Mystery landlord ordered to court

The mysterious slum landlord, Nicholas Haros, who has earned a reputation for making half-baked repairs in his 47 buildings in Queens, has been ordered to show his face after his tenants brought him to court again for violating repair orders from the City.
On Wednesday, June 7, five families along with Rob McCreanor, from the Catholic Migrations Office, appeared in Civil Court, after filing a motion that Haros had not made repairs in two buildings adequately or within the time frame of the Housing Preservation Department’s (HPD) orders.
In one building, 35-18 95th Street, Haros was ordered to re-point the exterior of the building, which would protect against leaking and collapsing walls. Although scaffolding was put up around the buildings – sparking optimism from residents – plaster and a fresh coat of paint served instead as a quick fix.
McCreanor said that the re-pointing would have sealed the building and could have even saved money in repairs in the long run.
At 35-24 95th Street, Haros was ordered to make repairs in two apartments; in one unit, there are broken and defective fixtures, ranging in severity from a bathroom window to knobs on the stove.
In the other apartment, a broken and splintered door and a faulty radiator have not been fixed. The motion also includes a filing from the entire building that cleaning has not been done in the hallways, which are downright filthy.
On June 7, Haros’ lawyer, Bessie Chinboukas, said that her client will make every repair called for by the HPD, but residents remained skeptical.
“No one has ever seen him before, so I don’t think he will show up,” McCreanor said.
Residents, community activists and politicians alike are anxious for the face-to-face meeting.