The building is already under a partial vacate order. Tenants say they have faced ongoing problems following water damage from last year and a building fire on April 27.
One tenant said, "I've been living in a shelter since this situation."
Photos taken inside multiple apartments show missing ceilings and dilapidated walls and floors that residents say have not yet been fully repaired following the water damage and fire.
According to a lawsuit, the building has over 100 housing code violations, including complaints of mold, flooding and live hanging wires. Advocates said residents of six units, including Diana Rodriguez, have had to vacate their homes.
Rodriguez, who has lived in the building for the past 25 years, said conditions worsened after new landlords Bradley and Ryan Zar of Point 2440 Realty LLC took over the property seven years ago.
"It's been hell from 2019 up it's been hell. No repairs. They take everything as a joke. They do things when they want to do them," Rodriguez said.
The mother of three showed her fire-damaged apartment.
"The rats are eating everything. They're going through everything," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez said she currently divides her time between her two daughters' homes and returns to the apartment to collect medication and clothing. Although her unit is under a vacate order, she said she continues to pay rent and wants to return once repairs are completed.
Tenants were joined by attorneys from the New York Legal Assistance Group, which filed a petition in June on behalf of 10 households seeking the appointment of a third-party administrator to take over day-to-day building management from the owners.
Eyewitness News reporter Chantee Lans said she contacted both Bradley and Ryan Zar of Point 2440 Realty LLC. One of the owners referred her to their attorney.
Tenants were also joined by community advocates and elected officials, including Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson.
"We have to hold management responsible by making the necessary repairs.. and if they don't do it, the courts will do it," Gibson said.
The tenants and landlords are scheduled to return to Bronx Housing Court next Tuesday, where tenants and their attorneys plan to request a trial date.
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