New Landlord Doesn't Prove Tenant Must Sign Renewal Lease

Landlord sued to evict rent-stabilized tenant, claiming that tenant failed to sign an offered renewal lease. Landlord claimed that it bought the building in a foreclosure sale, didn't receive lease documentation upon purchase, and requested leases from tenants. Tenant sent landlord a 2014 lease indicating a $1,100 preferential rent, and a 2016 lease with a $750 preferential rent. Landlord claimed that this was fraudulent or executed after it bought the building. Tenant argued that his current renewal lease was signed before the foreclosure sale and extended until 2018, so he wasn't required to sign the renewal lease landlord offered. The court ruled for tenant and dismissed the case, finding that landlord failed to provide a required rider with its lease renewal offer.

USD 215 W. St. LLC v. Haynes: Index No. L&T61934/17, NYLJ No. 1542443645 (Civ. Ct. NY; 11/8/18; Katz, J)