Brooklyn subtenant films roommate's abusive tactics, sparking viral outrage
A Brooklyn tenant recorded his roommate Stephen Pulido's hostile behavior—including locked bathrooms, surveillance cameras and jars of urine—leading to a viral video series.
Kyle “Bobby” Harvey moved into a four-bedroom Bushwick unit in November 2023 and soon found himself sharing space with Stephen Pulido, the leaseholder. Harvey started filming after Pulido allegedly locked the only functional bathroom with duct tape, forced roommates to use water bottles for waste, and installed a camera pointing at Harvey's $1,050-a-month bedroom. The videos, which have amassed over 20 million Instagram views, also capture Pulido shouting, slamming doors and threatening texts.
When Harvey fell ill with pneumonia, Pulido reportedly blocked the bathroom and physically pushed him, prompting two NYPD calls. Because Pulido is not a landlord, housing officials told Harvey that his legal recourse is limited, leading the tenants to stop paying rent while they await a proper eviction notice.
Why it matters
The case highlights how ambiguous lease arrangements can leave renters vulnerable to intimidation and abuse.
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