For small property owners, a tenant who stops paying rent or refuses to leave can quickly become a financial crisis. New York’s eviction process is highly technical: a defect in the notice or the paperwork can send a landlord back to the beginning, months later. We represent owners and managers in residential and commercial landlord–tenant matters, and advise on how to avoid disputes in the first place.
Matters we handle
- Nonpayment proceedings. Recovering unpaid rent and possession when a tenant falls behind, starting with a proper rent demand.
- Holdover proceedings. Removing tenants who stay after the lease ends, violate the lease, or occupy without any right, including licensees, roommates and former owners after a sale.
- Rent-stabilized evictions. Rent-stabilized tenants can only be evicted on grounds the law specifically permits, such as nonpayment, substantial lease violations, nuisance, non-primary residence or owner’s use in limited circumstances. Since the 2019 rent laws, these cases require especially careful preparation.
- Good Cause Eviction. Many unregulated apartments in New York City are now subject to the state’s Good Cause Eviction law, which limits non-renewals and rent increases. We help owners determine whether it applies and how to comply.
- Commercial evictions. Nonpayment and holdover proceedings against commercial tenants, often together with claims under the tenant’s personal guaranty.
- Leases and notices. Drafting leases, renewal offers and termination notices that comply with current rules.
Our approach
We begin with the paperwork: the lease, the rent history, the building’s regulatory status and the required notices. Getting these right avoids costly dismissals. We then pursue the fastest lawful route to your goal, whether that is payment of arrears, a negotiated move-out date or a judgment of possession, and we keep you informed at every court date.
For disputes with commercial tenants involving construction, repairs or other lease terms, see Real Estate Litigation.