My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of:
New York, Niagara County
My landlord has ignored my requests to repair my flooding basement and plumbing backup for a few months now. They have ignored repair request for several things as well which aren't as important as this.
As a result, my $1500 pool table, $1200 total gym machine, and various items such as clothes, and things in storage which don't hold much value have been ruined.
I never could take a shower and do laundry within the same hour because it would flood. After a big rain, it has nearly 12" of water over the entire basement which is not going down.
The hot water tank which is gas, wont even run because the pilot is now underwater, forcing me to have the gas shut off and to go without hot water for myself and my children.
I have withheld the rent and they claim they will start eviction process tomorrow, on monday unless I pay plus a late fee.
What Can I do?
Can I sue for my expensive items?
How can a landlord do this free from penalty or even refuse to fix a serious problem and basically force me to move due to unhealthy conditions or stay and live with mold, filth, and no hot water, which is completely unsanitary?
Hope someone can give me some good advice.
Thanks

