Rent-stabilized apartments offer a more affordable solution but are more likely than others to have poor conditions, creating an uncomfortable choice.
Many older adults who leave rent-stabilized apartments don’t do so by choice, but in response to building sales, major renovation improvements or eviction.
Like the rusty water in Ms. Gangaram’s unit, fear of eviction drips from the ceilings of some prewar buildings, causing tenants to turn corners or lower voices when their super enters the hall.
Marcus Jackson, the manager of advocacy, community and government relations at Encore Community Services, an organization that provides housing, meals and social support to aging New Yorkers, said it was not uncommon for landlords to use intimidation tactics to weed out older adults.
Lauren Carden, the director of California housing advocacy at Justice In Aging, a national organization, urges people not to automatically leave their apartments in response to an eviction notice.
“Just because someone gives you a notice doesn’t mean that they fully complied with the law, and that is required before they can remove you from the unit,” she said.
