ATTORNEYS

Landlord's Attorneys Disqualified for Improper Discovery Methods

October 23, 2015    

Landlord sued to evict rent-stabilized tenant for nonprimary residence. When landlord asked the court for permission to conduct pretrial questioning, tenant claimed that landlord’s attorneys were already...

Landlord's Default Vacated in HP Proceeding

April 23, 2015    

Co-op shareholder tenant sued landlord cooperative corporation in housing court, seeking certain repairs. The court ruled for tenant based on landlord's failure to appear. Landlord later asked the court to vacate...

Tenant Can't Vacate Settlement Agreement Signed by His Attorney

February 18, 2015    

Landlord sued to evict apartment occupant, claiming that he was a licensee. Both sides were represented by attorneys, who signed a settlement agreement in court. Under the agreement, a judgment was awarded to...

Landlord Can't Vacate Judgment That Attorney Agreed To

February 14, 2015    

Landlord sued to evict Section 8 tenant for nonpayment of rent. Landlord claimed that tenant owed more than $13,000 in back rent. Landlord's attorney was unable to appear on the appointed court date and sent a...

Tenant Not at Fault for Attorney's Failure to Release Rent Funds to Landlord

November 24, 2014    

Landlord sued to evict tenant for nonpayment of rent. Landlord and tenant signed a settlement agreement in court. Landlord later sought eviction due to tenant's failure to pay the back rent as agreed. Tenant...

Landlord's Attorneys Didn't Violate FDCPA

October 15, 2014    

Rent-controlled tenant sued landlord’s attorneys, claiming a violation of the...

Tenant Can't Sue Landlord's Attorneys

April 17, 2014    

Landlord sued tenant for use and occupancy in 2006. Tenant counterclaimed for a rent abatement. At trial, landlord showed that in two prior proceedings tenant had agreed to pay use and occupancy and to waive and...

Tenants' Association Can't Appeal DHCR Decision Without Attorney

December 15, 2013    

After the DHCR granted landlord's application for MCI rent hikes, the building's tenants' association filed an Article 78 appeal, challenging the rent increases. The court and...

Landlord's Attorney Didn't Violate FDCPA

November 15, 2013    

Tenants sued landlord's attorney, claiming violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The attorney represented landlord in a real estate closing. Tenants in the building had stopped paying rent...

Landlord's Attorneys Violated FDCPA

September 18, 2013    

Attorneys representing landlord, a new client, sued to evict elderly rent-controlled tenant for nonpayment of rent. Tenant answered, pointing out that he had a Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and...

ALJ Didn't Advise Landlord of Right to Counsel

August 7, 2013    

DOB issued violation notices to landlord for work without a permit and for altering a residence for occupancy from two families to eight. The ALJ ruled against landlord and fined him $49,000. Landlord appealed, and...