Tenants on a Mott Haven block are demanding the city let them back in their homes after they were shuttered for safety concerns.

Residents in five buildings on E. 142 Street say, without any warning, firefighters banged on their doors Oct. 4 and told them the structures were unsafe.

According to the Department of Buildings, the apartments are illegal, lack adequate fire exits and have too many occupants. The Red Cross temporarily placed the families in a Brooklyn hotel, but now residents say they're moving into shelters.

"My kids can't go to school," said Jose Ramon. "We don't have any clothes, no money. I have to put my stuff in storage. I can't afford it."Renters maintain they did not know the apartments were illegal and their landlord claims the DOB is being unclear about what violations need to be fixed before tenants can move back in.