Hedge-Fund Founder Accused of Leasing Rat-Filled, Sewer-Scented N.Y. Townhouse

Thomas Sandell

Photographer: Christopher Goodney/Bloomberg

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A real estate developer who rented an upscale Manhattan townhouse is suing its owner, hedge fund manager Thomas Sandell, claiming the property was overrun with rats and reeked from a sewer problem.

Joseph Chetrit said he has been paying $65,000 a month to rent a property on East 64th Street for about two years. During that time he hired a rat exterminator and had to move out temporarily for plumbing repairs, according to a complaint filed Wednesday in Manhattan state court.