Departments

Landlord v. Tenant: April 2020

March 19, 2020

PASSING ON APARTMENTS

Rent-Stabilized Tenant’s Daughter Forged Tenant’s Name on Renewal Leases

Landlord sued to evict rent-stabilized tenant and his daughter. Landlord claimed that tenant left the apartment in 2004 and began living elsewhere, without notifying...

Think Twice Before Upgrading to Biometric Entry System

February 21, 2020

If you have rent-stabilized tenants in your building and you’re considering switching from a key- or fob-based entry system to a biometric fingerprint system, you may want to reconsider.

Judge Temporarily Blocks State Guidance Barring Brokers' Fees

February 21, 2020

Recently, a New York State judge temporarily blocked the state’s guidance that had effectively barred tenants from having to pay a broker fee. The judge’s order prevents legal action against brokers who collect a fee, until both sides can present their case on March 13, 2020.

City Comptroller Proposes 'Tenant Bill of Rights' Flyer with Every Lease

February 20, 2020

City Comptroller Scott Stringer recently issued a policy brief calling for a “Tenant Bill of Rights” to be provided in every lease packet. He’s calling for legislation that would mandate this communication. Stringer believes current leases are confusing to tenants and can hide...

Landlord v. Tenant: March 2020

February 20, 2020

LANDLORD’S NEGLIGENCE

Landlord Not Required to Inspect Smoke Detector

Tenant sued landlord after he was injured during a fire in his apartment. Tenant claimed that landlord failed to provide an operable smoke detector because it didn’t regularly inspect the smoke...

NYC's Right-to-Counsel Program Expands to Five More Neighborhoods

December 17, 2019

The de Blasio administration recently announced the expansion of free legal services to more New York residents facing eviction. This expansion represents the next phase in the right-to-counsel initiative, originally passed in 2017 by the City Council, which became the first-in-the-nation plan...

Bill Requires Units for Homeless in City-Backed Projects

December 17, 2019

As New York City grapples with record numbers of homeless people, city officials have agreed to force developers of designated low-income projects to set aside 15 percent of the units for the homeless. The requirement will be the centerpiece of a bill that has broad support among City Council...

Industry Group Asks City to Help Pay for Lead Abatement

December 17, 2019

The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) recently asked the city to help owners cover the costs of lead abatement in their buildings in testimony submitted to the City Council. The industry group argued that changes to the state’s rent law hinders owners’ abilities to pay for lead...

Landlord v. Tenant: January 2020

December 17, 2019

RENT OVERCHARGE

No Overcharge Where Tenant Paid Less Than Legal Regulated Rent

Rent-stabilized tenant complained of rent overcharge. The DRA ruled against tenant, finding no overcharge. Tenant appealed, claiming fraud by landlord. The DHCR ruled against tenant, who then filed...

Allowing Electronic Signatures on Rent-Stabilized Leases

November 12, 2019

Q It seems as though younger tenants want to do everything online and enjoy the convenience of electronically signing documents. Can I offer rent-stabilized renewal leases by electronic means?

Queens Owners Settle $1M Discrimination Case

November 12, 2019

Former owners of a rental building in Far Rockaway have agreed to pay $1 million to settle a federal lawsuit accusing them of discriminating against people who had been incarcerated. The lawsuit claimed that the owner refused to rent apartments to applicants who had served time in prison. The...

Council Considers Regulating Biometric Data at Apartment Buildings

November 12, 2019

The City Council’s Committee on Housing and Buildings recently received a bill that would require building owners to provide residents with mechanical keys to their buildings and individual apartments. This would allow residents to bypass keyless entry systems, which can include facial...