| Questions For Supers - 1151 to 1200 | |||
|
|
|||
|
|||
|
•questions page navigation •go to most recent question •frequently asked questions •ask a question •questions by category |
|||
| last update on Sunday July 20, 2008 12:45 PM PT January 2008 | |||
|
|||
| QUESTIONS POSTED | |||
|
Question #1199:
I have been living in a 2
apartment private house for 2 years. Last year my lease stated that the
first floor tenant will be responsible for 1/2 the gas heat charges as
incurred by balanced billing to second floor tenant. Hence the lease said
that they would provide hot water. I had signed it not realizing what I did.
Now they want me to put the Con Edison bill to the house in my name and I
pay the bill albeit I have my own Con Edison bill too. Is this legal? What
do I do? I have not signed the lease that is post dated 7/1/08 and I
received 7/19/08.
Post your answer
Answer/Comment:
|
|||
|
Question #1198:
In a one bedroom apartment, which might have about 800 sq. ft., lives
a family of six: parents, three adult children (over 21 y/o) and one 12 y/o
child. Are there any per. sq. ft. occupancy restrictions that should apply?
In addition to the overcrowding, the apartment is cluttered by the father's
tools and equipment that he uses for his illegal (not licensed and not
taxed) construction work. Where to seek help in resolving the problem of a
overcrowded apartment, which is among the other, a potential fire hazard?
Post your answer
Answer/Comment:
|
|||
|
Question #1197:
Is a doorman obligated to work a double shift,if the doorman for the
following shift doesn't show up?
Post your answer
Answer/Comment:
|
|||
|
Question #1196:
I have heard about air pollution control license that superintendents should
have it, where could I have more information?
Post your answer
Answer/Comment: The so-called air pollution control license is required of anyone who operates a heavy fuel (#6 oil) boiler by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). To get the license, one has to take an approved 20-hour course and pay a small fee. The license is good for life. |
|||
|
Question #1195:
If a super is operating a kitchen renovation business, advertising himself
as a contractor, but does not have the proper license, and insurance. to
operate, can the co-op, after asking him to present these papers, and he
failing to do so, can he be dismissed, should he continue to operate his
business. Post your answer
Answer/Comment: Why do you protest being asked not to operate illegally, with customers unprotected when you don't have insurance, etc.? The laws requiring licensure protects both you and your customers (and, in this case, the housing company, too.) Dick Koral Answer/Comment: Frankly it is none of yours, or the coop's business, whether or not the superintendent is licensed or not. And unless you are part of the coop board, it remains none of your business. It might be the coop's business, IF, the superintendent is conducting work, when he should be on duty, or if he is doing work for the coop. It certainly would be the business of the DOB or Dept of Consumer Affairs. William Aristovulos |
|||
|
Question #1194:
Where can you go to check, if you suspect that a Super, is operating
an oil burner, without an oil burner license?
Post your answer
Answer/Comment: First of all, not every boiler needs a license. (That question has been thoroughly covered in these pages) Before one goes into an accusatory mode, please do the research and investigate whether your building's boiler needs a license or not. William Aristovulos |
|||
|
Question #1193:
I live in a pre war building on the UWS (Upper West Side) in Manhattan. The
Board and residents are very concerned about conserving energy. I hear there
are thermostats one can put on hot water radiators in individual residences.
I understand these thermostats then give residents more options than on/off,
or worse, on with windows open! I have looked at your FAQ's, and on Google
and need some suggestions about these thermostats. PS. It would be good if you had a SEARCH box on your website, where one could type in keywords. Post your answer Answer/Comment: Wow, what timing for your question! Please see # 1192 below for Joe Lambert's great answer. Also if you click on our "sitemap" on our website you will find a site specific search box. William Aristovulos Answer/Comment: The device you seek is a TRV (thermostatic radiator valve) which attaches to each radiator. You can set the desired room temperature as you wish. However, if the window is left open, it will not save any energy. |
|||
|
Question #1192:
I have a 6 floor coop with 30 units. The perimeter fin-tube is a one pipe
steam system. Some of the tenants complain of not getting heat, while others
are too hot during the winter. I’ve replaced all the air relief valves at
the fin-tubes and when steam does reach the fin-tube, it does heat up. The
mains that run vertically should be vented, right? And I should be able to
find a vent at the top of each of these mains. Is it possible that the mains
vents are concealed within the wall? The building is of prewar vintage...
around 1939...Post your answer
Answer/Comment: There are many possibilities and solutions to your problem. See first the location of all of the radiators that do not get hot, it may be due to one riser not getting enough steam. If they are isolated within the system, it may be that the individual pipe to the fin tube, or the tube itself, is not sloped correctly, or it may be the air vent on the fin tube. The vents on top of the riser will probably only effect the upper floors. As for heating too much, you can get a smaller vent, a manual 'vari-vent', or what I like, are the automatic temperature controlled vents. These will all reduce the amount of air let out, which controls the amount of steam let in. Sometimes these problems are hard to find and take time. Water hammer is a good indicator of where problems may be. Many reasons for uneven heating. Look to see if there is a pattern to the radiators that are not heating, it could be due to one or two risers that are having drainage problems. Then go back to the basement and see if there is a place where water will block the steam. If not, then look to the slope of the fin-tubes and branch piping itself. You can also increase the size of the vent on the fin-tube itself, air out = steam in. Again, for too-hot fin-tubes, consider a thermostatic air vent that will automatically modulate the amount of air out based on room temp. By reducing the amount of steam in these areas, allows more to go to the colder areas. There are many potential issues with old buildings and uneven (and $$ wasting) systems, and you may want to consider paying a professional to do some work to solve the problem. Joe Lambert joe.lambert@control-associates.com editors note: Joe Lambert has been a long standing expert contributor to these pages. |
|||
|
Question #1191:
Does a universal type EPA refrigerant
handling license include transportation vehicles like ThermoKing trailer
units?
Post your answer
Answer/Comment: I do believe that the universal EPA license allows you to buy, handle and use refrigerant for any type of equipment. The only adjunct or additional license you need, is for a high pressure refrigerant like 410A, which once you have acquired the universal license, it is quite simple to obtain. William Aristovulos |
|||
|
Question #1190:
Does my landlord need a permit to
renovate my apartment? I live in a 3 story, 4 apartment walkup in Brooklyn.
Post your answer
Answer/Comment: Certain types of work are regulated by the DOB (Department of Buildings) NYC and require a permit. Their website has an easy to read guide that explains when you need a permit. In general, if you remove a wall, construct a wall, add a light fixture or receptacle, do any kind of plumbing beyond the trap of a fixture... you need a permit for that work. Most everything else is 'decorative' and can be done without one, including replacing a plumbing fixtures, hanging a cabinet, setting tile, installing new flooring and painting a wall. |
|||
|
Question #1189: Looking to find information about the type of licenses required to be a superintendent in an apartment building in New Jersey. Apartment building has 120 apartments. Tenants are concerned that the superintendent is not certified to be a superintendent living in the building. Let me explain further. Our superintendent of many years passed on and our apartment building simply moved the "porter" up to the position of "superintendent". We know that he is not qualified. He has mentioned to many tenants his concern that he does not have the black seal boilers license. He has asked people to help him obtain one. I believe he does not read or write the English language that well or not at all. Can you please help by letting us know what is required to be a full fledge superintendent in New Jersey in an apartment building of 120 apartments. Post your answer Answer/Comment: I Goggled "black seal boiler license - New Jersey" and found many schools that offer the qualifying course. If you call a few, you may find one that offers the course in the new super's native language! Dick Koral |
|||
| Question #1188: I am a N.Y.C.Local#1 Plumbing Mechanic, with 12 years on the job. I am looking for info. on how to start this process, and the necessary permits and licenses needed, and how to obtain them. I currently hold permits from the F.D.N.Y. the NYC Dept of Health, OSHA, and other credentials issued by the U.A Plumbers Local#1 training facility. Your input would be greatly appreciated. Post your answer | |||
|
Question #1187:
My window broke due to heavy winds, who's responsibility is it to have it
replaced? I live in a 3 family house.
Post your answer
Answer/Comment: Unfortunately you need to refer to your lease or contract for the answer. From where I sit, It seems to me that this should be your landlord's responsibility. However there are agreements, particularly in smaller buildings, were you are held responsible for all maintenance and upkeep. William Aristovulos |
|||
|
Question #1186:
I am a shareholder in my mom's non-union building. The coop is a good
employer, giving benefits, including HMO health plans, and paying $15/hr to
doormen. A union employee recently bought an apartment, and held a meeting
between staff and shareholders, to advocate unionizing. (The men all signed
up. They are psyched, I think unrealistically, because they don't realize
that the Pension Fund offers very little in real dollars, after 25 years,
and nothing if still employed. Also POS plans are not always better than
HMOs.) He complained that the Board would not provide current costs, but he
declined to provide the Union's employer-contribution amounts for comparison
with the cost of upgrading without the union.
He said these amounts were transparent on the union website, but I cannot
find them.
Post your answer
Answer/Comment: Try calling the Realty Advisory Board at 212.889.4100 or the Union at 212.388.3800 for the amounts you are requesting. The benefits they would receiving are health, dental, eyeglasses and prescriptions, which in the long run for a family of four is quite a lot. After 25 years of service they are entitled to retire. What ages are your employees now? Maybe in 25 years they would be eligible to receive such monies. Curt Bergeest |
|||
|
Question #1185:
In an 8 story coop apartment building with about 90 Flushometers, the
installer of 3 basement pressure tanks recommended 50 psi at the pumps.
Flushometers sometimes flushed by themselves, sometimes continuously, and
sometimes the toilets overflowed to varying degrees. Three measures I as
super, used were, changing Flushometers and parts, including vacuum breaker
inserts, if they did flush spontaneously; lowering adjustment on
supply-valves so no overflow would occur unless a blockage is present;
changing some Rex supply-valves to Sloan valves, which have a spring-loaded
check device inside, to prevent suction due to system pressure-drops; and
the main one: raised pressure at pumps/tanks to 60-80 psi. Now the only time
we have had spontaneous flushing lately is after a water-shutoff. Any
further ideas are of interest. Post your answer Answer/Comment:
|
|||
|
Question #1184:
Recently
the super from my building placed the garbage cans inside our building
instead of leaving them on the sidewalk in front of our building as usual.
Our building is very small having only 5 floors with 2 apartments per floor.
Especially with this hot and humid weather there is bad odor. also, this is
an invite for roaches and other disgusting insects. In addition the garbage
cans are right next to an apartment which belongs to a couple that has a 2
year old daughter. It is really disgusting to even look at and everyone in
our building is very upset. My question is can he do this?
Post your answer
Answer/Comment: Have you talked with the super on this issue? Have you talked with the building owner? You will find that most Super's will understand your point, if it is a logical one. To me this is one. Curt Bergeest |
|||
|
Question #1183:
If I am operating an air conditioning chiller with my refrigeration license
do I have to be in view of the machine or in the building? I can't seem to
get a clear ruling on that.
Post your answer
Answer/Comment: Technically you do have to be in clear view of the machine(s), especially in larger commercial installations. However in residential systems, you can be in the building. Please note in the old days when these systems were not automatic, a person holding a certificate of fitness had to be in the room, when the machine was in operation. With the advent of computerized control, remote site monitoring, etc. It became easier to remotely control and monitor these systems. However the Fire Department still wants a certificate of fitness holding person at least present in the building, when the machine(s) is operating. William aristovulos |
|||
|
Question #1182:
As Supt of a coop, I recommend
to shareholders, whenever a toilet is replaced (if the wall is opened for
plumbing), that the original Rex flushometer toilet be replaced by a
tank-toilet. This is to avoid spontaneous flushing, especially when water is
restored after a shutdown. Many people prefer flushometers, understandably,
but some make the change. Does anyone have other suggestions or concerns in
this regard?
Post your answer
Answer/Comment: When you make the change to tanks, try using a flood preventer water supply line. Try using a dual flush toilet, 2 buttons one for urine, and one for larger waste. Try this link: http://www.building-profits.com/Media/AmStanChampion4Toilet.htm , this is a 4" flush valve by Champion ( American Standard ) Curt Bergeest |
|||
|
Question #1181:
I have a window unit air
conditioner that is 6 or 7 years old; it runs quiet and still puts out cool
air; however, why does the air it puts out make the whole room smell like a
skunk was in the room?
Post your answer
Answer/Comment: Try cleaning the filter. Also clean the metal grill work behind the air filter, but be careful not to bend the fins. Also wash the interior toward the back out, there is a drain hole located in the back that sometimes algae builds up and could cause a smell. Curt Bergeest |
|||
|
Question #1180:
What could the reason for a
used stove I installed that the pilot on the burner lit but the pilot on the
oven did not?
Post your answer Answer/Comment: I recently had the same problem until I noticed that there was a separate heating element for the stove that is run by electricity. Edward Rios |
|||
|
Question #1179:
With regard to boiler inspection,
what does the tri-annual refer to?
Post your answer Answer/Comment: With regard to a tri-annual, this is a test of the combustion efficiency of your boiler system. The building pays a fee, and the test is conducted in the presence of Fire Department Inspector. According to my boiler service company, any boiler(s) with a firing rate of 20gpm (Gallons Per Minute) regardless of the fuel number and I also believe any #6 boiler, regardless of the firing rate, are candidates for the test. William Aristovulos |
|||
|
Question #1178:
My landlord forbids me to install air conditioner. however, its not
specifically stated (actually not written) in the contract. It only says i
cannot damage his property. Installing a vent hose through the window would
be a destruction? Does he have the right to forbid a portable A/C? My
electric usage is not included in the rent.
Post your answer Answer/Comment:
|
|||
|
Question #1177:
Is there a conflict of interest in the
management company of a coop building to contract out work such as
landscaping to the building super? Would this depend on whether the
management company is actually contracting with the super vs. simply paying
him more to do the additional work. Also, how would this work out if the
super also owns shares in the coop? I would appreciate people's input on
this. Thanks.
Post your answer Answer/Comment:
|
|||
|
Question #1176:
Is having a superintendent mandatory
in a multiple dwelling building? Or, is it the absence of one illegal?
I live in a 17 unit pre-war rent stabilized building. There is no super. The
landlord lives in the building but is away to work from 6 am-midnight. He
can address problems only in the weekends if you find him. His son can
address problems from 9-11 am if you find him available. In a few words
there is no superintendent service during the day but only if you make an
appointment with the landlord for the weekend 1-2 weeks ahead.
Post your answer Answer/Comment:
|
|||
|
Question #1175:
How can I get my standpipe license and
number 6 boiler license?
Post your answer Answer/Comment: Join the STA, we will help you. STA School Curt Bergeest |
|||
|
Question #1174:
I own a 2 family home and my newest
tenant refuses to give me a copy of the for their unit. Does he have the
right to not give me a copy, when even the utility switches are in his unit
that control the whole house?
Post your answer Answer/Comment:
|
|||
|
Question #1173:
Can floors be soundproofed? And If so, how?
Post your answer Answer/Comment: Floors can be soundproofed, but would cost many thousands of dollars. Floors can be made to lessen noise to some degree. Getting carpeting with a good heavy under matting works very well. You can also put sound proofing boards or panels, on the ceiling of the apartment below. Peter Grech |
|||
|
Question #1172:
I have been a superintendent for 8 years with this management, I have
two buildings - 1 with 15 families and the other with 16 families. The
buildings are ten blocks from each other. I make 741.00 after taxes. I pay
all my utilities. I have a three bedroom apartment in a basement and for
this they are saying after eight years that I have to prepare apartments for
rent. Meaning I have to clean them out, plaster, prime and paint apartments,
install cabinets in kitchens, sinks in bathrooms, take out garbage, sweep
and mop buildings inside and outside surrounding building. My question is,
is it fair what I get paid.
Post your answer Answer/Comment: You asked is this fair, not much in life is fair. There is no doubt that your work load has been added to. You need to make a deal for more money as best as you can, for the increase of work load. I wouldn't fight them if they don't give you more money, I would suggest finding another job. Yes I know this is easier said then done. Your choices would be if they don't give you more money: A) look for another job and take it, but in the mean time do what they ask. B) Don't do it and get fired. C) fight them and still get fired. Unless they are reasonable, you may have to either live with it or leave. Peter Grech Answer/Comment: Unfortunately, you did not indicate what "I make 741.00 after taxes" weekly? or Monthly? If you are getting that weekly, then I am sorry to say you have a pretty good deal, especially if you are non-union! I mean come on, you only have 32 units! How often do you get an empty? And you have a three bedroom, even if it is in the basement. Now to be fair, if your pay is monthly, well then, it is not a good deal, but typical of what a non-union super gets. I also have to concur with my esteemed colleague's points above. William Aristovulos |
|||
|
Question #1171:
Is the landlord of a six-family rental building in New York City
required to provide his tenants with heat/hot water, or is it legal for him
to install six separate hot water heaters and gas heat for the tenant to be
responsible for, and to have the tenant pay for the heat/hot water?
Post your answer Answer/Comment: This would all depend on what kind of lease you have... rent stabilized lease, rent control, or what is coined "free market". Also it would depend on what is said in the lease as the landlords responsibilities and what the tenants responsibilities are. Always refer to the lease first, it is the governing document. Peter Grech |
|||
|
Question #1170:
Someone out of laziness, as always, threw a metal drape rod down the
compactor chute. It got jammed. While clearing it, I reached in and pricked
my finger with an insulin needle. Went to the ER right away, got a tetanus
shot and also was ordered to take an AIDS test. Now, what are my rights?
Should I hire an attorney, sue, let it go by?
Post your answer Answer/Comment: First of all, make sure you have copies of the hospital visit. Secondly you need to write a incident report stating exactly what happened and when. This report goes to your manager and keep a copy. Guess you have to wait to find out if you got sick as a result of the incident. Then go from there. Sorry I don't have better advice. Peter Grech |
|||
|
Question #1169:
How can a superintendent get help when he is treated like a dog by
board members? Why can't we get help?
Post your answer Answer/Comment: Are you Union? Try calling the RAB or the Union. What kind of help are you looking for? Curt Bergeest |
|||
|
Question #1168:
What would be the limit of system refrigeration tonnage requiring
refrigeration operator at the site? We have two (2) chillers installed, each
with 80-ton capacity, serving the entire building. They could be inline at
the same time. Do we need a refrigeration operator at the site 24 hours a
day? Are there any exceptions if each compressor is less than 15 HP? The
FDNY code is not clear on this.
Post your answer Answer/Comment: From what I've learned from my instructor as well as from my job experience I would say any unit over 100 tons would require an operator. But 2 80 ton units would still be considered under 100 tons, also bear in mind that fact that the unit is supplying an entire building having someone to monitor your units saves money, because remember its not only the units that need monitoring but your cooling towers, your supply water pumps as well as your condenser pumps, motorized valves and your fans as well as their motors and belts. Keeping someone 24 hours, well that depends - is your system on 24hrs? Otherwise hire people to monitor your system during your peak hours. Roberto Cardona |
|||
|
Question #1167:
Is it a New York City law that a closed room without a window must
have a working vent?
Post your answer Answer/Comment: This question has been asked many times. The answer is: a room has to have either a door and a window, two doors, or only three walls, or one door and a vent. Peter Grech |
|||
|
Question #1166:
In a building of 32 units the hot water in the bathroom shower of 2
apartments is not as hot as it use to be. Can you help me find the problem?
Post your answer Answer/Comment: I would need more information than what you have supplied. For instance, are the bathrooms on the same riser? Is one apartment affected or the entire line/rise effected? Do you have a hot water return line or is it end use? Post your answer |
|||
|
Question #1165:
I never lived in the top floor of a pre-war low-rise walk-up building
facing northeast in Manhattan. So I frankly could have questions: water
leakage on ceiling, mold, too cold in winter - are these things common
occurrences?
Post your answer Answer/Comment: These are common occurrences in buildings with poor or no preventive maintenance for the roof and outer walls. Note; even with good maintenance practices a leak could develop. Just less common. Lastly a good landlord would solve the issue fast and repair the areas fast before mold can begin to grow. Peter Grech |
|||
|
Question #1164:
I used to live in a 3 level apartment complex and it was noticeable
hotter upstairs than it was on the lower levels. As a result, our
electricity bill for the summer months was outrageous, but then practically
nothing in the winter. Is this normal (I assumed it was and got in a big
argument with my girlfriend over it)? I realize that it tends to even out
over the course of a year, but could you give me an approximate difference
in electric costs between a first floor and top floor apartment in summer
months?
Post your answer Answer/Comment: Put it to you this way: top floor apartments are hotter because heat rises; top floor apartments have the roof - depending on condition and age, the roof insulation may be old, damaged or even nonexistent, so therefore you have the heat from the sun. If the roof is black, that's even worse, some roofs now come silver to reflect heat from the sun. So yes, top floor apartments are hotter in summer and cooler in winter, thus you consume more electricity trying to keep it cool versus an apartment on the first floor. Remember, heat rises. Roofs absorb heat. Peter Grech |
|||
|
Question #1163:
I
am a live-in super and have recently taken ill with
doctors notes for time off. I returned to work and got hurt, now I am off
because of injuries. A few days later I was presented with a termination
letter; work was not progressive enough, the co-op board was not happy with
my performance. I am now laid up in bed with 30 days to vacate. Are they
allowed to do this?
Post your answer Answer/Comment:
|
|||
|
Question #1162: I live in a 5-story apartment building, in
the basement apartment. The boiler (which is located in a maintenance unit
across the hall) recently burst and water leaked through our walls, causing
water to fill our bedroom with water up to our shins. The landlord says he
is not responsible for any damages. I saw on the Department of Buildings
website that there is an open and active violation for the boiler. Is the
landlord responsible for any damages (especially because of this violation),
and is he required to fix the faulty wall?
Post your answer Answer/Comment: The landlord may or may not be responsible for your personal effects and property, you need to read the lease. However, any structural damage to the apartments such as floors, walls, doors etc., the landlord is responsible to repair or replace. Peter Grech |
|||
|
Question #1161: How do you get a adjustment manual or
adjust a Moen faucet #67315.
Post your answer Answer/Comment: This link should help you. Joseph Shkreli |
|||
|
Question #1160: I started working as a concierge at a
new condo building. Was wondering how long does it take for the building to
become a union building. Does the super send an application or do the
employees. I was told it takes about 3 years, is that true?
Post your answer Answer/Comment: it may take that much time, even more - sometimes less. Remember the owners of the building do not have to agree to your building going union. So if they don't, it will take longer time. I suggest you find out who the shop steward is on your block and ask him/her this question. By the way: no, the super does not have to begin the process. Some one on staff has to organize the staff and have a vote to unionize. Once you have a majority, then you contact the union. Peter Grech |
|||
|
Question #1159: The Department of Buildings
requires a certificate of fitness for the operator of a boiler/burner if
the fuel oil is heated. #4 oil requires preheat by electric heaters. Does
the operator need a certificate of fitness when operating a heating plant
firing #4 fuel oil?
Post your answer
Answer/Comment: No. Only number six oil requires a certificate of fitness to operate low pressure heavy oil. The Buildings Department requires a license only when high pressure steam is produced, regardless of the fuel type. Pre-heated oil in this case means oil that is preheated and circulated around the system and back to the tank. It does not mean preheat before it is burned. That is my understanding. Peter Grech |
|||
|
Question #1158: What are the five certifications I
need for an apartment maintenance job in New York City?
Post your answer Answer/Comment:
|
|||
|
Question #1157: I have a GE Profile Quiet Power II
dishwasher. Recently, we noticed after the wash and dry cycles have
completed, a level of water remains in the bottom of the washer, and the
dishes are soaking wet. Any suggestions?
Post your answer Answer/Comment: Look under your sink and see if the drain line hose is looped up. The hose should go from the other side of the cabinet up, and then down toward the sink drain pipes. If this is OK, then maybe your impeller is not working, in which case you have to call a service company. A good company is Preway. Curt Bergeest Answer/Comment: Check the drain strainer at the bottom of the washer. make sure it's not clogged. Ken Botte Answer/Comment: Most likely you have some food or other material stuck in the drain. Clean the drain and it should be fine. Peter Grech |
|||
|
Question #1156: The vent in my kitchen (in my rented
studio apartment) does not appear to work. How can I check it?
Post your answer Answer/Comment: Hold a dollar bill up to the vent, if it is sucked up to and sticks to the vent, it works. Ken Botte Answer/Comment: Place a single toilet paper square over the vent and if it sticks, then it's working. If, when you let it go it does not stay in place (stick), the vent is not working. Peter Grech |
|||
|
Question #1155: I have a tenant on the 6th floor, and
they have a air conditioner in the fire escape window. Is it a fire hazard?
Post your answer Answer/Comment: Yes, this is a fire code and building code violation. Nothing is to block the fire escape window, and nothing is to block, or block in part, the path of the fire escape. Thus, if there were two windows on the fire escape and one had the a/c unit, that a/c unit is still partially blocking the fire escape. Peter Grech |
|||
|
Question #1154: Regarding the Housing Maintenance
Code & Multiple Dwelling Law requiring a janitor to reside in a building, if
a super leaves for a country house on Friday after work and returns before
his day starts on Monday morning, and is on call over the weekend, is he in
violation of these laws?
Post your answer Answer/Comment: No. Ken Botte Answer/Comment: No, he is not. The code states that, as long as there is a 24 hour on call assistance. Also, if the building has other staff such as doorman or porter, etc., there also is no problem. Peter Grech |
|||
|
Question #1153: Is a permit required to replace a
water heater in Staten Island? What is a good price to pay someone to just
install a new water heater. Already own a new 40 gallon gas water heater.
Also, If I have someone to install the new water heater, how do I dispose of
the old one, and would I need a permit after installation for this?
Post your answer Answer/Comment: While I do not know what Staten Island requires in permits etc, most likely you will NOT need a permit to replace an existing hot water heater as long as it is electric. If it is gas you may need it, as well as a licensed plumber. Even if it is electric you may be required to hire a licensed plumber though. I would ask this question of the store you purchased the hot water heater from - they should know. How much? I have no clue. Mostly that would depend on how much re-plumbing is required. If it is just a matter of disconnecting the old heater and installing the new one on the existing lines without change to the pipes, i would think about $150.00 or so would be about right. Call your sanitation department and ask about disposal of the hot water heater. Most likely it will be treated as a metal object and would need to be put out with recycling. Peter Grech, GBOC |
|||
|
Question #1152: I have a multiple dwelling with carpeting in the hallway and on the wooden stairs. The building has 7 tenants and is in a brownstone built in 1872. The fire department says that I have to remove the carpeting. Obviously the halls will look terrible and I would have more noise. Can I get a company to spray the carpeting so it is fireproof? What law pertains to this? Post your answer Answer/Comment: This question is better asked of the Fire Department. Your violation should state the code number and the wording. If you did not get a violation, then you should call the Fire Dept and ask about fireproofing the carpets. The fire codes come under the Administrative Code (as do all codes.). Administrative code 27-4266 refers to flame proofing of decorations. I am unable to find anything specifically on flame proofing of carpets. I do know that carpets in public hallways are supposed to have a "fire rating". I do not know the fire rate of carpets. Best guess is about 3 hrs. You might want to ask a carpet store these questions also. Sorry can be of more help, but the fire codes are not clear on this issue. Peter Grech, GBOC |
|||
|
Question #1151: How to renew boiler or burner air
pollution license?
Post your answer Answer/Comment: Usually, the City of New York will send you a renewal from. All you would have to do is pay the fee and they will mail you your new C.O.F. (Certificate of Fitness) Unless your certificate is expired (more than one year) or have a new address. Then your going to have to take a trip to 9 Metro Tech Center, Brooklyn, NY. and retake the test. Edward Rios |
|||
| navigation |
The Official
Website
of the
NEW YORK NEWS
Gotham Gazette New York Times New York Daily News New York Post New York Newsday New York Sun New York Observer NY Wired Village Voice
