Tenant's Legal Aid Attorneys Get $24,000 in Attorney's Fees

May 25, 2020

LVT Number: #30776

Landlord sued to evict rent-stabilized tenant. The court ruled against landlord and ordered landlord to offer tenant a proper renewal lease within 15 days. Tenant later asked the court to hold landlord in contempt for failure to comply with the court's order. The court ordered a civil contempt hearing, and the case was then settled by the parties' attorneys. Tenant then asked for attorney's fees. The court ruled for tenant and awarded $24,000 in attorney's fees. Tenant was the prevailing party in the eviction proceeding.

Landlord sued to evict rent-stabilized tenant. The court ruled against landlord and ordered landlord to offer tenant a proper renewal lease within 15 days. Tenant later asked the court to hold landlord in contempt for failure to comply with the court's order. The court ordered a civil contempt hearing, and the case was then settled by the parties' attorneys. Tenant then asked for attorney's fees. The court ruled for tenant and awarded $24,000 in attorney's fees. Tenant was the prevailing party in the eviction proceeding. It didn't matter that tenant was represented by a legal aid provider. This wasn't a windfall, as the fees were provided directly to the provider.

Zi Chang Realty Corp. v. Chen: Index No. LT069323, NYLJ No. 1586542422 (Civ. Ct. NY; 3/20/20; Ortiz, J)

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