assumed that Respondent was asking him about a buyout.
Dru Fitzpatrick, another petitioner ("the 223 Tenant"), testified that he used to live at
223 [*4]for 18 years to the date of the Vacate Order; that
the condition of 223 in 2011 was livable; that the livable condition changed in 2011,
although before Respondents bought the subject premises; that plaster collapsed, a tub
did not work, and a step had to be covered; that he observed cascading water in the
subject premises when it rained, which eventually caused ceilings to collapse; that the
ceiling structure would yellow and paint would bubble and crack over time; that he saw
wet wood and crumbling plaster in the second floor, where most water damage would
occur; that a giant roll of roofing tile showed up; that he took it upon himself to fix the
roof in the fall of 2018; that, in 2011, 223 was 65% occupied; that, in 2012, the
occupancy rate at 223 dropped to 30%; that he was the only occupant left in 223 as of
2019; that he complained to the Super, who he was friends with; that the Super would
tell him to fix items himself; and that he did not complain more because he wanted to
keep on good terms with Respondents.
The 223 Tenant testified on DOB's cross-examination that he repaired the roof with
roofing paper and tar; that he patched up spots where the leak was coming from; and that
he also used a rubber floor mat to try to stop leaks because he did not have enough
material otherwise. The 223 Tenant testified on Respondents' cross-examination that
roof repairs occurred in about the fall or summer of 2018; that water came down in long
drips; that he never complained to Respondents, although he complained to the Super;
that he did not remember dates; and that he did not complain to HPD or to
Respondents.