Landlord's Son Had Apparent Authority to Sign Lease with Tenant

Landlord sued to evict unregulated month-to-month tenant after sending a 30-day termination notice. Tenant asked the court to dismiss the case, claiming that he had a one-year lease signed in March 2019 and which expired on Feb. 29, 2020. Landlord claimed that tenant signed the lease with his son, who had no authority to sign a lease for landlord. The court ruled for tenant. The existence of the lease wasn't in dispute. And landlord gave his son apparent authority to enter the lease with tenant. The son lived in the building and his responsibilities included rent collection, repairs, and direct contact with tenants, even before landlord moved to Florida. The lease therefore was valid, and the court dismissed the case.

Liang v. Tarantola: Index No. 63360/2019, 2019 NY Slip Op 51928(U) (Civ. Ct. Queens; 11/1/19; Jimenez, J)