Questions answered by Steven Warren Smollens

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Illegal lockout in NYC

Steven's answer | Answered on September 22, 2014

Dear Condo Owner: If you are the unit owner, then the roommate law does not apply. The law restricting who may occupy a residence deals with...

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I don't have a lease and my Apt. is in need of extensive repairs. Landlords agrees but won't repair. Can I withhold rent?

Steven's answer | Answered on September 22, 2014

Dear Brooklyn Tenant: A tenant is always entitled to a habitable home that is safe to use as a residence and without housing code...

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Can my landlord take me to court for back rent if I live in a basement?

Steven's answer | Answered on September 21, 2014

Dear Brooklyn Tenant: Your apartment in a basement may not be legal; but there is no way an attorney answering on AVVO could know one way or the...

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Can I sue a private investor of a coop apartment (studio) for illegally renting his apt to loud tenants (possibly minors)?

Steven's answer | Answered on September 21, 2014

Dear Flushing Coop Owner: As a shareholder in the cooperative you as well as the neighboring owner are considered as "tenants" of the apartment...

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Landlord got into apartment without prior permission and information..what to do ?

Steven's answer | Answered on September 21, 2014

Dear Jamaica New York Tenant: What should you do? If you otherwise wish to continue your tenancy in your home, you likely should not escalate...

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My neighbor has tenants are a real nightmare. They have illegal activities going on.

Steven's answer | Answered on September 21, 2014

Dear Bronx Tenant: You will need an experienced attorney, as you do have a right, as though you are the landlord and owner of the building with...

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Am I entitled to sue ?

Steven's answer | Answered on September 20, 2014

Dear New York City Home Owner: Before suing your contractor, see an attorney. You may also file a complaint about the licensed contractor with...

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Am I entitled to sue ?

Steven's answer | Answered on September 20, 2014

Dear New York City Home Owner: Fortunately for you, you live in New York City, and your home improvement contractor is licensed. The license and...

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What are my rights if I issue a 30 days notice to vacate to a tenant on a month to month tenancy and they refuse to move out?

Steven's answer | Answered on September 19, 2014

Dear Flushing Landlord: The thirty day notice served in September should end the tenancy on October 31. If the tenant does not move out, the...

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If I buy a legal 2family home in Bklyn or Queens, NY can I live in the 2 units and rent out either the ose basement or attic?

Steven's answer | Answered on September 19, 2014

Dear Brooklyn Home Owner: You should not contract to buy a home in NYC without an attorney. The plan you described will likely bring a world of...

Steven Warren Smollens's Answers (26296)

Illegal lockout in NYC

I don't have a lease and my Apt. is in need of extensive repairs. Landlords agrees but won't repair. Can I withhold rent?

Can my landlord take me to court for back rent if I live in a basement?

Can I sue a private investor of a coop apartment (studio) for illegally renting his apt to loud tenants (possibly minors)?

Landlord got into apartment without prior permission and information..what to do ?

My neighbor has tenants are a real nightmare. They have illegal activities going on.

Am I entitled to sue ?

Am I entitled to sue ?

What are my rights if I issue a 30 days notice to vacate to a tenant on a month to month tenancy and they refuse to move out?

If I buy a legal 2family home in Bklyn or Queens, NY can I live in the 2 units and rent out either the ose basement or attic?