What happens to a tenant in an illegal housing unit (Re-post with more detail.)?

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ilan

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I've been in a basement apartment for 7 months now, the landlord thinks I'm some kind of joke and refuses to repair anything. The doors don't lock, there is NO heat (I mean really, not a single source of heat in the entire basement.). After complaining for two months to him that the heat not working (now that winter is here) I am seriously suffering.

He came today with an electrician and plans to put holes in half the walls to insert jacks for $60 dollar Home Depot heaters, I think this whole thing is a joke.

I am looking for a new place, my rent is $1000 a month at this hell-hole. I feel like I live in a cave. I am posed to two situations:

A) I can say "screw you, you did nothing for me, I'm not giving you rent until the heat and everything is working as it should and you take care f me, after $8,000 I've given you, you should've fixed the heat, doors and put bars on the windows; anyone can break in anytime.". I can refuse to give him rent.. But, what would happen to me? would I be forced to get evicted right away? I still haven't found a place.

B) I can file a report with the Department of Housing which he will be fined and all that stuff. What happens to me after, will I get evicted right away?

I need a little time to find a new place, two months maximum it isn't easy.

I had given him a $1000 deposit at first I know he will never give me that money back.

I know the only reason he showed his face today, is because it's 8 days until I have to cough up another grand for this heatless apartment.

I live in New York.

I am so lost about what to do, anyone with any input that can help and information/advice please advise me. 10pts right away to anyone who can help me figure out what to do..

Also, this apartment is a basement with no Certificate of Occupency, I've done some re-search and he can't have tenants here. I know this now after understanding why he's being such an asshole. I have the boiler in my living room, all the house electric boxes in my enterence, no heat, and no bars/efficiant locks on the doors and windows.

** I have never signed a lease.

*** I got the apartment during Spring time, the heat was not a factor. I was told there was a heat but it isn't "Turned on" since the season has past.

**** I had seen the conditions before, but the landlord has made it appealing to rent by saying "I will fix everything.".

I hate this situation..

Please help me figure out a solution.

Thank you.


Additional Details


I've never signed a lease, to the first posted. I thank your expertise but I don't think I am entirly out of luck. I've heard of people not paying the rent and just leaving, since he doesn't want to get in trouble with tx avasion and illegal units I doubt he will do anything of the sort.

Second poster, thank you as well, however he can not keep me out of my rented home according to the law I can call 911 and 311 and quickly gve him a world of trouble, aside from that I am not the kind of person whom will allow for this to happen..
 
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