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September 9, 2016 Posted in Landlord/Tenant Law Share

Bankrupt tenants can certainly complicate a landlord’s life. Fortunately for the landlord, the rules of eviction when a tenant files for bankruptcy have gotten a bit easier.

September 2, 2016 Posted in Landlord/Tenant Law Share

If a tenant makes no attempt to hide a new pet, and the landlord is aware of the pet but fails to take action for more than three months, has the landlord waived its right to complain about the pet? Yes, says the New York Supreme Court in the case of 149th St., LLC v. Rodriguez: 50 Misc.3d 139(A), 2016 NY Slip Op 50146(U) (App. T. 2 Dept.; 2/5/16).  

May 31, 2016 Posted in Landlord/Tenant Law Share

Being a landlord or property manager can be challenging; however, individuals who are new to the business can benefit from taking heed to the following information and tips. In order to ensure that things run as smoothly as possible, one of the first steps a landlord should take is to obtain the right type of insurance coverage to protect his or her investment.

May 24, 2016 Posted in Landlord/Tenant Law Share

Whether you are new to being a landlord in New York or you are a seasoned landlord with a few questions and concerns, the attorneys at Griffin Alexander can help you with your landlord-tenant issues. The following common questions and answers are provided to help landlords gain a better understanding of New York landlord-tenant law. However, this information is not meant to serve as a substitute for speaking with a skilled attorney. Contact our office today to discuss your specific situation and how New York law may apply to your situation.

February 29, 2016 Posted in Landlord/Tenant Law Share

As we have covered previously on this blog, popular sites like Airbnb.com and VRBO.com can bring lucrative seasonal rental income to unit owners or tenants, but can cause gaping holes in terms of safety and security for landlords and permanent residents alike.

July 16, 2015 Posted in Landlord/Tenant Law Share

Recently, we reviewed a closely-watched landlord/tenant case under review by the U.S. Supreme Court. The case, known as Texas Dept. of Housing & Comm. Affairs v. Inclusive Communities Project, Inc., involved a challenge to the notion of ‘disparate impact’ within the context of residential rental properties – a doctrine in place since the 1960’s Civil Rights movement. 

March 25, 2015 Posted in Landlord/Tenant Law Share

Security deposits are an important form of insurance that a tenant will pay over to a landlord, for the landlord to hold in trust, at the start of a lease term to ensure that the tenant complies with the terms of the lease agreement. The rules regarding security deposit procedures are governed by state law. New Jersey and New York have different laws concerning the maximum amount that can be accepted as a security deposit, how the payment is held in escrow, and how the security deposit is processed and returned upon the termination of a tenancy. This article gives a general overview on the security deposit laws in the two states.  

March 18, 2015 Posted in Landlord/Tenant Law Share

One of the biggest topics in New York landlord/tenant law right now is the ongoing legal and public opinion battle between Airbnb and the City of New York. Many landlords in New York find many of their apartments rented out each day to tourists, business travelers or others on short-term stays, many as short as one (1) night. As New York Councilman Corey Johnson recently expressed in a New York Times article, “No one should have to live in a building or next to someone where the apartment is being used as an illegal hotel, people coming and going, traipsing in and out, no idea who they are.” In addition to the fears of residents and landlords regarding the safety and security of living in or operating a building with transient tenancies, it is also against the law. 

February 25, 2015 Posted in Landlord/Tenant Law Share

As a condominium or homeowners’ association, you have a duty to ensure all residents are paying dues on time and in full. Moreover, you also likely have a set of governing documents (e.g., restrictive covenants) detailing the procedures to follow if a tenant or resident fails to meet his or her responsibilities with regard to the payment of dues. In a problem all-too-common, HOAs are often tasked with difficult “debt collection” duties – and may wind up spending an inordinate amount of time tracking down payments from irresponsible tenants and residents.