Tenants Entitled to Costs from NYCHA for Overlapping Nonpayment Proceedings

Landlord NYCHA sued to evict various tenants for nonpayment of rent. The court became aware that there were additional nonpayment proceedings commenced against each tenant seeking overlapping rent. The court notified NYCHA that a sanctions/cost hearing would be scheduled. NYCHA's staff appeared in court, assuring the court that it would review internal procedures to prevent future errors. But at least three different tenants, living in different buildings with different managers and attorneys, faced multiple cases against them seeking overlapping rent. The court ruled that tenants were entitled to reasonable costs and expenses in the form of rent credits based on NYCHA's frivolous conduct.

NYCHA v. Various Tenants: Index No. 802957/17, NYLJ 3/7/18, p. 21, col. 3 (Civ. Ct. Bronx; 2/22/18; Sanchez, J)