Court Papers to Spanish-Speaking Tenant Can Be in English

November 1, 2001

LVT Number: 15381

Landlord sued to evict tenant, claiming that he illegally sublet his apartment to three men who attacked other tenants. Tenant asked the court to dismiss the case because the notices and court papers landlord sent tenant were in English. Tenant spoke only Spanish and said that landlord knew this. The court ruled against tenant. There was no requirement under any law that landlord's papers be written in any language other than English. Tenant's rights were protected because laws do provide that he is entitled to an interpreter in all court cases.

Landlord sued to evict tenant, claiming that he illegally sublet his apartment to three men who attacked other tenants. Tenant asked the court to dismiss the case because the notices and court papers landlord sent tenant were in English. Tenant spoke only Spanish and said that landlord knew this. The court ruled against tenant. There was no requirement under any law that landlord's papers be written in any language other than English. Tenant's rights were protected because laws do provide that he is entitled to an interpreter in all court cases.

610 W. 136th St. Tenants Assn. v. Romero: NYLJ, 10/9/01, p. 20, col. 6 (Civ. Ct. NY; Elsner, J)

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