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New York City Landlord-Tenant Law Blog

Rent-stabilized tenants tell tale of extreme landlord coercion

On behalf of Himmelstein, McConnell, Gribben, Donoghue & Joseph LLP posted in rent increase on Wednesday, July 25, 2018.

Data exist to mark and lend understanding of the turnover rate in the legions of rent-stabilized buildings across New York City. When one complex features notably higher-than-average departures, it can be telling evidence of unusual -- even abnormal - circumstances.

Consider the story surrounding the Austin Nichols House, a multi-dwelling complex in the Williamsburg area of Brooklyn termed as "coveted" in a recent national media profile. The building, which was once a bourbon warehouse, was converted some years back into rent-stabilized apartments for 338 tenants. 

Arguments why RGB should have voted for a rent freeze

On behalf of Himmelstein, McConnell, Gribben, Donoghue & Joseph LLP posted in rent increase on Tuesday, July 17, 2018.

We recently noted for readers the results of the June 26 vote taken by the New York City Rent Guidelines Board on rent-stabilized lease increases. The RGB decided to raise rents 1.5% and 2.5%, respectively, on one-year and two-year lease terms effective October 1 of this year. That adjustment spelled the largest spike in several years.

Legions of people across the metro area expressed ire and great concern in the wake of the RGB's announcement. A rental jump of any amount has been criticized on multiple grounds. Leah Goodridge, a board representative who took a minority position by voting for a freeze, explained her reasons for doing so in a recent media opinion piece. Following are some of her key points.

Lease increases announced for NYC's rent-stabilized units

On behalf of Himmelstein, McConnell, Gribben, Donoghue & Joseph LLP posted in rent increase on Tuesday, July 10, 2018.

The definitive decision annually reached by the New York City Rent Guidelines Board on rent-stabilized lease increases was announced on June 26.

It hardly went unnoticed.

An amped-up and passionate response to the RGB's dictate was indeed expected, for numerous reasons. A whopping 44% of the metro's rental units - that is, nearly one million apartments across the city - are reportedly affected by the board's yearly decision. And announced increases of any size spell big news for legions of those renters, given that an estimated 30% of them spend at least half of their monthly income on rent. 

Recent NYC tenant protections broad-based, with teeth

On behalf of Himmelstein, McConnell, Gribben, Donoghue & Joseph LLP posted in landlord-tenant law on Monday, July 9, 2018.

New York City legislators have been notably busy over the past several months drafting local laws that a recent New York Law Journal article notes are intended to materially expand tenant protections. The newly enacted statutory housing provisions apply to rent-stabilized and rent-controlled residents across the city.

And they come with some punch and a punitive veneer for bad-faith landlords engaging in actions and enabling housing conditions that the Journal says are demonstrably "intended to get [a] tenant to move out or otherwise waive rights."

How Housing Court is misused by bad landlords

On behalf of Himmelstein, McConnell, Gribben, Donoghue & Joseph LLP posted in rent increase on Thursday, June 28, 2018.

A recent in-depth article on rent-stabilized housing in New York City and disputes that end up in Housing Court leads off with the assertion that, for legions of people, the term "gentrification" has unsettling connotations. In fact, it is "a dirty word."

Landlords who put pressure on rent-regulated tenants

On behalf of Himmelstein, McConnell, Gribben, Donoghue & Joseph LLP on Tuesday, June 26, 2018.

As property values in the city continue to increase, many landlords are looking to cash in – regardless of laws protecting tenants’ rights. Many buildings are being sold to unscrupulous investors hoping to turn a quick profit by making life miserable for rent-regulated tenants and getting them to leave.

They will use just about any tactic they can to chase tenants out, often in clear violation of laws. If your landlord is using these tactics against you, there are ways you can fight back.

'Need to know' information for New York renters

On behalf of Himmelstein, McConnell, Gribben, Donoghue & Joseph LLP posted in Eviction Prevention on Friday, June 15, 2018.

New York is unique. It can be dirty, but the 24/7 bustle of life can be invigorating. Demand for living space is high, making reasonable rents hard to come by. Even those who have lived in rented apartments or owned cooperatives for years face legal challenges as landlords seek to convert rent-regulated units into space for which they can charge higher market prices.

NYC lease essentials relevant to rent-regulated dwellings

By Himmelstein, McConnell, Gribben, Donoghue & Joseph LLP posted in landlord-tenant law on Wednesday, May 30, 2018.

It is likely the case that a good many New York City residents aren't exactly sure what the status of their leased apartment is or how to find accurate information concerning that important matter.

NYC renters thinking about Airbnb listings need to be in the know

By Himmelstein, McConnell, Gribben, Donoghue & Joseph LLP posted in landlord-tenant law on Thursday, May 24, 2018.

Himmelstein, McConnell, Gribben, Donoghue & Joseph attorneys provide strong and proven representation to NYC tenants, condo unit owners and co-op shareholders across the virtual universe of housing-related concerns. We note on our Manhattan law firm's website that HMGDJ advocates on behalf of our valued clients "in disputes over evictions, rent increases, rental-owner conversions and other issues."