We’ve heard of a couple of instances recently where BD has been trying to raise resident’s rents.
In one case, they were successful in getting the person to leave. This individual had been living in the hotel for several months when BD told him his rent was going to increase from $200 a night to $315 per 
night. When the tenant made an effort to talk to BD about this outrageous increase, reportedly their response was to tell him that he would be evicted if he didn’t pay the new rate. We also heard that BD threatened to call the cops. Faced with such hostility and threats, regretfully this tenant moved out.
Though this tenant had lived in the building for less than a year, we’ve also heard rumblings that some residents who have been here for years are being threatened with rent increases. (Obviously, we can’t discuss these cases in detail, as the tenants wish to remain anonymous.)
The bottom line is, it’s all about the money. They want you to leave and give up your rent stabilized apartment, which is probably worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to them. Not to sound like a broken record, but if there is anybody in this building who hasn’t talked to a lawyer yet, you really need to do so. Don’t think that you can negotiate with these people yourself. They will say anything – including lying as to what your rights are – to get you to leave. -- Ed Hamilton
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