A Battle for Basic Living Conditions
An elderly cancer survivor in New York City is fighting a daily battle against a rat-infested apartment, despite numerous attempts to get help from her landlord. Cora Robinson, 71, has been living in a home in the Bronx that she describes as unbearable due to the persistent presence of rats.
Robinson, a breast cancer survivor, says she has resorted to using a piece of plywood to try and keep the rats out of her kitchen. However, she admits that this measure has not been effective. “I thought it would keep them from running around the baseboard, but now what they are doing – they’re so big, they jump over it,” she said, according to ABC 7.
The situation has taken a toll on her health and well-being. She recalls how the discovery of two rats in her kitchen on a Friday night ruined her hopes of hosting a family Easter meal. “I can’t sleep, I’m not eating. And if I don’t stop this, I’m going to wind up in the hospital. I almost wound up there yesterday,” she said.
Robinson has had to move her dog’s food, water, and bed into her bedroom to protect them from the rats. “I can’t leave it out here because they’ll get into it,” she explained.
She has filed multiple complaints with the city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development, which has previously cited her landlord, according to the outlet. “All these people need to come and take a look and smell. That’s what I wish they would do,” she said.
Despite her efforts, the problem continues to plague her life. “I’m just done,” she said. “I’m so disgusted because it’s not right that I should have to live like this.”
Legal Issues and Tenant Complaints
The issue at the property is not isolated to Robinson. Over 30 tenants have sued Asden Management, claiming the building has been in disrepair for years. Residents have reported various issues, including missing stoves, broken fridges, rat infestations, mold, and leaks.
According to reports, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development cited 561 open violations associated with the property, with 206 being considered ‘Class C’ violations, as reported by News 12.
Douglas Henderson Jr., a lawyer representing the tenants, told the outlet, “We’re not asking for the yellow brick road. We’re just asking for a decent place to live for our tenants.”
Sherene Morris, a tenant and mother without a working stove, also spoke about her experience in 2024. She said she reached out to the landlord three times, but received no response. “They didn’t respond,” she said.
Asden Management was involved in a lawsuit in 2023 that alleged unlivable conditions. A lawyer for the tenant’s side told ABC 7 that the case was still pending.
The Daily Mail reached out to Robinson and Asden Management for comment.
Ongoing Struggles and Calls for Action
Robinson’s story highlights the broader struggles faced by many residents in the Bronx. Her situation is a stark reminder of the challenges that come with inadequate housing and the lack of support from landlords.
For many, the fight for basic living conditions is an ongoing battle. The presence of pests, structural issues, and neglect can have serious health implications, especially for those who are already vulnerable.
Residents like Robinson are calling for more action from local authorities and landlords to ensure that everyone has access to safe and healthy housing. Until then, the fight continues for those who are forced to live in such conditions.
The situation serves as a call to action for policymakers, community leaders, and housing organizations to address the root causes of such problems and provide real solutions for affected residents.
