New York Landlord/Tenant Law Blog

It can be tough to be a renter in New York. This is because landlords experience a lot of concern about destructive or illegal activities occurring on their property. This concern is understandable, but it does not give them carte blanche to invade the privacy of their tenants on an unreasonable and persistent basis.

Many landlord-tenant disputes occur because renters and property owners have differing opinions on their respective rights. If you are a renter who feels that your landlord is invading your home wrongfully, it is wise to familiarize yourself what just what is allowed and what is not on the part of your landlord. Fortunately, New York enforces strict rules on when and how a landlord may enter your home.

If you live in a rent-controlled dwelling in New York, you probably appreciate knowing that your rent will remain affordable throughout your tenancy. You may be wary of engaging in any kind of landlord-tenant dispute with the property owner because you want to keep your residence. We understand how you might not want to "rock the boat," but we also want to make sure you and others like you are aware of your rights.

First of all, as a tenant in New York, you have the right to live in a safe and properly serviced residence. This means that your landlord is required to maintain service on your residence. A few examples include repairing damaged plumbing, keeping the heating system functional and ensuring tenants have access to hot and cold water.

It is not often that one can predict when a disability will occur. In fact, a debilitating disease or accident often comes along suddenly, leaving you confused and frustrated as you try to wrap your head around your new reality. One of the factors you may be facing is how to break the lease on your apartment if your illness or injury has made it impossible for you to continue living there.

Are you now wheelchair-bound and unable to take the stairs to your walk-up or reach the cabinets in your kitchen? Does your illness or the illness of a family member mean you will have to move where help is available? Do you suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder that makes it impossible to remain in your New York City apartment where traffic and construction noises trigger your condition? Is there a way to break the lease without breaking your bank?

When brutally cold temperatures hit New York City, as they have this winter, renters are at the mercy of their landlords for their comfort and safety. The city has received some 22,000 complaints from New Yorkers about lack of heat or hot water.

A nurse who lives in East Harlem says, "The heat and hot water there has been on and off since Thanksgiving." She added, "It's ridiculous." Tenants have been using space heaters and electric blankets to stay warm in the frigid temperatures. These can be fire hazards.