Data exist to mark and lend understanding of the turnover rate in the legions of rent-stabilized buildings across New York City. When one complex features notably higher-than-average departures, it can be telling evidence of unusual — even abnormal – circumstances.
Consider the story surrounding the Austin Nichols House, a multi-dwelling complex in the Williamsburg area of Brooklyn termed as “coveted” in a recent national media profile. The building, which was once a bourbon warehouse, was converted some years back into rent-stabilized apartments for 338 tenants.
President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and other business partners bought the building in 2015, and a number of tenants and critics have consistently stated since then that Kushner Cos. has engaged in unlawful tactics to oust them and convert the building entirely into high-priced luxury condos.
Reportedly, that strategy has worked. The Washington Post states that more than 250 tenants have left since the new owners began virtual, non-stop and highly disruptive construction.
“They won, they succeeded,” said one displaced resident.
A lawsuit is now moving forward that accuses Kushner Cos. of pushing out tenants by purposefully pursuing harassing and otherwise unlawful tactics. Among other things, it contends that that the owners created conditions rendered unlivable by constant noise, dust and smoke. An independent dust sample recently taken at the building showed alarmingly high levels of cancer-causing agents.
Himmelstein Gribben & Joseph attorneys work with and are close allies of the Housing Rights Initiative. Aaron Carr, the founder and director of that advocacy group, recently stated that, among all the rent-stabilized premises his organization has examined, the Austin Nichols House “is one of the worst we’ve seen.”
The above-cited lawsuit seeks $10 million in damages.
If your tenant rights have been violated in New York, we’re here to help. Contact the experienced tenant rights lawyers at Himmelstein Gribben & Joseph LLP today to schedule a free consultation.
We proudly serve New York City, including the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.
Himmelstein Gribben & Joseph LLP
15 Maiden Ln 17th Floor, New York, NY 10038
Phone: (212) 349-3000
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in New York
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 40.709523,-74.009046,1563
Hire us and you don’t get just one attorney – you get a
team of professionals ready to help. Call us at
(212) 349-3000 or reach us online today to schedule an
appointment.
One hour consultation $400.00.
We don’t represent landlords and only handle cases in NYC.
Fields Marked With An “*” Are Required
"*" indicates required fields
Your Landlord Has A Lawyer.
You Need One, Too.
People often make the mistake of trying to manage a landlord-tenant dispute on their own. Without experienced legal counsel, however, it is easy to make the situation worse. We are skilled at negotiating with landlords, and fighting evictions in housing court and Supreme Court.
Himmelstein Gribben
& Joseph LLP
© 2026 Manhattan Tenant Rights & Representation Attorney. All rights reserved.
