DR Jeanne, my mind is blown at the outrageous attitudes of your landlord or management company. One hardly knows where to begin. Their "management style" is disheartening and infuriating. And this all came about because of the 32-years-in-residence tenants and two stove burners? Is this for real? Do these people live in the same universe as the rest of us? How is it possible to hold one's good tenants in such contempt?
Do they own/manage a lot of other properties in town? How extensive is their empire?
One friend of mine has lived in the same rent stabilized apartment in Greenwich Village for many years, and her landlord is just awful toward her and the few other remaining "stabies" in the building.
I'm sure all leases these days give them a right of entry under certain circumstances, and in fact they probably have for years. I think I had them in my leases, but they were never EVER abused, and I never had landlords who were so blatantly antagonistic. Please do consult with a good tenant's attorney as to this particular situation.
The Mother owns the building. Her father built it, so there's a sense of family pride, which is a good thing. Many of the people working at management companies could care less.
The Daughter lives on-site and manages things. There aren't many on-site managers around these days and I think that's a shame. I think it helps to keep things under control.
As far as I know, Mom owns no other rentals, but the daughter's Uncle owns several and he has frequent (monthly?) inspections. I think that's where the idea came from.
Until now Mom and Daughter just waited until someone complained, then did the repair. I've told Daughter several times that some people are reluctant to say anything, that it sounds like complaining and they may be afraid their rent will be raised. Also, it's unrealistic to expect tenants, most of whom have never been homeowners (at least in this building) to know much about maintenance. I think it finally dawned on them that their lackadaisical approach was not a good one and they've now gone to the other extreme and are following Uncle's example.
They are not nasty people, but lack education and business sense.
