Many people who live in New York rent their apartments. In some cases, a landlord may need to evict a tenant, which can be greatly upsetting for families. However, landlords typically can not evict tenants for just any reason. Landlords must follow New York rules or...
Landlord/Tenant
Examples of reasons landlords can keep a security deposit
We recently discussed how landlords are not allowed to keep security deposits for the normal wear and tear in a rental space. There is always going to be some level of minor damage in a home or apartment. It could be as simple as a scratch on the floor from moving a...
Does a landlord have to allow emotional support animals?
Many landlords in New York like to ban animals in their apartments. They’re worried about the damage the animals may cause or disruptions to other residents. However, under the New York Human Rights Law, disability discrimination is illegal. This applies to those who...
Can your landlord enter your apartment?
Landlord-tenant relationships can get a bit strained. One reason for this is that both people think of the space as their own. The tenant is renting that space and lives there, so they think of it as their apartment. The landlord actually owns the physical building,...
What constitutes an unlawful eviction in New York?
As a landlord in New York, you must follow the legal process of evicting a tenant even when you have valid reasons for wanting them out. It could be due to non-payment of rent, lease violations or an expired lease. Either way, you should do everything right to ensure...
What is normal wear and tear?
Landlords and tenants sometimes find themselves engaged in disputes over who has to pay for general maintenance and upkeep. For instance, a landlord may try to keep a security deposit when a tenant moves out, saying that they need to fix all of the things that were...
Strategies for safeguarding tenant privacy in rental properties
If you are a landlord or property manager, protecting your tenants’ privacy is of utmost important. You should ensure legally compliant practices to safeguard their personal information and better ensure that their living space remains private and secure. Tenants have...
What’s a self-help eviction?
Landlords don’t like to conduct evictions. The legal process of an eviction can be complicated, messy and expensive. If a tenant is so inclined, there’s also the risk of significant property damage while the formal eviction process is followed. It’s no surprise, then,...
Understanding the co-op housing model
Housing is a pressing concern for New York residents, especially in the city. The need for housing in a limited real estate market has led to several models. Cooperative housing, commonly referred to as a co-op, is a communal living arrangement found in many New York...
New York law protects tenants and restricts landlords
The rent laws in New York have changed many times over the years, which has left many tenants unsure of where they would stand if they became embroiled in a legal dispute with their landlords. Some tenants believe that their landlords could cut off their utilities or...