Gfi Management Services

Now, it takes a hell of a lot for me to post a review like this — particularly in reference to a place I’ve lived in. But the experience was hellish enough to force me to share it with the public — I’d rather do this, and say that at least SOMEONE is putting out a warning.
I lived in one of GFI’s properties — 2243 Cropsey Avenue, in Brooklyn, NY. I took up residence in 2007, after seeing a newly-​rehabbed, top-​floor apartment. New plaster work, new paint, floors newly re-​sealed — it seemed like a pre-​war gem. But in less than a month’s time, the reality sank in… hot water problems, filth in the stairwells, roaches, mice… and bedbugs. The place was a disaster — so much so that I took to calling the place «2243 Corpsey».
After months, literally, of daily calls to the GFI offices, one day an inspector from the Department of Buildings arrived at the complex. He was there to investigate the plethora of resident complaints… and we got into a lengthy conversation. After pointing out eight valid health concerns regarding my apartment, he told me to keep an eye on the Department’s website, and open violations listing. I did so, and took screenshots of the violations regarding my apartment.
GFI never did a thing to address the issues — in fact, in the end I withheld rent, and forced them to take me to housing court. Interestingly enough, the day before the court date, the violations disappeared from the DOB’s website, as GFI claimed that they had been addressed — what timing! As such, I took time-​dated photos of my apartment, showing plenty of evidence of infestation and structural decay. In the end, I was released from my contract, and freed from the back rent. I’m sure they were just happy to be rid of a «troublesome tenant» — and free to rent the space to someone less willing to fight.
The worst aspect of this was the bigoted nature of the landlord/​representative from GFI, who personally managed the building. When I resided in 2243, there were many Muslim families there, as well. The landlord told me several times that he wanted to gain more tenants like me (ie Caucasian), and be done with «these ethnics… foreigners». A real class act — little did he know that I got along really well with many of my neighbors, and had no problem telling them about his opinion of them. I also gave them the information I’d learned about contacting City departments, and tenant rights. I hope they’re fighting that bastard tooth and nail.
I’m glad to be done with the place — and hope that I’ve helped anyone who’s considering leasing with these people. I lived in the NYC area for well over a decade, but this was the only time I’ve encountered the dreaded slumlord. They do some real justice to the stereotype.