The Legal Aid Society has stepped forward to defend the tenants of an Astoria apartment building that have been left without heat since September due to the inaction of landlord Patricia Martin, as reported by CBS New York.

Residents say the lack of heat – along with various other complaints concerning the condition of the building – have resulted in dozens of violations after complaints were made to 311.

Sateesh Nori, the Attorney-in-Charge of the Legal Aid Society’s Queens office, will be representing tenants in court where they intend to have their complaints taken seriously. In particular, there is a serious concern over elderly tenants whose health may be particularly impacted by cold conditions.

“The tenants of this building are essential workers,” Nori said. “These are all rent-paying tenants.”

Watch the full piece below.