On Wednesday morning, the city’s Public Advocate released his list of what he calls New York City’s worst landlords.
There are 100 landlords on Public Advocate Jumaane Williams’ list. However, the top two landlords, Margaret Brynn and Donald Hastings, are associated with the same company — A&E Real Estate Holdings LLC, according to Williams.
He said that’s the first time in the history of this list that has happened. The Public Advocate also said the company is a repeat offender.
The news conference announcing the list was held in front of 80 Woodruff Avenue in Flatbush, Brooklyn. According to officials, the building is owned by Brunn, who is the first landlord on the list.
The Public Advocate said the Brooklyn building has over 300 violations that involve rodents, garbage, roaches and other pest infestations, heat and hot water issues, garbage, chipping paint, and more — including some that were immediately hazardous violations.
One tenant said she has been dealing with mice, mold and roaches and had to litigate to get some sort of resolution.
There was a settlement with A&E Real Estate Holdings LLC, which the Public Advocate said Brunn and Hastings are a part of for 14 buildings in the recent past. However, the building at 80 Woodruff Avenue was not part of that settlement.
According to organizers, A&E Real Estate Holdings LLC has over 30,000 tenants in the city. NY1 reached out to the real estate company for a comment.
Williams said he’ll be going door-knocking with housing advocates to alert tenants about the list and make them aware of what their options are.