Landlord Didn't Properly Send Rent Registration to Tenant

Facts: Landlord sued to evict tenant for nonpayment of rent. Tenant asked the court to dismiss the case. Tenant claimed that landlord didn't properly send tenant an initial rent registration statement (form RR-1). Landlord claimed that the registration was properly sent. Court: Landlord loses. Landlord claimed that it sent the RR-1 form to prior tenant, in care of tenant, by certified mail. But tenant showed that landlord's proof of mailing showed that landlord sent the RR-1 form to the wrong apartment and had addressed the envelope to prior tenant, in care of tenant, rather than addressing it directly to tenant, even though landlord knew that tenant lived in the apartment at the time. Also, landlord didn't send the RR-1 form by certified mail. Tenant showed that landlord didn't properly send her the RR-1 form. The case was dismissed.

Murray v. Morrison: NYLJ, 11/29/00, p. 30, col. 2 (Civ. Ct. Kings; Thomas, J)