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Questions For Supers
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800 to 849 |
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"Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information on it."
-- Samuel Johnson |
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last update on
Friday January 25, 2008 09:23 PM PT
Fair Use Disclaimer |
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The information given on these question and answer pages has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate; however, no responsibility is assumed for inaccuracies. All answers sent in and published on these pages are the sole opinions of the authors and do not represent any legal, medical, or professional advice.
The Supers Technical Association reserves the right to make changes to any and all content without notice, and to edit all questions and answers received for accuracy or clarity, or for any other purpose.
Although the Supers Technical Association believes the content to be accurate, complete, and current, the Supers Technical Association makes no warranty as to its accuracy or completeness of the content. It is your responsibility to verify any information before relying on it. The content of this site may also include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. From time to time changes will be made, without prior notice, to the content herein.
Do not construe any answers we give as legally binding in any way. We don't practice law and do NOT dispense legal advice.
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QUESTIONS POSTED |
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Question #849:
Do I need a GED or high school diploma to start a
superintendent training course?
Post your answer
Answer:
Depends where you attend the courses. A GED will
help you and would be of great advantage for you not just for a super's
course, but for your life. Some places require it, some dont.
Peter Grech,
GBOC
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Question #848:
I presently have a job as a resident manager in a
Local 32BJ building, and have been offered a better job in another Local
32BJ building. I will have a probationary period of six months, which I have
no problem with. My question is about my medical and dental benefits during
this period. Do I lose coverage during this trial period?
Post your answer
Answer:
Yes. All you need to do is
to make it part of the deal that the new company takes over your medical,
pension, etc., benefits. However, usually you do this in the negotiation
part - after they offer you the job and before you accept it. It is up to
them to say yes or no. I know, because I make that part of the deal in every
new job I go too.
Peter Grech,
GBOC
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Question #847:
Can a refrigerator emit a foul odor from the compressor or any other
mechanical parts.
Post your answer
Answer:
Yes they can. Some refrigerators have a defrost pan bolted on top of the
compressor. The purpose of this pan is to evaporate the melted
defrost water (due to the heat of the compressor) from the evaporator and other areas of the refrigerator. If
some organic matter, like beef blood finds its way into that pan, phew, it
can really stink up. On other models a similar pan can be found on the
bottom of the refrigerator near the condenser. Air is blown over the
condenser and past the pan so that warm waste air evaporates the defrost
water, again a potential area of smell if the water is contaminated with
organic matter.
William Aristovulos
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Question #846:
What can be done about companies like PC Richards and
Sleepy's dumping the customers' old fridges, mattresses etc., on the
property? I call 311 and usually get some employee who can't be bothered to
do or suggest anything. It's really annoying when you find old items left by
these companies in the hallways and basement.
Post your answer
Answer:
In my building we have a policy (in writing, which we hand to all movers,
contractors and deliverers who come into the building) that all the above
are prohibited from leaving anything behind, including packing material,
furniture and all other disposable items. This will take care of most, but
not all, of those kinds of dumping and disposal problems - invariably some
get away with murder. But if you have time to keep an eye on their
activities they can usually be caught and forced to do the right thing.
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Question #845:
I rent a duplex in a 4 story brownstone.
There is one apartment below mine and one apartment above mine. The
person upstairs has to walk through my duplex to access her apartment. She
uses a common stairwell and hallways to get upstairs. The
outside lights and vestibule lights are on a timer. They come on at 5:00pm
and stay on all night. The hallway lights have motion detectors and they
come on every time anyone enters the common stairwell and hallways. The
electric meter is configured such that the electricity used in
these common areas registers on the bill for my duplex. Am I entitled by
law to a meter that reflects only the costs for my apartment? Post your answer
Answer:
Short of a Philadelphia
lawyer to read and interpret your lease, which should give a clue to the
answer, I would call Con Edison and complain that you are being billed for
another's lighting. If that runs into a stone wall, try filing a complaint
with NYC Dept.of Housing Preservation & Development (311 will get your
there).
Dick Koral
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Question #844:
I live in a 4-unit, converted brownstone apartment
building that I just found out is for sale. My lease was up last August, and
I never bothered to try and renew the lease because my neighbors told me the
landlord, who's not that active in the affairs of the building, would raise
the rent. Now that it is for sale, what would be the steps and advantages of
trying to make the building go co-op? Would I be able to buy my apartment
under value? If the apartment is sold to another party, what are my rights
in terms of eviction?
Post your answer
Answer:
This is probably the kind of question much more geared to the
forum at
tenant.net.
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Question #843:
Can you tell me if it is legal for a super of a co-op to have a basement
apartment in a co-op building. Our basement has windows that are actually at
ground level.
Post your answer
Answer:
Yes it is legal, as long as the apartment is listed on the Certificate of
Occupancy, and as long as it meets the building (and other applicable)
codes.
Peter Grech,
GBOC
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Question #842:
I am looking for a class that I would be able to
take to help me understand boiler systems and to install them. What classes
are there in New York City.
Post your answer
Answer:
NYC College of Technology in Downtown Brooklyn
has a whole department, "Environmental Control Technology) with
up-to-date boiler lab, etc. Go to
www.citytech.cuny.edu and check it out. None better in these parts.
Dick Koral
Answer:
Housing Conservation Coordinators (HCC)
and the Association for Energy Affordability (AEA)
are two New York City organizations giving good classes on understanding
boiler systems. Contact them and ask if they can also help you find out
where to learn about installing boiler systems. When you do find out,
let us know so we can print the information
here.
Glen Stoltz
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Question #841:
Our roof, installed in 1990 with Brai RubberoidMB roofing process and a
final layer of Karmak Alumninum Coating, has developed some bulges that
appear to be filled with water. The two bulges can be seen at this link:
http://homepage.mac.com/x2fastforwardx/PhotoAlbum2.html. What do you recommend?
Post your answer
Answer:
There are several issues with your roof. The immediate cure for the
blistering is simple. The roofer would cut out the defective section (if the
insulation is wet, that too would need to be cut out) and a new section
installed. What caused this condition is the real problem. From what I can
see in the pictures is the water is going under the roof from the side
walls, from the metal capping. There is NO flashing and where there was, it
was covered over. The walls need to be addressed.
Peter Grech,
GBOC
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Question #840:
I received a safety notice in my apartment today that stated the building is
non-fireproof. Is it safe to live on the 6th floor in a non-fireproof
apartment building?
Post your answer
Answer:
"Fireproof" doesn't mean it's impossible to burn, it just means a building
is built in such a way that it will catch fire less easily. Older buildings
can't be described as fireproof; newer buildings are by code constructed in
such a way that a major fire will have a harder time getting started and
spreading. Anything will burn given high enough temperatures (remember the
WTC on 9/11?) Is it safe to live in a building that isn't classified as
fireproof? Is it safe to cross the street? Is it safe to ride in a car, a
bus, a subway? It's all relative. You have to weigh your needs (or wants)
against what's available or affordable and reach your own decision. Probably
more important is the question of getting all the residents in your building
educated about what starts fires, and if a fire does start, what do you do
to get out and protect yourself and other residents.
Here's a good PDF on residential building fire safety. Printing it out
and giving copies to the head of each household in your building would be a
good idea.
Glen Stoltz
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Question #839:
I have been approached about being a superintendent for a condominium in
New York City. The building runs by city steam - no boiler. Also it has a
water tank on the roof and a pressurized sprinkler system for the bottom 3
floors. Where do I go to find out what tests are necessary?
Post your answer
Answer:
City steam
requires no permits or certificates to operate as long as the end use of the
steam is less then 15 psi. You will need a certificate of fitness for
pressurized sprinklers. call FDNY dept of fire prevention 718 999 2000 or
click here.
http://nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/c_of_f/coff.shtml.
Peter Grech,
GBOC
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Question #838:
I lost my universal refrigeration license and
would like to get a copy. I don't remember my # or the name of the tech
course. Any information would be great.
Post your answer
Answer:
There are two that I know
you can check with, and chances are one of them is the one you are looking
for: the first one is the ESCO Institute, and the second one is the
Refrigeration Service Engineers Society, their phone number is 847-297-6464
you can also fax them at 847-297-5038.
Roberto Cardona
Answer:
Refrigeration licenses are now being handled through
the FDNY. Contact them, I do not know which part of the Fire Department
handles this. The number I have for the Department is
718 999 2000, ask them they may be able to tell
you which department.
Peter Grech,
GBOC
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Question #837:
Who defines the scope of work which a super is
required to do as part of a job description? Can a board modify a "job
description" to require additional services from a building superintendent?
For instance, painting and plastering work is something a super is claiming
"isn't in his job description."
Post your answer
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Question #836:
My landlord has decided to put 4 uncovered trash cans in the hallway of our
building because he was getting summonsed for the outside trash system. This
brings vermin and smells beyond belief. Is this in any way legal?
Post your answer
Answer: This is permissible. Under the
Multiple Dwelling Law,
Title 3, there is no mention that the receptacles need to be stored outside
- or rather cannot be stored inside. This is the letter of the code: "Sec.
81. Receptacles for waste matter. 1. The owner of every multiple dwelling
shall provide proper and suitable conveniences or receptacles for ashes,
rubbish, garbage, refuse and other waste matter and shall arrange for the
removal of such waste matter daily. 2. No person shall place ashes, garbage,
rubbish, filth, urine or fecal matter in any place in a multiple dwelling
other than the place provided therefor, or keep any such matter in his
apartment or upon his premises such length of time as to create a nuisance
as defined in section three hundred nine." Furthermore, the receptacles do
need to have a tight fitting cover.
Peter Grech,
GBOC
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Question #835:
It's November 16th, and my landlord just announced he's raising my rent $350
starting December 1. I'm in a non-stabilized building. Is 15 days notice legal?
I thought he owed me a month.
Post your answer
Answer: You
need to look at your lease. If you lease does not specify how much
time/notice the landlord is to give you, then 15 days is it. Free market
rent or non-stabilized apartments have very little protection. As always,
you should consult an attorney.
Peter Grech,
GBOC
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Question #834:
I signed a lease to pay all the utilities for a
one-family home. A few months later I told my landlord I could not pay for
the gas because it was too high. The landlord made an addendum to the lease
by increasing my rent and taking over the responsibilities of the gas bill.
I did not sign the addendum to the lease, but my landlord switched the bill
into his name. Recently the landlord has asked for the increased rent and I
have not paid it. He has decided to switch the gas back into my name. Can he
do that?
Post your answer
Answer:
Sorry,
but this would be a question for an attorney to answer. I won't dare give
you my personal opinion about your deplorable actions and intent.
Peter Grech,
GBOC
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Question #833:
How much heat (in BTUs) is required to change 500
pounds of water at 75°F to steam at 212°F?
Post your answer
Answer:
If I did the math right, the answer should be
68,500 BTU. Ken Botte
Answer:
You were close, however you forgot to add the latent heat of
vaporization which is 970.3 per lb. So total BTUs needed: 66,465,550.
Peter Grech,
GBOC
Answer:
I'm not an
engineer, but I think you both are only partially correct. Yes, it takes
about 68,500 BTUs to get from 75 to 212 degrees. And, yes it requires about
970 BTUs per pound to get to steam from 212 degree water. So 500 lbs at 212
degrees x 970 = 485,000 plus 68,500 = 553,500 BTUs required to heat 500 lbs
of water... but put this in a closed boiler and who knows what will
happen...
Derek Bupp
Answer: Yup Derek is right. I multiplied 137 x 970 x 500.
Good job Derek, and thanks.
Peter Grech,
GBOC
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Question #832:
In a New York City residential high-rise condominium, what constitutes a
hallway obstruction - are door mats and wall hangings included? Is there a
list?
Post your answer
Answer: There is no list
published that I am aware of. Put simply, anything in the way that a person
can trip or fall over is considered a form of blocking egress, whether those
items are movable or fixed. Wall hangings are not considered a trip or fall
hazard, therefore as long as they do not stick out of the wall more then a
normal 2 inches or so, they are not considered blocking egress. But again,
as all answers that pertain to legal and code questions, this is our opinion
based on experience. For the legal answer you should ask an attorney.
Peter Grech,
GBOC |
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Question #831:
Re: self-managed or in-house-managed co-ops: I
am a super, in a 73-family class 'A' Brooklyn co-op. The Board is willing to
consider my proposal that I set up a company and do in-house management, but
they want to first speak with the boards of other comparable buildings,
which have similar set-ups. I have taken the self-management course at CNYC,
and I have done IREM's ARM course. Can anyone refer me to such a building or
list of buildings? Also any pro or con ideas, or specific instructions? I
have started talking to a payroll company which has a bookkeeper
recommendation, for possible back-office services, and I am considering a
Bank Lock Box System.
Post your answer
Answer:
I don't recall any specific buildings that I
could give you a phone number which are self-managed. Your best bet would be
to contact Mary Anne Rothman at
CNYC and ask her that question.
Peter Grech,
GBOC |
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Question #830:
I am a union 32BJ superintendent on East 86th
Street. Am I responsible for scraping, plastering, sanding, priming, and
painting of six large hallways (6 floors) in the condo I work in?
Post your answer
Answer:
My opinion is no, you are not
required to paint - paint touch-ups maybe. Your best bet is to contact your
union delegate, as you should in all union matters.
Peter Grech,
GBOC
Answer: I wish to expand on my answer above: New York City
laws require that any contractor or super, etc., who is going to paint and
plaster in a building built prior to 1968 needs to have certifications to
deal with the lead paint issues. This becomes even more important if there
are children living in the apartment or building where the lead paint will
be disturbed. So, unless you have these requirements and certifications, and
assuming your building is built prior to 1968, you CANNOT do the painting
and plastering - regardless of what the union and management says.
Peter Grech,
GBOC |
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Question #829:
I have a 3-family oil-heated
house in Brooklyn and the FDNY just issued an ECB violation citing "Rule 3:
Storing fuel oil without a valid fire department permit." I can't find any
information whatsoever on the need for a permit. Is there such a thing? I'm
wondering of the inspector just assumed I converted to gas and never removed
the oil tank (not the case).
Post your answer
Answer: If your fuel tank
capacity is 1,100 gallons or more, or if you have more then one tank where
the combined capacity is 1,100 gals or more; then you need to register the
tank with the DEC. The FDNY requirement is a separate issue. Now, the code
is very technical and over 200 words, too long to type here. Contact the
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for more information. Lastly
the penalty can be in the thousands of dollars a day (yes, a DAY).
Peter Grech,
GBOC
Answer: While the last poster
is correct about the DEC requirements and fines etc., I wouldn't be alarmed.
I've never seen a 3-family with 1,100 gallons of oil in the basement. The
FDNY requires you register, I think every 2 years - it doesn't cost a lot.
If you do decide to convert to gas and get rid of the tanks make sure you
file an affidavit with the FDNY though.
Derek Bupp |
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Question #828:
I
was wondering how much a landlord can usually
charge a billboard company to put a billboard on a building. Is it a monthly
flat fee, revenue sharing, or both? Is it a different fee for a traditional
vinyl billboard and for a digital billboard? How long is the lease
generally? Can a landlord usually break the lease?
Post your answer
Answer: There are various
arrangements but it's usually a percentage of the revenue. The rates are
negotiable. Some of the more desirable locations can obtain a fixed fee per month
whether or not the sign is rented. 10 years is typical - 5 years happens but
usually not less. The companies that do this have iron-clad leases and teams
of lawyers, so very rarely can you get out of the lease. This may encumber
your property if you intend to sell.
Derek Bupp |
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Question #827:
I have the universal EPA license from the Navy.
I was wondering if that is the equivalent to having a refrigeration license
in New York City. If not, does it fulfill the prerequisites for taking the
exam?
Post your answer
Answer: The EPA certificate
that you have is part of having a New York City Refrigeration License. It
does not exclude you from obtaining a Refrigeration License from FDNY.
Requirements prior to obtaining such license are 2 years of practical
experience and 2 years of classroom education. Call FDNY for more info and
look to previously asked questions on this subject.
Peter Grech,
GBOC |
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Question #826:
What are union scale wages for a New York City super? Is it reasonable to
assume that this wage is just a base salary for a super.
Post your answer
Answer: There is NO set base
salary for a unionized or non-unionized super. While there are hourly rates
for doormen, porters and handymen, no set hourly wage exist for supers or
resident managers. Too many factors are involved in calculating a super's
salary, among them: size of building, staff size, location, job description.
Peter Grech,
GBOC |
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Question #825:
When a person within your field of industry goes on an
interview, let's say for a Superintendent / Resident Manager position, and
is asked the typical question: Tell me about yourself. What do you feel are
key points the individual should bring to the table?
Post your answer
Answer: Obviously this
question will have different answers because of different people. The main
thing to bring to the table is: your talents, your contribution to the
building, your experience and your successes in the past - to name a few.
Peter Grech,
GBOC |
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Question #824:
We do not pay for heat. It is freezing in here all day
and most of the night. What is the heat by law suppose to be? The radiators
are cold. Heat may come on between 3 & 6 AM, water does not get hot - run
for a few minutes, may get lukewarm. Tell me what I can do for landlord to
come correct.
Post your answer
Answer:
The heating law requirements are set out on
this page. You can dial 311 to
register a complaint with the city if those requirements are not met. |
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Question #823:
I own and live in a one bedroom condo of a 350 unit
complex in Manhattan. I would like some guidance in holiday tipping for the
super, doormen and maintenance personnel.
Post your answer
Answer:
If you go to our website's search
page and put in tips OR tipping or a similar search
string, you will get links to lots of pages on this site with information
and opinions about tipping. Also see this
super's blog for more links to information about this subject. |
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Question #822:
In New York City can a landlord deny certain tenants (rent stabilized), in a
5-floor walk-up, a washer and dryer if there is no laundry room in the
building?
Post your answer
Answer:
Yes, a landlord can deny or not give approval for a
tenant to install a dishwasher and / or washing machine in the apartment. In
most leases this is written clearly. I have yet to see any lease that does
not have a clause that prohibits washers.
Peter Grech,
GBOC |
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Question #821:
I've been contacted by a super of a nearby
building where the landlord has told him to get a boiler license ASAP. The
problem is, this super (who is a decent guy and who took over the job from
his parents) can't read, or reads very little. We're concerned the landlord
(whose reputation is not good) might use this as an excuse to get rid of him
as a super and as a resident. Any information on: a.) what is the
requirement for a boiler license? All buildings or some? In this instance
we're dealing with four tenements in a row, and b.) do they have to go to
class? I did find information on the first two questions, but in this case,
the super (really a kid in his early 20's) is not literate, can barely read
and appears to have a learning disability. Do you know of any resources for
people who are not literate?
Post your answer
Answer:
The only requirement for a super to have a "boiler
license" is if the building's boiler uses #6 oil. A person doesn't have to
take a class for the license but does need to study for it by reading the
material and does need to read the questions on the test and use a touch
screen to answer the questions. Not being able to read or write may be OK
for a janitor or porter, but a super should know how to read and write. Keep
in mind that he's responsible for the tenants health, security and safety.
To expand on this further, HPD is about to enforce that superintendents be
certified as competent in their duties. One way is for the landlord or board
to write a letter certifying their super as competent. Note, HPD may
question this letter as it may be self serving. The other way is for a super
to have a minimum of 15 hours of education as per HPD requirements. More
news on this will follow from STA before the end of October - stay tuned. So
it behooves this super and other supers to learn how to read and write in
English, as the laws are going to be enforced.
Peter Grech,
GBOC |
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Question #820:
I live in a rental building that has signs clearly stating when garbage can
be left by the freight elevator for pickup by the staff. These times are
ignored by almost everyone on the floor and the garbage can sometimes be in
the hallway for 5-6 hours. Does this violate any fire or sanitation code?
Post your answer
Answer:
Yes it is actually a violation to leave the garbage in
the hallway; in fact, nothing should be left in the hallway at all in the
event of an emergency fire exit. So the fact of the matter is, floor mats,
umbrella stands, bikes and baby strollers are not allowed. And the same can
be said of exit stairwells.
Roberto Cardona |
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Question #819:
Is there such a thing as an FDNY-approved air conditioner for use in a fire
escape window (these are studio apartments that have two windows side by
side facing the fire escape)?
Post your answer
Answer:
The answer is No. You cannot put any a/c unit on a fire
escape route. The a/c unit will interfere with your escape as well as when
the unit extends out of the window it may interfere with the escape of
others on the fire escape. For more info, call FDNY, Fire Prevention Unit, 9
Metro Tech, 718 992 2000.
Peter Grech,
GBOC |
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Question #818:
I would like to know if the refrigerating
operating engineer exam PART 2 will be taken on computer simulator? If not
yet, when?
Post your answer
Answer:
No. There are no plans to ever take the practical part of this exam via
computer simulation. There is always talk about it, but it won't happen in
the near future.
Peter Grech,
GBOC |
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Question #817:
I have lived in my rent controlled pre-war apartment for 34 years. The
electrical wiring here is a joke -only two outlets in the whole place
outside of the kitchen. I would like to have the wiring redone since I don't
intend to leave anytime soon. I'm assuming I will have to hire an
electrician and pay for it all myself. Do I need the landlord's permission
to get a permit to have the work done? Can he refuse me when I'm only trying
to bring the apartment up to code?
Post your answer
Answer: Yes, Landlords permission is needed. Yes, he can
refuse you. He can also say that he will have his electrician do the
electrical upgrade, and increase your rent by 1/40 of the cost, but only
with your permission. Renters have to keep in mind that while it's their
apartment to rent, the apartment is still the property of the owner. You
mentioned you wish to bring it up to code, it is up to code for the year it
was built. Lets face it, you want to make these "improvements" not for the
landlord's benefit but rather your own, as you stated you are not going to
move.
Peter Grech,
GBOC
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Question #816:
Will TRVs work for steam radiators inside a wall
covered by a metal cover with vents?
Post your answer
Answer:
Not exactly sure what a 'TRV' is. If
this is one of those automatic room temperature control valves, you have two
options. For single pipe steam radiators you must put this valve on the air
vent, not on the steam valve to the radiator. If you have two pipe steam
(with a trap on the radiator), then you can use this type of valve. However,
piping is important or water hammer may result. Please post again with more
details of your application and I will try to answer in more detail.
Joe Lambert,
Leonard Powers
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Question #815:
I am wondering what the average salary is for an experienced
superintendent?
Post your answer
Answer:
Without knowing all the facts like size of building, staff
size, location and duties, to answer this question is difficult. But a very
rough rule of thumb is for buildings with less than 100 apartments, and
normal duties the salary range is approximately $45K to $60K. Of course
there are always exceptions to this. There are too many variables. I can
tell you of a super with 27 apartments, full staff and he earns $70K. Then
another super with 500 apartments short staff who earns $72K.
Peter Grech,
GBOC
Answer:
Read
the Frequently Asked
Questions section for the answer to a similar previous question.
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Question #814:
How do I get a boiler license and can I get
questions and answers online?
Post your answer
Answer:
For a start in finding your answer, search the
Licenses, Exams and
Certificates of Fitness archives.
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Question #813:
I am looking to take a training course to become a super, but am having
trouble finding a school, please help.
Post your answer
Answer:
Start your search
here.
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Question #812:
What date is the landlord required to turn the
heat on?
Post your answer
Answer:
Heat requirements for New York City.
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Question #811:
Do you need a permit for wood stoves in New York State?
Post your answer
Answer: In
New York State - NO. However, your city or county may require a permit; the
insurance company may also require it. Make sure you inform your insurance
company that you are installing a wood stove. Naturally, you must follow the
local building and fire codes when installing a wood burning (or any other) stove.
Peter Grech,
GBOC
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Question #810:
I own a 2nd floor condo and about 6-8 months ago my super came to me and let
me know there was water dripping down into the 1st floor unit. We found the
problem, and it was fixed. I went down there about 2 days later and asked if
there was still water coming into his unit? He said it wasn't. Just the
other day I get a call from the actual owner of the unit, she tells me that
there is damage in the bathroom and that I have to fix it. My question is,
since I didn't know there was damage and 6-8 months have passed since this
accord, am I still liable for the damage?
Post your answer
Answer:
First of all, was the leak inside the wall or outside of the wall. Second, check
you propriety lease. Most of the time, leaks inside the walls on what is
call common use piping is the responsibility of the building to fix the leak
as well as any damages. If it was outside the wall as in leaky pipe under
your sink etc, then these items mostly are the owners responsibility to
repair as well as any damage. If you paid for the repair to the plumbing
then mostly you will have to pay for its repair. As for 8 months later, well
fair is fair, if you are responsible for the repair, then just have it
replaced. Lastly, as always our answers are just our opinions and any legal
questions should be referred to an attorney.
Peter Grech,
GBOC
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Question #809:
A New York City building inspector gave me a notice of violation for a
partition in my living room creating a living room and bedroom. The remedy
requires me to obtain a permit or to restore the premises to its prior legal
condition. I was told it may be an illegal partition. Firstly, who
determines if the partition can remain in the apartment, and secondly, what
are the necessary steps to cure this violation.
Post your answer
Answer:
Who determines if the wall remains? The City of New York makes this
determination. You did
not state if you own a co-op or condo or are a renter. In any case, you
would have needed to follow the rules under the lease or co-op/condo
proprietary lease, because these entities also have a say in whether the
wall remains or goes. The cure: since you have a violation it's best to hire
an expediter. You would need an architect or designer who has a license to
draw up plans, and go downtown to the Department of Buildings to file.
Peter Grech,
GBOC
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Question #808:
I've read
question #756 regarding window air conditioner installation. I'm having
a hard time locating the information you refer to regarding the use of
brackets and how far the a/c unit extends from the window. Where can I see
this information? I've read the Building Code and have searched the
Department of Buildings website, but I find nothing specific about legal
requirements on the installation of A/Cs. Under the building Code it just
mentions appurtenances, but does not give exact details about brackets, etc.
I've also read LL11 info, and there is nothing there either. Where can I
find detailed information on the correct installation for window air conditioners that
comply with LL11?
Post your answer
Answer:
It
is under appurtenances. The building engineer is the one who can guide you
as it is NOT written but it is given. 10 inches is the magic number. If the
a/c unit extends 10 inches past the glass of the window, it would require
brackets that rest on the building wall, or brackets from the inside
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