Landlord Fined $2,000 for Harassing Tenant

Tenant sued landlord, seeking correction of violations, a restraining order, and a finding of harassment. Landlord failed to appear in court three times. The court ruled for tenant. An HPD report confirmed tenant's testimony about apartment conditions, and the court directed landlord to correct them. Tenant also credibly testified that her lease called for landlord to pay for apartment utilities. But landlord transferred the utilities to tenant without tenant's consent and stopped paying for them, causing hardship to tenant. Landlord also placed cameras throughout the building, including one facing tenant's apartment. An eviction case landlord brought against tenant had been dismissed. The court found that tenant engaged in a pattern of behavior designed to force tenant to move out and fined landlord $2,000 for harassment. The court also issued an order enjoining landlord from engaging in any further acts that constituted harassment.

Martinez v. Ling: Index No. 731/20, 2021 NY Slip Op 50048(U), NYLJ No. 1612296947 (Civ. Ct. Queens; 1/12/21; Sanchez, J)