OUCH! Tenant loses rent stabilized apt. over Airbnb rentals!

The court held that the tenant had “engaged in profiteering by renting out the apartment or allowing his children to rent out the apartment, to a series of short-term transient tenants for commercial purposes on Airbnb.” Based on online reviews and other evidence presented, the court found that the apartment had been “listed and rented out to travelers through the Airbnb website.”

The court stated that “[s]uch brazen and commercial exploitation of a rent-stabilized apartment significantly undermines the purpose and integrity of the Rent Stabilization Law and Code and is therefore incurable.” Thus, the landlord was awarded a final judgment of possession.

Bpark v. Durena

Standing in Landlord Tenant Court

On May 1, 2015, in Landlord-Tenant, by John A. Weber IV, ESQ.

Standing in Landlord Tenant Court

Standing is an affirmative defense that finds its way into many Answers in Landlord Tenant Court.  Standing refers to the right of the petitioner/landlord to bring the case in the first place.  The quick rule of thumb to decipher whether or not a petitioner has Standing is if the petitioner appears on the deed to the property on the date that the action was commenced.  An action is commenced on the date that the index number is purchased with the Court.

In cases where Standing is at issue, it is necessary to determine whether or not a Power of Attorney has given the authority to prosecute a case to another individual than whom appears on the deed.  It is important to note that the petitioner should in most cases still be the person named as owner on the property deed.

If you are involved in a current landlord tenant proceeding or are considering bringing a landlord tenant action, call (516)  858-2620 to speak to a landlord tenant attorney today!

Landlord Won’t Let Me Move Into My Apartment

On July 25, 2013, in Landlord-Tenant, by Robbie L. Vaughn, Esq.

Illegal Lockout

I signed the lease and made the required rental payment, but the Landlord won’t let me move into my apartment.

We have seen this scenario before.

First, you should ALWAYS get a signed copy of the lease (signed by you and the Landlord).

Second, there is a major difference between not being able to turnover possession of an apartment, and unjustifiably refusing to turnover possession of an apartment.

Not being able to turnover possession of an apartment

This commonly occurs when an existing tenant fails to vacate the apartment at the expiration of their lease. The Landlord is then forced to bring a “holdover” action against the existing tenant. Thus, your entry into your new apartment is delayed. Most leases contain a clause which states something like:  “The failure of Landlord to give Tenant possession of the Unit on the Commencement Date shall not create liability for Landlord.” You may not have any legal recourse in such a case.  However, the facts should be closely examined by you and an attorney (if necessary).

Unjustifiably refusing to turnover possession of an apartment

This sometimes happens when a Landlord finds someone willing to pay a higher rental amount after already having signed a lease with you. Under these circumstances, the Landlord would likely be in breach of contract for unjustifiably refusing to place you in possession of the apartment.

Legal Advice

You may want to contact an attorney for legal advice if you are in a situation where a landlord has refused to turnover possession of an apartment to you.  This is not legal advice.

New York Landlord Tenant Attorney

The Law Firm of Vaughn, Weber & Prakope, PLLC, can be reached at (516) 858-2620.

 

Buying Property with Existing Tenants

On February 21, 2013, in Landlord-Tenant, by Robbie L. Vaughn, Esq.

Purchasing Occupied vs. Purchasing Vacant

Should I buy a house that already has tenants?

Maybe.

We have represented many Landlords who have purchased homes with existing tenants. In our experience, this has not always gone well for the new Landlord. Many of the new Landlords have ended up starting an eviction action against the existing tenants shortly after the closing.

However, many of our clients are real estate investors and have factored into the purchase price the cost associated with an eviction. In fact, many have weighed these factors well in advance of buying the property and actually end up getting a “better” deal because of the existing tenants. They normally won’t buy the property with existing tenants unless they are getting a very good deal.

Personally, I like to find my own tenants. However, as stated, there can be advantages to buying a property with existing tenants (e.g. instant rental income, lower purchase price, instant occupancy for security purposes).

Therefore, you need to carefully consider many different factors before you decide to purchase a home with existing tenants.

Nassau County Landlord Tenant Attorneys

Call the Law Firm of Vaughn, Weber & Prakope, PLLC at (516) 858-2620 for Landlord Tenant assistance. 

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