Multiple Dwelling Registration Contained Incorrect Information

December 1, 2000

LVT Number: 14590

Facts: Landlord sued to evict three tenants for nonpayment of rent. All the tenants asked the court to dismiss the cases. They claimed that landlord didn't have a proper multiple dwelling registration (MDR) for the building. The MDR listed one business address and telephone number for landlord and its managing agent. This phone number was also listed as a 24-hour emergency phone number. But tenants showed that neither landlord nor its managing agent had a business at the address or phone number given. And during that time, there were many serious building violations on record.

Facts: Landlord sued to evict three tenants for nonpayment of rent. All the tenants asked the court to dismiss the cases. They claimed that landlord didn't have a proper multiple dwelling registration (MDR) for the building. The MDR listed one business address and telephone number for landlord and its managing agent. This phone number was also listed as a 24-hour emergency phone number. But tenants showed that neither landlord nor its managing agent had a business at the address or phone number given. And during that time, there were many serious building violations on record. Court: Tenants win. Since the registration contained incorrect information, it was insufficient, and landlord didn't have an effective registration statement on file with HPD's Office of Code Enforcement. Under the Multiple Dwelling Law, landlord couldn't collect rent from tenants until it filed a proper MDR.

L.E. Tillett & Assocs., Inc. v. Williams: NYLJ, 11/1/00, p. 29, col. 6 (Civ. Ct. Kings; Finkelstein, J)

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