Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New York

Yes, you have the right to "repair and deduct" but only after notifying your landlord of the problem and allowing him to repair on his own. Best to complain in writing, too (with mail return receipt requested)

Repair and deduct is a legal concept whereby should your landlord threaten to evict you because you have not paid all the rent, you have a defense, saying "sure I paid the rent, but part of it paid for necessary repairs"