Tenants of Homewood Gardens Announce Rent Strike
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Tenants of Homewood Gardens Announce Rent Strike
Tenants of Homewood Gardens in East Flatbiush, Brooklyn have announced a rent strike, accusing court-appointed property managers of failing to address worsening living conditions during the property’s ongoing bankruptcy case. Residents say they have endured years of inadequate heat and hot water, pest infestations, leaks, and structural deterioration, with conditions becoming especially severe during the winter after a new boiler was allegedly not installed. At a press conference outside 651 Brooklyn Avenue, tenants joined elected officials and advocates in calling for immediate repairs, stronger tenant protections, and long-term preservation of the property for current residents.
The situation at Homewood Gardens highlights growing concerns about housing conditions in rent-stabilized and distressed properties across New York City, particularly buildings tied up in bankruptcy or receivership proceedings. Tenants argue that even under court supervision, essential repairs and basic living standards are not being met. The rent strike also underscores the increasing willingness of residents to organize collectively and demand accountability from property managers, the courts, and city agencies responsible for protecting tenant safety and housing stability.
Brooklyn Tenants Announce Rent Strike, Demand Urgent Repairs in Long-Neglected Buildings Now in Bankruptcy
Brooklyn, NY — Tenants of Homewood Gardens in Brooklyn today announced a rent strike, escalating their fight for safe and habitable living conditions after years of neglect—conditions that have persisted even under court-appointed management during the property’s ongoing bankruptcy case.
At a press conference held outside 651 Brooklyn Avenue, members of the Homewood Gardens Tenant Association detailed what they described as dangerous and deteriorating living conditions, including a lack of consistent heat and hot water, ongoing pest infestations, and structural disrepair throughout the buildings. Tenants say the situation reached a crisis point this past winter, when the court-appointed receiver failed to install a new boiler, leaving residents without reliable heat during a record-breaking cold season.
“In the kitchen, there are bugs living in the kitchen appliances,” said Theresa Thompson, a tenant.
“I’m from a tropical island where there’s only two seasons, sun and rain. And I ended up hating when it rains,” said Mr. Pilgram, another tenant who has dealt with ceiling leaks for years.
The buildings are currently overseen by court-appointed receivers Harry and Dean Horowitz, who assumed control following years of mismanagement by the previous owner. Tenants allege that under the receivership, essential repairs have been delayed or ignored, while some residents have received rent demands for payments they have already made.
Many residents of Homewood Gardens have lived in the buildings for decades and have been organizing collectively since the 1990s. Now, with conditions worsening and little progress in sight, tenants say they are prepared to escalate their campaign.
Tenants are calling for immediate repairs to apartments and building systems, formal leases for subtenants, and support from the City in identifying a responsible preservation purchaser who will invest in the property and its residents.
Councilwoman Rita Joseph joined tenants at the press conference, expressing support for their demands and calling attention to the urgent need for intervention.
“No family should be ignored when they report issues that affect their health, their safety and their quality of life,” Joseph said.
