Newark has appeared to shift into high gear in a campaign against landlords who don't maintain their buildings.
On Wednesday, a small army of roughly two dozen code officials descended on a 40-unit, four-story apartment building in the heart of the city, following resident complaints in recent weeks.
"I complain over and over again, and still nothing," said resident Keisha Blue.
City officials from several departments fanned out through the building, knocking on doors.
In one apartment, they found the primary source of heat from an open gas oven door.
"I put it on when I get up at 5," said resident Cynthia McCall, who estimated she'll spend between $300 and $500 on her gas bill this month because of the oven.
"The mayor has zero tolerance for slumlords," code official Patrick Council said.
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The owner, Realty Management Associates, didn't return NBC 4 New York's call. But city officials said the company made repairs last summer to a nearby building it also owns, after a similar raid ended with residents evacuated and the building shutdown. It was then reoccupied.
