Construction during rental -- what's fair?

Hi, we're renting a nice 1-BR on the UWS. One of the biggest benefits of the apt is the roof deck; we're on the top floor and have sole access to it. About 6 weeks ago, we were informed the apt. next door had a leak and someone was coming to check out the roof. We came home to find our deck completely torn up/gone, a pile of boards and our stuff in a heap. We complained to the landlord and were... [more]

Hi, we're renting a nice 1-BR on the UWS. One of the biggest benefits of the apt is the roof deck; we're on the top floor and have sole access to it. About 6 weeks ago, we were informed the apt. next door had a leak and someone was coming to check out the roof. We came home to find our deck completely torn up/gone, a pile of boards and our stuff in a heap. We complained to the landlord and were told the roof had to be fixed but that we'd have our terrace back within 2 weeks; we were also told not to step on the roof. As I said, it's now been 6 weeks. The roof has been resealed, but the terrace is gone, so the space we pay for was not available to be used for the gorgeous spring weather we've had recently. We're told the construction of the terrace will start at the beginning of April. We've been paying the full rent all this time -- in part because we like the apt. and are trying to be patient. But this is unacceptable, right? We are essentially paying for an outdoor space we don't have access to. We're considering calculating square footage of the apt and withholding rent accordingly (in escrow) until the terrace is fixed. Does this seem fair? [less]