Court Orders Damages Against Landlord for Harassing Tenants

Tenants sued landlord, claiming building violations including harassment. The court ruled for tenants after an inquest at which landlord failed to appear. Tenants testified that landlord changed locks, illegally locked them out, and that property was missing from their apartments. They also said that landlord consistently harassed them about surrendering rights to their apartments. The court found that tenants established that landlord engaged in repeated acts, or omissions, of such significance as to substantially interfere with tenants' peaceful enjoyment of their apartments. The court also found that landlord's actions were intended to cause tenants to move out or waive their rights. The court found that a "C" violation was warranted under Admin. Code Section 27-2005(d). The court also imposed civil penalties of $6,000 per tenant, compensatory damages of over $62,000, and punitive damages of $5,000 per tenant, based on landlord's "morally reprehensible" conduct. The court also issued a restraining order against landlord from engaging in future harassment.

Caban v. Silver: Index No. HP3383/18, NYLJ No. 1549886099 (Civ. Ct. Kings; 1/9/19; Kuzniewski, J)