I need some sage advice here from the blog. How would you treat this situation given that they are endangering the lives of 3 other families with this idiotic practice conducted behind closed doors. i only discovered it when I had to enter the apartment to replace an appliance that failed.
This seems so insane and I cannot stop thinking everyone is in danger because of them. It is in their lease not to leave candles unattended as well. The NYFD warns against this. They are a nice couple in every other way but I feel i might have to start legal action to stop them.
Comments
AKA: Cease and Desist letter.
http://www.nycourts.gov/courthelp/Homes/holdoverNotices.shtml
Such letters accomplish a few things. If the tenant continues to burn candles while not home, you can show the letters to:
- Housing Court to demonstrate that you tried to resolve the matter without the court's assistance, but that didn't work. As explained above, such letters are required before a Holdover Case can be initiated.
- A party that is attempting to sue you because there was a fire and they believe you knew of the tenant's actions, yet you took no action.
Here's more info about NYC Housing Court: http://www.nycourts.gov/COURTS/nyc/housing/holdoverjudg.shtml
It doesn't say it on the webpage, but it is a miserable place, and I hope you and your tenant never need to visit it.
best of luck with your new tenants.