In lawsuits, is it typical for defendants to usually put in an answer to a summons and complaint, with many denials

Dear Brentwood Plaintiff: Yes this is routine civil practice. The concept is to be sure that the plaintiff maintains the burden of proof on the...

Dear Peekskill Tenant: New York State is very permissive about terms that landlords and tenants may agree upon when crafting a lease for a...

Apartment tenant is taking over my house with unauthorized changes! What should I do?

Dear New York Landlord: Your "apartment tenant" means that you are the owner of the building and you rented an apartment? Have you obtained all...

I paid security deposit to hold bsmt apt. No lease signed. Roommate backed out. Can I get it back? Cash with receipt

Dear Selden Tenant: You may receive answers not on point, as the question is not clear whether or not the deposit is a security deposit on a...

If I use my security deposit for last months rent, can my landlord lock me out of my apt.? Thank you.

Dear Amherst Tenant: First, New York landlords do not lock out tenants late in rent because that is illegal. Second,how would your landlord...

I need to apply for assistance with help paying rent, but I am not on the lease. I promised my Grandfather while he is

Dear Jamaica Tenant: Do not lose your grandfather's rent regulated (it is a rent stabilized apartment, yes?) because you cannot pay the rent. He...

I gave a security deposit to hold a one bedroom basement apt. I gave cash I have a receipt. My roommate backed out. Get back?

Dear Selden Tenant: Is the deposit a "hold" deposit? Of course, ask for the return of the deposit. You never know, this may just be as easy...

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Could I ask for a new lease with a lower rent, or terminate the contract with deposits returned to me?

Dear New York Tenant: If this change of unit designation is within a lease, and the lease did not provide for a change of unit for any reason,...

Dear Sterling Home Owner: Your problem with your sister paying her fair share of the expense of owning the cottage is not the School District's...

Land purchase offer shenanigans...

Dear Oneida Purchaser: Last year, you allowed this same real estate agent to trick you into raising your bid on the claim of a competing offer,...