Tenants at 1187 Anderson Avenue in the Highbridge section of the Bronx are protesting a severe infestation of rats, cockroaches, and bedbugs. According to residents, the living conditions are deplorable, leading some to stop paying rent and others to discard clothing and furniture.
Tenants Report Unbearable Pest Infestations at 1187 Anderson Avenue
Residents of the Bronx apartment complex say they are battling a multi-pest crisis. Mercedes Escoto, a resident, stated that bedbugs are biting all tenants in the building, while rats and cockroaches further plague the premises.
The severity of the infestation has forced some residents to purge their belongings. Sheila Morel told Telemundo 47 that she had to throw away furniture and clothes due to the conditions.
Rent Strikes and Community Protests
The residents are organized under the Community Action for Safe Apartments (CASA), which joined tenants in a protest on Friday. The group is demanding the new owner resolve a situation they describe as unbearable and ongoing.
Some tenants have taken financial action to force improvements. “We’ve stopped paying rent,” Escoto said, adding that they will not pay if they cannot access the apartment.
Sheila Morel reported that while the landlord claimed they would fix the issues, “nothing happens.” The building’s owners and management did not respond to requests for comment.
HPD Response and Potential Next Steps
The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) confirmed it is aware of the situation. The agency stated it has issued multiple pest violation notices this year.
HPD officials said they will contact tenants who recently filed complaints to schedule inspection visits. The agency continues to urge tenants to report problems to landlords or call 311 if the issues remain unresolved.
Given the current standoff, a possible next step may involve further HPD inspections to verify the extent of the violations. The situation could also lead to further legal or financial disputes if the rent strike continues and the landlord does not initiate repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pests are affecting the building at 1187 Anderson Avenue?
According to resident Mercedes Escoto, the building has an infestation of rats, cockroaches, and bedbugs.
When did the ownership of the building change?
Court documents show the building changed ownership in February of this year.
What action has the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) taken?
HPD stated it has issued multiple pest violation notices this year and plans to schedule inspection visits for tenants who filed complaints.
Do you believe city agencies provide enough support for tenants facing pest infestations?
