Landlord/Renter Question

[kithara]

Our landlord wants us to stop using our dishwasher because he says it is why we have roaches (an assessment that we don't agree with given the leaking roof not 6 feet away). He first told us to not use it for 2 months, which we didn't agree to, and then to not use it for 2 weeks, which we did agree to. He says that as the home owner he has the right to turn off the electricity to the dishwasher so that we cannot use it. Is this true?

We rented the apartment more than 2 years ago with a dishwasher installed. In fact, it was the reason we chose this apartment (most apartments we looked at did not have a dishwasher). Once we had moved in, we even replaced the dishwasher with a new one because the old one wasn't cleaning properly. We chose to replace it at our cost because the landlords had replaced both the stove and refridgerator between tenants - and we were really greatful to them! We asked permission before replacing the dishwasher and even waited for the apartment to be treated for roaches before having it professionally installed. It is not bolted to the cabinet, is on wheels, and was just pulled out yesterday to allow the exterminator to spray behind it.

So I don't understand. Can he just decide to turn off the dishwasher if there was one here when we moved in 2 years ago - and we have used it every day since then? Does the fact that we bought it have any bearing on the situation at all? (I have the invoice.)

(FYI, we are great tenants. We are very clean, pay on time, and have done everything else the landlords have ever requested - I just don't want to lose my dishwasher.)

[Rose]

I don't know about the electricity situation but you would/should be able to take the dishwasher with you when you leave because you purchased it.

[jennylou]

I'm not sure why he would think the dishwasher is causing roaches, unless there is a ton of food under the dishwasher? Unless they are water roaches - I think often called oriental roaches (IIRC)?

I think I'd be more concerned about the roaches than the dishwasher. Have you had roaches the whole time you've lived there? Maybe it's time to just move?

As for whether they can disconnect it or not - eh, I'd tell you to check into your local landlord/tenant laws. I don't know them for you, so I wouldn't be comfortable telling you what was right vs wrong.

[jennylou]

I don't know about the electricity situation but you would/should be able to take the dishwasher with you when you leave because you purchased it.

Only if they put the old dishwasher back in place that was the LLs.

[thedoorchick]

I don't know about turning off the dishwasher; things of that nature are governed by local law which varies widely from one state to another (and between cities sometimes as well).

But I've never heard of dishwashers causing roaches.

[kithara]

The roaches were here when we moved and the landlords had them treated with an exterminator. We had no roaches for a year! (in which time we used the dishwasher every day)

New roaches started in June. We called the landlord - the first time they dropped by roach traps that we could have picked up at the grocery store. The second and third times we called they had the exterminator spray, but didn't pay for them to drill into the walls (which is where the roaches are - there are no roaches behind or under the dishwasher or behind the fridge). This time (the 4th time!) they paid for the middle service which is spraying, powder in the cabinets, and drilling into the wall. This is the service we had that worked the first time after we moved in.

The dishwasher issue is new - my landlord told us last night that he didn't want us to use it anymore. He feels that it is the water source for the roaches. I'm not interested in whether or not I can take the dishwasher with me when I leave - I don't really care about that. It is however important to have a dishwasher to me. I only wondered if he really had the right to turn it off if it was part of the apartment when we moved in.

Does anyone have any idea where I can find the local laws for Brooklyn/NYC on this?

[Rose]

Only if they put the old dishwasher back in place that was the LLs.

Right, I guess I just assumed since they made an agreement with the LL's that the LL took it or are storing it somewhere as the renters won't live there forever. I shouldn't assume that though.




Does anyone have any idea where I can find the local laws for Brooklyn/NYC on this?

Your phone book maybe? There should be a section of local goverment agencies in the front. Or try googling it. Good luck!

[KrissyCat7]

I would read your lease and see what it says.

Also check this out.
http://www.oag.state.ny.us/realestate/tenants_rights_guide.html

[Kanga]

I would assume that since you are paying the same rent as when you had a working dishwasher, you should not be charged the same amount if you can't use the dishwasher.

[thedoorchick]

I am not an expert on NY law or other states outside my own, but I seriously doubt there is any state that requires the LL to provide a dishwasher. Some other appliances, yes (stove, etc) but dishwasher is an amenity, not a necessity.

Also I second double checking your lease - many have specifications about appliances that are provided under the agreement.