Neglect, Then Rent Hikes: Riverside Tenants Face 100%–400% Increases at Historic Brooklyn Complex

Residents of the landmark Riverside Apartments in Brooklyn Heights say years of reduced services and tenant harassment left the rent-stabilized building in serious disrepair — and that dramatic rent increases followed once a long-running freeze ended in 2024.

Built in 1890 by philanthropist Alfred T. White as an affordable, safer alternative to dangerous tenements, Riverside is now at the center of a dispute between tenants and current owner Joel Wiener’s Pinnacle Group. Tenants and community advocates argue the building has suffered sustained neglect under Pinnacle’s ownership.

Residents Describe Unsafe, Unsanitary Conditions

At a July 15 rally, tenants cataloged persistent problems that they say predate the rent hikes:

• Crumbling plaster and damaged stairwells
• Broken lighting, persistent leaks, and water damage
• Rodent and mite infestations linked to health concerns
• Reductions in essential services and alleged tenant harassment

“The landlord has consistently harassed tenants and reduced essential services, leading to the building's neglectful decay,” said tenant Hew Evans.

Several tenants described medical costs, temporary hotel stays and other out-of-pocket expenses tied to the conditions. Farhia Hagi, who moved into Riverside during the pandemic, said of her daughter: “She shouldn't have to get used to having mice in the house.”

Rent Increases, Back-Rent Claims, and Legal Review

Tenants report that once a rent freeze ended after the restoration of a courtyard previously paved over by a former owner, apartments faced increases ranging roughly between 100% and 400%, along with demands for years of back rent. Council Member Lincoln Restler says Pinnacle is pursuing 22 residents in housing court, with some claims reportedly reaching as high as $30,000.

“Pinnacle does not get to profit from decades of neglect,” said longtime resident Jean Campbell, who has lived at Riverside since 1973.

Tenant advocates say their attorney has identified two key legal questions for the courts: whether the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) properly approved the increases, and if not overturned, whether the building’s condition justifies rent abatements for affected tenants.

City Involvement and Possible Remedies

Mayor Zohran Mamdani visited a Pinnacle-owned Brooklyn property on his first day in office and attempted to influence a bankruptcy sale to favor a responsible buyer. While the sale proceeded, city involvement appears to have helped secure a buyers' pledge to forgive back rent and complete major repairs within months of the transfer.

Council Member Restler said the Mamdani administration is taking a more concerted approach to poor housing conditions and enforcement, and that the city could sue the owner or appoint a 7A administrator to take over the building and complete repairs if necessary.

As the dispute moves through the courts, tenants are seeking both legal review of the DHCR-approved increases and concrete, enforceable commitments to repair the building and protect long-term affordability.