Posts by Jeffrey McAdams
What is Heat Season in New York City?
Your landlord has certain obligations to make sure your apartment is livable. Those obligations include providing hot water year-round and heating during “heat season.” Heat season runs from October 1st to May 31st each year. We’re still a few months out…but knowing your rights is important before heat season begins. For one thing, landlords in…
Read MoreWhat to Do If Your New York Landlord Won’t Make Repairs
Recently, residents of a building in the Bronx went on a rent strike. Their landlord refused to fix rodent and cockroach infestations, peeling paint, leaking pipes, broken cabinets, refrigerators, outlets, and stoves. They also filed a lawsuit to get the landlord to address the issues. There are even worse stories out there. Some tenants in…
Read MoreHow to Form a Tenant Organization in NYC
In recent news, New York City tenants marched by the thousands to protest rental conditions in the city, bearing signs like “Cap the Rent” and “The Rent is Too Damn High.” Collective action is powerful, but marching isn’t your only option. You could also form a tenant organization to champion your interests. In New York,…
Read MoreTenant Eviction Defenses in New York City
When you receive an eviction notice, your landlord accuses you of one of two things. The landlord is either claiming you did not pay the rent, or they’re claiming you violated the lease. In New York, it is possible to challenge an eviction on many grounds, but you’ll have to move fast. You’ll need help…
Read MoreCan You Sublet Your NYC Apartment?
Unless you live in public housing or receive Section 8, it’s generally permissible to sublet your apartment in New York City. However, subletting is governed by several laws you should be aware of. You Must Request Permission Most leases will not allow you to sublet an apartment without written permission. The law will not allow…
Read MoreAre You Eligible for an NYC Rent Freeze?
If you are a senior citizen or have a disability, you may qualify for the NYC rent freeze program. Your apartment must be rent-controlled, rent-stabilized, hotel-stabilized, or Mitchell-Lama rent-regulated. You do not need your landlord’s permission to apply for the program, and your landlord may not prevent you from participating. Public housing units are not…
Read MoreTurn Up the Heat: Your Landlord’s Obligations to Heat Your Apartment
Your landlord’s obligations are covered by New York’s heat laws and by the Truth in Heating Act. Here’s what you need to know. The Truth in Heating Law New York’s Truth in Heating law has been in effect since January 1, 1981. If you are a tenant in any New York City apartment where you’ll…
Read MoreCan a NYC Apartment Building Ban Overnight Guests?
Landlords in New York City cannot prevent their tenants from having guests. New York’s Real Property Law protects your right to have guests spend the night for up to 30 days. Having guests is generally considered to be an ordinary use of the premises. You don’t have to inform your landlord of what guests will…
Read MoreWhat Are Your Rights During an NYC Eviction?
During an eviction it may seem like the landlord has all the power, but the truth is tenants have rights even now. Those rights begin as soon as you have lived in the same place for 30 days or more, even if you did not sign a lease or are not a named party on…
Read MoreWhat Happens When Your NYC Landlord Sells Your Apartment Building?
A new landlord doesn’t have to mean trouble. In many cases, the sale of an apartment building is pretty routine. Most people who buy apartment buildings want tenants, and see your presence as an asset. Nevertheless, there are some legal issues you should be aware of. Here’s what you need to know. Notification The Landlord…
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