and Wednesday ... 6-7:45 pm built with union money for Join Met Council Membership: Individual, $25 per year; Low-income, $15 per year; family METROPOLITAN (voluntary: 2 sharing an apartment), $30 per year. Supporting, $40 per year. Sustaining, min. of $100 per year (indicate amount of pledge). For COUNCIL affiliation of community or tenant organizations, large buildings, trade unions, etc. call 212-979-6238. ON HOUSING My apartment is q controlled q stabilized q unregulated q other______Met Council is a citywide tenant union. q I am interested in volunteering my time to Met Council. Please call me to schedule times and duties. I can q counsel tenants, q do office work, q lobby public officials, Our phones are open to the public q attend rallies/protests. Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. Name

We can briefly answer your questions, help you with Address Apt. No. organizing or refer you to other help. City State Zip 212-979-0611 Home Phone Number 212-979-0611 Send your check or money order with this form to: Metropolitan Council on Housing, 339 Lafayette St., NY, NY 10012