Eviction Rules Fluctuate
Eviction rules fluctuate between the counties of New York State. There has been an increasingly high volume of calls from landlords who live in one county but have rental properties in another county. This causes issues where the landlord has one understanding of the eviction procedure for where he lives, but that procedure differs significantly from the procedure in the county in which their rental property is located. These differences run along a wide variety of topics including whether or not the landlord should be present as the sheriff or marshal executes a warrant of eviction. Not knowing the rules for the county in which you are planning on litigating in, can lead to penalties that range from fines to jail time. It is always advisable to speak with an attorney before commencing legal action. As always, feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns involving evictions in your county at (516) 858-2620!
Long Island Landlord Tenant Attorneys
We proudly assist residents of Long Island: Nassau county, Suffolk county, New York City: Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, and Manhattan with their landlord tenant matters. Call (516) 858-2620 to arrange a FREE consultation with a Landlord Tenant attorney!
Landlords Rights
The following questions about the landlords rights are often asked by both tenants and landlords:
Can a landlord change the locks to a tenant’s apartment? No, not unless they provide the tenant with a key to the new locks(s), the tenant has abandoned the apartment (proceed with caution, abandonment can be difficult to determine), or the landlord has lawfully evicted the tenant.
Can a landlord turn off the heat to a tenant’s apartment during the “heating season?” No, a landlord can not deliberately fail to provide heat to a tenant’s apartment during the heating season.
Can a landlord turn off the water to a tenant’s apartment?” No, a landlord can not deliberately fail to provide water to a tenant’s apartment.
Can a landlord throw a tenant and his/her belongings out on the street? No, not without a court order. And the Marshal or Sheriff would remove the tenant and his/her belongings (the landlord MAY have to pay for the moving and storage of the tenant’s belongings). Note: Police should be called in squatter and trespasser situations.
Can a landlord sue a tenant for unpaid rent? Yes, unless the tenant has filed bankruptcy or the landlord waived the rent arrears.
Can a landlord recover legal fees from tenant? Yes, if there is a clause in your lease which allows the prevailing party to recover attorneys fees.
Can a landlord sue a tenant for moving and storage fees? Yes, unless the tenant has filed bankruptcy.
The above sample answers are not “written in stone” and are not intended as legal advice. Every legal matter is unique and requires a thorough analysis before legal advice can be given.
New York Landlord Tenant Attorney
If you have questions about a landlord tenant issue, please call the Law Firm of Vaughn, Weber & Prakope, PLLC at 516-858-2620.
Keep in Touch