Tenants residing at 1187 Anderson Avenue in the Highbridge section of the Bronx are demanding immediate intervention from building ownership to address severe pest infestations, including rats, cockroaches, and bedbugs. Residents report that the conditions have become untenable, prompting a collective decision to withhold rent until the property management provides a comprehensive resolution to the ongoing health and safety hazards.
The building, which underwent a change in ownership in February, has become the center of a local housing dispute. Tenants, supported by the advocacy group Community Action for Safe Apartments (CASA), staged a protest on Friday to highlight the lack of progress in mitigating the infestations. According to resident Mercedes Escoto, the pests have reached a level where living in the units is no longer viable, leading to the decision to stop rent payments. Another resident, Sheila Morel, stated that the infestation has caused significant personal property loss, forcing her to discard clothing and furniture.
Regulatory Oversight and Current Violations
The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) has confirmed it is monitoring the situation at 1187 Anderson Avenue. In a statement, the agency noted that it has issued multiple pest violation notices throughout the year. HPD officials stated they are in the process of contacting tenants who have recently filed complaints to arrange for follow-up inspections. According to the HPD, tenants facing unresolved pest issues are encouraged to report the conditions to their landlord and, if the landlord fails to act, to contact 311 to register an official complaint.
Tenant Demands and Property Management Response
The primary point of contention remains the gap between verbal assurances from ownership and the physical state of the apartments. Residents report that while management has acknowledged the need for repairs, the promised actions have not materialized.
As of the most recent reporting, the owners and management of the building have not provided a public response to inquiries regarding the specific timeline for pest remediation or their plan to address the outstanding HPD violations.
Next Steps for Residents
The situation remains fluid as tenants await further inspections from the HPD.