Bronx tenants show off apartments to keep rent low

? Bronx tenants living in unfavorable conditions are giving tours of their apartments in an effort to keep their rent low.
Lynette Gonzalez, who lives at 1225 Stratford Avenue, says her apartment is crawling with rodents, roaches, mold and other housing violations. Gonzalez says landlords should not be allowed to raise rent if they will not improve living conditions. City housing officials say the building has about 320 violations, 40 of which are immediate hazards.
Landlords are expected to ask the Rent Stabilization Board for an increase due to high home heating oil costs and other expenses. The board will give an idea of how much it expects to raise rent across the city on May 8. The new rents will take effect October 1.