Employee of Prior Landlord Became Rent-Stabilized Tenant

Landlord sued to evict apartment occupant, claiming that a license granted by former landlord had expired and occupant had no right to remain. Occupant claimed that she was a rent-stabilized tenant. She worked for prior owner from 2009 to 2013 and lived in a vacant apartment in the building. Occupant claimed that in lieu of a higher salary, prior landlord had agreed that a portion of occupant’s salary would be deducted as rent. Occupant showed that $500 was deducted weekly from her salary as rent. Since occupant paid rent and was obligated to do so, a rent-stabilized tenancy was created.

1290 Ocean Realty, LLC v. Valdes: Index No. 53732/15, NYLJ No. 1202766275758 (Civ. Ct. Kings; 8/10/16; Stanley, J)