Landlord Illegally Locked Tenant Out of Room in House

Tenant sued landlord, claiming illegal lockout from a room in landlord's house. He claimed that he had lived there for 14 years, first in one smaller room, then in a larger room, and later returned to the smaller room. Landlord claimed that tenant never lived in the house. The court ruled for tenant, finding his testimony credible. Tenant offered details of events leading up to his rental of the rooms and showed photos and videos of his possessions there. Tenant also produced witnesses who supported his claims. On the other hand, landlord and her witnesses offered inconsistent, unconvincing, and contradictory testimony. The court ruled for tenant, finding that he was unlawfully evicted. Landlord was ordered to restore tenant to possession.

Chowdhury v. Sadiq: Index No. 10749/20, NYLJ No. 1614106847 (Civ. Ct. Queens; 2/9/21; Nembhard, J)