Practice Areas

Landlord & Tenant Practice Areas

We focus exclusively on landlord–tenant and related housing issues in New York. Below are the core areas where we can help.

Nonpayment of Rent

Defending tenants and advising landlords when there is a dispute over rent owed, repairs, or rent increases.

Learn about nonpayment cases →

Holdover Proceedings

Cases where the landlord claims you must move out for reasons other than unpaid rent, such as lease violations or no lease.

Learn about holdovers →

Evictions & Warrants

Emergency help when a marshal’s notice is posted or a warrant of eviction has been issued by the court.

Learn about eviction defense →

Repairs, HPD & Harassment

For unsafe conditions, lack of repairs, or landlord harassment, we help you take action and protect your rights.

See repairs & harassment services →

Illegal Lockout

Immediate steps to get you back into your home if the landlord has changed the locks without a court order.

Learn about illegal lockouts →

Commercial Tenancy & Leases

Helping small businesses and commercial landlords with lease disputes, evictions, and contract review.

View commercial services →

Leases & Contracts

Reviewing and drafting residential and commercial leases, riders, and settlement agreements.

More about leases & contracts →

Per Diem Court Coverage

Per diem appearances for attorneys, property managers, and firms needing local Housing Court coverage.

Per diem services →

Commercial Tenancy & Leases

Helping small businesses and commercial landlords with lease disputes, evictions, and contract review.

View commercial services →

Nonpayment of Rent

In a nonpayment case, the landlord claims that rent is owed and asks the court to collect the money and possibly evict the tenant if the balance is not paid. These cases move quickly, and it is important to know your rights early.

Common Situations

● You received a rent demand or a Notice of Petition and Petition for nonpayment.
● You paid some or all of the rent, but the landlord’s records are incorrect.
● There are serious repair issues, and you believe the rent should be reduced.
● You are on a payment plan that is no longer realistic.

How We Help

● Review the rent ledger and compare it to your payment proof.
● Check if you are rent‑stabilized and whether the legal rent is correct.
● Connect repair issues to possible rent reductions.
● Challenge improper fees, late charges, or charges that are not allowed.
● Negotiate payment plans and settlement agreements that you can actually follow.

What to Bring to Your Consultation

● Your lease and any renewal leases.
● All rent receipts, money order stubs, bank statements, or payment screenshots.
● Copies of all letters, texts, emails, or notices from your landlord or management.
● Any Housing Court papers you received (including envelopes).

Holdover Proceedings

A holdover case is when the landlord claims you should move out for reasons other than unpaid rent. This can include claims that your lease ended, that you violated the lease, or that you are living in the apartment without permission.

Types of Holdover Cases

  • End of lease / month‑to‑month: Landlord claims your lease expired and wants you out.
  • Licensee / occupant: Landlord says you are not the legal tenant of record.
  • Alleged violations: Claims of too many people in the unit, pets, Airbnb, or business use.
  • Owner’s use or primary residence: In rent‑stabilized units where the landlord claims they or a family member will move in, or that you do not live there as your main home.

Our Approach

  • Carefully review all notices, including termination or cure notices, to find mistakes or missing information.
  • Look at your lease, rent records, and living situation to build your side of the story.
  • Gather proof such as bills, IDs, mail, and witness statements to support that you live there or followed the lease.
  • Negotiate resolutions that may include more time to move, a reasonable move‑out date, or converting the case to a nonpayment with a payment plan where appropriate.

Holdover cases can be technical. Having a lawyer who regularly appears in Housing Court can help you avoid giving up rights without realizing it.

Evictions & Warrants of Eviction

If you received a marshal’s notice or learned there is a warrant of eviction in your case, you may still have options. Time is very important at this stage.

Emergency Steps We Take

  • Review your case file and past court papers to see what happened.
  • Explain why the warrant was issued and what the court may allow.
  • Prepare an Order to Show Cause (OSC) to ask the court to stop the eviction temporarily.
  • Ask the judge for more time, a payment schedule, or to reopen a default when possible.

Information That Helps Us Help You

  • Marshal’s notice (take a clear photo if it is posted on your door).
  • Any prior stipulations or agreements you signed in court.
  • Proof of payments you made after the last court date.
  • Any medical, family, or hardship information that may support more time.

Every case is different. We will be honest about what is realistic and what is not, based on the judge and the history of the case.

Repairs, HPD Cases & Harassment

You have the right to a safe and livable apartment. When repairs are ignored or your landlord is harassing you, you may be able to bring an HP (Housing Part) case in Housing Court or take other action.

Repair & Condition Issues

  • No heat or hot water.
  • Leaks, mold, or pest problems.
  • Broken windows, doors, or locks.
  • Unsafe common areas, like hallways, stairs, or elevators.

We help tenants document conditions, contact 311, work with HPD, and file HP actions asking the court to order repairs and, when appropriate, access so the landlord can fix issues.

Harassment & Retaliation

  • Repeated unnecessary visits or threats from the landlord or management.
  • Shutting off services to force you to move.
  • Filing repeated fake cases or making false claims.

We advise on possible harassment claims, coordinate with city agencies, and raise these issues in your existing Housing Court case when they are relevant.

Illegal Lockout

In New York, a landlord generally cannot change the locks or remove your belongings without a court order and a marshal. If that happens, it may be an illegal lockout.

What an Illegal Lockout Might Look Like

  • You come home and your keys no longer work, and you never received any marshal’s notice.
  • Your belongings are removed from the apartment without a court‑ordered eviction.
  • The landlord or super tells you that you cannot re‑enter, but you never had a chance to go to court.

How We Respond

  • Gather proof that you lived in the apartment (ID, mail, bills, photos).
  • Contact the court and, where appropriate, file emergency papers asking the judge to order that you be let back in.
  • Coordinate with the police or marshal when needed, depending on the court’s instructions.
  • Discuss possible claims for damages if your property was lost or damaged.

If you think you have been illegally locked out, you should seek help right away. Waiting can make it harder to prove your case.

Commercial Tenancy & Litigation

Small businesses face unique challenges when dealing with landlords, leases, and changing markets. We assist both commercial tenants and small commercial landlords with practical advice and firm representation.

For Commercial Tenants

  • Reviewing and negotiating commercial leases before you sign.
  • Responding to default or termination notices.
  • Defending commercial nonpayment and holdover cases.
  • Negotiating early termination or rent workout agreements.

For Commercial Landlords

  • Preparing clear, enforceable lease terms and riders.
  • Bringing nonpayment or holdover cases when necessary.
  • Working toward settlements that balance speed and cost.

Commercial cases often turn on the language of the lease. Having your lease reviewed early can prevent future disputes.

Leases, Contracts & Agreements

Many future problems can be avoided by reading and understanding your lease before you sign. We review and draft both residential and commercial leases and help negotiate fair terms.

Residential Leases

  • Reviewing proposed leases and riders before you sign.
  • Explaining rent‑stabilized rights when applicable.
  • Checking for unfair or unclear terms.
  • Reviewing renewal offers and rent increases.

Contracts & Settlements

  • Drafting and reviewing settlement agreements and stipulations.
  • Ensuring agreements clearly explain deadlines and what happens if someone does not comply.
  • Helping you understand what you are giving up and what you are gaining before you sign.

Never feel rushed to sign something you do not understand. We can often review documents on a short timeline when court dates are approaching.

Per Diem Court Appearance Services

For attorneys, property managers, and firms who need reliable Housing Court coverage in New York, we offer per diem services.

Coverage Includes

  • Housing Court appearances in the five boroughs, subject to scheduling.
  • Nonpayment and holdover conferences, motions, and OSCs.
  • Stipulation negotiations and status updates after appearances.

How It Works

  • You send the file, goals for the appearance, and any drafts.
  • We appear, confer with opposing counsel, and work toward your stated objectives.
  • We provide a short same‑day report by email after the appearance.

For per diem rate information and availability, please contact our office directly.