Pest Palace; Fire trap; Moldy lodgings; Lots of empty units BUT cool neighbors:)
Pros
Love my neighbors and the location
Cons
The fire escapes are all rusted through. If there was a fire, I hate to think what would happen if more than one person had to use them. Lots of mold, roaches, and mice. The exterminator that the building provides just sprays poison. The radiators are so hot that we often times have to run our air conditioners and leave all the windows open. Only one outlet in each room.
Advice to the owners
Probably the biggest liability at the moment is all the metal fire escape steps and landings, along with the perpetual mold in the bathroom ceilings and ceilings above radiators. I know how these things go tho. However little they can spend and still maintain the building. The wiring here is so old though, I'd be more prepared for a building fire.
Living in Ditmas Park
Pros
Great location and friendly neighbors, laundry room in the basement
Cons
Pot-smoking neighbors, like a constant fog. Unresponsive landlord to building repairs. I've waited several years for somebody to come fix my leaking ceiling and still have a hole in another left over from an emergency repair
Advice to the owners
Fix rented units to retain tenants