NY landlords can't evict while tenants wait for aid; some try other ways to clear property

Despite multiple court orders, their landlord, Douglas Ritter, refuses to restore water service to the apartment where Angel Garcia (above) and his family live. Ritter padlocked the entrance to the basement to prevent anyone from restoring water. He believes his rights to eviction are being denied.

The water at the Garcias’ Binghamton, N.Y., home was shut off in early February. Despite multiple court orders, their landlord still hasn’t turned it back on.

Angel Garcia and his wife, Deidre, now must walk their seven kids, all under 10 years old, down the street to their aunt’s house to wash.

“They shouldn’t have to walk down the street to bathe,” Garcia said. “They should be able to do it in their own comfort, in their house.”