FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.qns.com DECEMBER 24, 2015 • THE COURIER SUN 11 City departments announce campaign to crack down on illegal conversions BY KIRSTEN E. PAULSON editorial@queenscourier.com @queenscourier New York City is stepping up its efforts to alert residents to the dangers of illegal housing. The Department of Buildings, the Fire Department, and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development announced on Dec. 17 that they would be running a “Living Safely” campaign throughout the city to raise awareness of and warn New Yorkers about illegally converted apartments. The three agencies aim to distribute 10,000 fl yers containing tips on recognizing and avoiding illegal apartments, as well as their dangers and consequences. The fl yers will be available at elected offi cials’ offi ces, community boards, and various transportation hubs, including the 74th Street-Roosevelt Avenue subway station in Jackson Heights. Illegally-converted apartments are classifi ed as living spaces that have been modifi ed so that more people can live in them without approval from the Department of Buildings. They usually lack at least two entrances or exits, windows, ventilation, and might contain unsafe utilities. The Department of Buildings, the Fire Department, and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development have launched the “Living Safely” campaign throughout the city to raise awareness of and warn New Yorkers about illegally-converted apartments. The fl yers contain the following 10 safety tips: • Avoid apartments priced lower than other apartments in the area. • Apartments advertised as being Photo courtesy Twitter/@NYC_Buildings “basement” or “attic” apartments often lack adequate exits. • Stay away from apartments that have no windows, or very small windows. These will usually be basement apartments, and are often described as being “sunny.” • The word “fl ex” means that the apartment can be made into a multibedroom space with pressurized walls. It is illegal to build any wall without proper permits. • A landlord may say “utilities included” to avoid having more names attached to the property, which would indicate that there are more people living there than is allowed. • Apartments with “unique” or “interesting” layouts should be avoided. • Be careful with landlords who won’t reveal the exact address of the apartment—they may ask to meet a potential renter before giving out an address, in order to avoid fi nes. • Landlords renting out illegal apartments might ask renters to get a post offi ce box rather than having mail delivered to the house. • Be wary of landlords who don’t draw up a lease, or ask for payment in cash. • Ensure that the apartment has a proper way to get in and out. Tenants should be able to leave the apartment directly or through a public hallway. Great rates like ours are always in season. 24-Month CD 1.30%APY* $5,000 minimum deposit At Flushing Bank, we’re small enough to know you and large enough to provide you with the great rates you’re looking for. Hurry, an offer like this can’t last forever. For more information and to find out about our other great offers, visit your local Flushing Bank branch, call 800.581.2889 or visit www.FlushingBank.com. 60-Month CD 2..25%APY* $5,000 minimum deposit * New money only. APY effective December 14, 2015. Annual percentage yield assumes principal and interest remain on deposit for a full year at current rate. Minimum deposit balance of $5,000 is required. Funds cannot be transferred from an existing Flushing Bank account. Premature withdrawals may be subject to bank and IRS penalties. Rates and offer are subject to change without notice. Flushing Bank is a registered trademark
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