TENANTS WIN VICTORY IN COURT VS. NEGLIGENT SLUMLORD, EDUARDO JUAREZ
New York, NY-On Wednesday, June 12th, 2013, tenants from buildings 558, 560 and 562 West 183rd Street put a hard fought battle behind them as they won a settlement in a several month long court case against their landlord Eduardo Juarez.
The settlement reached between Juarez and the residents will ensure all violations are corrected-the class C must be fixed within 7 days; class B within 30 and class A within 60-and will provide residents with 4 months' rent abatement. These are welcome results for tenants after Juarez left them without gas, heat and electricity for close to 3 weeks this past winter.
His buildings, many populated by Latin American immigrants, still have numerous outstanding violations as listed by the Department of Housing Prevention and Development. Tenants in the buildings have been living in a state of perpetual distress due to their landlord's negligence. Residents believe the motivation for these actions was an effort to raise rents, as buildings with occupied apartments are not allowed to institute rent increases.
The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development has been covering the costs during litigation to create a better living situation for the buildings' residents, which has included paying the electric bills and beginning repairs to address the safety violations. However, today's settlement will provide some ease of mind for the residents after their long ordeal. The tenants were represented by the legal team at Goddard Riverside Community Center's SRO Law Project.
Mr. Juarez has a history of foul play, as an investigation was launched against him in 2010 by then New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, the result of which was announced two weeks ago. The International Immigrants Foundation Inc., and the International Professional Association Inc., both headed by Juarez, defrauded clients by charging exorbitant fees for their immigration services, making false promises of providing residency and citizenship, and engaged in the unauthorized practice of law.
Sitting Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced last week that Juarez must now pay $2 to $3 million dollars to his former clients as restitution for the expansive fraud scheme, in addition to shuttering the two organizations. See story here: http://legalnewsline.com/news/241974-n-y-ag-announces-agreement-to-shut-down-allegedly-fraudulent-immigration-services-organizations
"This is a victorious day for Miriam and the tenants of 183rd Street, who we hope will finally see an end to this ordeal," said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez. "The fight of these tenants-in organizing and standing up for their rights-serves as an example that all of our residents in Northern Manhattan can follow. From here on, we would like to see Mr. Juarez sell these buildings to a landlord with a more proven track record of responsibility to his tenants. There is no place for slumlords in Northern Manhattan and we stand united to send a clear message that our residents will not stand for this; they will fight back and they will win!"
"I'm proud of the tenants of 558, 560 and 563 West 183rd Street for their hard won victory to protect their homes," said Speaker Christine C. Quinn. "Today's court settlement is affirmation of tenant rights and is proof that New Yorkers can fight back against bad landlords. I urge Eduardo Juarez to follow the decision of the court immediately and begin repairs without delay. I thank Council Member Rodriguez, the Tenant Associations of 558, 560 and 563 West 183rd Street , the SRO Project at Goddard Riverside and all those who have relentlessly organized to protect the future of safe, habitable housing in Washington Heights for their dedicated efforts."
"We are hardworking people-many with families-living in a decaying building, all because Eduardo Juarez has seen fit to try and force us out," said Miriam Ribera, president of the 183rd Street Tenant Association. "But we have rights as tenants and we will stand united to ensure they are met. I thank Council Member Rodriguez for his support through this lengthy situation and we hope to see justice delivered as soon as possible."
