Do I give the full security deposit back if a tenant's leaves before the end of the lease term?

Dear New York Landlord: New York does not recognize that rent is prorated. In New York the rent is due in full for the entire month on the rent...

If I signed a lease for an apartment and the apartment is not move-in ready, can the next month rent be prorated?

Dear Bronx Tenant: Until the landlord provides the keys ( and a signed copy of the lease) the lease is not in effect. You have rights to a...

Do I need a housing lawyer or a contract lawyer?

Dear New York Tenant: Experienced tenant rights attorneys should be able to handle your holdover proceeding. Alterations cases rely on the same...

After receiving a complaint, it states the defendant has 20 days (?) to answer. Is this a simple answer?

Dear Norwich Homeowner: If you are facing a foreclosure lawsuit and wish to represent yourself, there are a number of web sites that offer...

What would/could the police, building dept., health dept. or CPS do to remove squatters from a house or real estate?

Dear Newburgh Homeowner: Are you a neighbor? Do you wish to inform the police about a crime? Have the occupants trespassed on your property?...

Can I get out of a commercial lease if the office is closed?

Dear Brooklyn Tenant: Your own lease (sublease) likely provides that the lease ends with the overlease (that is the sublease for the one room in...

Tenant staying longer than stated

Dear Watertown Homeowner: Technically, the tenant could not end the month to month tenancy with less than one month notice. ">>>A monthly...

Protective Order for some one that lives in my apartment

Dear New York Tenant: The threat may not rise to the level required for a protective order. In any case if you are in a landlord and tenant...

Is the landlord of a duplex legally obligated to place the security deposit in a separate bank account?

Dear Far Rockaway Landlord: No. The tenant's security remains the tenant's personal property and is held in trust and cannot be used by the...

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What is the time frame for eviction of tenants with children in NY state?

Dear Nyack Landlord: Technically you are no longer renting the condo unit if you lost the deed two years ago. The tenant must have paid rent to...