At what point is a rental agreement considered 'signed'?

Dear New York Tenant: In New York, a lease is in effect when signed by both landlord and tenant and the landlord has returned a full copy of the...

Skunk hanging out in hole under porch.

Dear Schenectady Tenant: Check your lease for the landlord's responsibility for vermin removal. Are the garbage throwing tenants residing in the...

Landlord and camera installation

Dear New York Tenant: Your landlord may intend to deliver a message directed to you to be on guard on the heels of your defeat of the landlord's...

A tenant issue: we have had no heat for over four days and the landlord refuses to fix the furnace.

Dear Croton On Hudson Tenant: New York State does not provide a tenant with a right to repair and deduct, but your lease may allow you to do so....

Can a Queens County City Marshal serve notice to evict in Kings County?

Dear Brooklyn Landlord: You may choose a NYC Marshal in any NYC County to execute the warrant of eviction. In general, landlords often retain a...

Can I sue a former roommate for back rent?

Dear Woodside Tenant: You could sue but if your claim is challenged by the former roommate you will likely not succeed. New York bars proof of...

I requested as stance from the court from a GAL and the Judge granted it to me due to my anxiety, I don't want them anymore

Dear New York Tenant: Your attorney should answer your question. You may already know you are free to hire an attorney, so let your attorney...

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How do I get someone evicted from my house? I own the house, and the person is a family member who is of age.

Dear Clay Home Owner: You may choose to terminate a month to month tenancy with a one month notice and after that period if the tenant remains,...

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I'm the landlord and I am living in the basement while I rent the 1-family house to tenants, can they use that against me?

Dear Brooklyn Landlord: The use of the basement as a residence is prohibited by the certificate of occupancy for a one family house. While...

Can I be charged 50% of my rent as a late fee? nothing has changed on the contract and in the past i always got charged only $50

Dear New York Tenant: I would expect a judge would not support your landlord's claim of a 50% late fee if your landlord claimed that surcharge...