If you get stuck with a bad landlord in New York, you’ll probably want to move out as soon as possible. Unfortunately, some landlords take it upon themselves to make you as miserable as possible before that happens. When you know your rights, you could point out that the law is on your side.
How do you deal with a bad landlord?
When you move in, keep a copy of your lease agreement and review it whenever your landlord starts to give you trouble. Despite what they might tell you, your landlord is legally required to abide by the contract that you signed. For example, if the contract allows you to have pets, your landlord can’t demand that you get rid of your cat. Contracts go both ways.
You should also keep a written record of your interactions with your landlord. For example, if they keep ignoring your maintenance requests, keep a copy of your requests show you can prove that you tried to contact your landlord. You should also mark down the dates so you can show long this behavior has been going on. The more information you have, the stronger your case will be.
If the situation continues to deteriorate, you might want to hire a real estate attorney who could assist you with landlord/tenant interactions. They might be able to help you settle the issue out of court.
What if your landlord threatens legal action?
If your landlord threatens legal action against you, hire an attorney as soon as possible. They could help you solve disputes over the contract, deal with privacy issues and more. You might be able to settle the issue outside of court without dealing with extra legal fees. If not, your attorney could assist you through your entire case.