Public Advocate Releases Watchlist Of City's Worst Landlords

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Public Advocate Bill de Blasio released on Tuesday his latest list of what he says are the worst landlords and buildings in the city.

Some 358 buildings are on the list, owned by 317 landlords.

At the top of the list of worst landlords is 1071 Home Corp, with 753 hazardous violations and five buildings on de Blasio's watchlist.

Three of the top five landlords have buildings in the Bronx, and two have buildings in Brooklyn.

Violations include lack of heat or hot water, lead paint, toxic mold or broken plumbing.

De Blasio launched the watchlist last year to publicly shame repeat offenders whose buildings don't meet city regulations.

"A lot of these landlords unfortunately thought they could break the law and get away with it," said the public advocate.

Outing these owners, according to de Blasio, adds public pressure to have them make much-needed changes.

"About 176 buildings that have finally made the repairs, the tenants have gotten what they deserve. They've gotten heat and hot water again, they've gotten repairs made, the buildings are safe again," said de Blasio.

This year's worst building, 245 Sullivan Place in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, has 654 code violations.

Residents say the problems have gone on for years, from black mold to leaking ceilings and infestations of rats, mice and cockroaches.

They claim the landlord, Maristanc Corporation, has mostly fixed empty apartments.

"I've been here about two-and-a-half years and since I've been here it's been the same way," said resident Lavelle Burt.

Another resident, Jerome Noel, said he lived with dangerous conditions for two years before the landlord fixed them.

"Mice, roaches, flies, the windows were cracked, the door wasn't fixed and I had no shower head. Stuff like that," said Noel. "At least [now] I get to bring my daughter home in a clean, safe environment."

NY1 was unable to reach the company, but the owner is reportedly 92 years old and ailing. It seems, though, that Maristanc Corporation is now making an effort to do some repairs.

To find the buildings on the city's watchlist, visit landlordwatchlist.com.