Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New York

Refused my rent?

My super wants me out so that he can get my apartment to use for family members, along with his own apartment.

He complained that my family had moved out, to the landlord. (My husband and older son moved out). Now the landlord refuses to take my rent and has threatened to take me to court if I did not produce a letter from my husband stating that he moved out and I am staying in the apartment, with my other children, plus they want me to bring them utility bills in my name and letters from my childrens school to prove I and my children are still living there.

They have my apartment on watch and implied that if I leave my apartment to go on vacation or visit others for more than a period of one day they will consider that as me abandoning my apartment.

What can I do to address this problem seeing that I am living in my apartment and now I am a prisoner of my own home.


Asked on 9/24/03, 12:57 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Andrew Nitzberg Andrew Nitzberg & Associates

Re: Refused my rent?

This is a difficult situation. I am sorry that your husband moved out. I hope the move is temporary. If not, you are welcome to discuss the divorce with me. The consultation will be for no charge.

Regarding the landlord and apartment, these 'intimidation games' are not proper. The best thing you can do is retain all written communications to you. In addition, write down the date, time and message every time they communicate with you orally. EVERY TIME! This is important.

Other than that, live your life as a normal person.

If they do not accept your rent, put the money in a special and separate bank account. Any bank account which only has this money will be effective.

Give your landlord notice (tell him) if you leave the apartment overnight. Tell him also when you will return.

In addition, a written statement from your husband that he has left the apartment because you and he are "separated" iwill be helpful. As you put utilities and the phone in your name give a copy to the landlord.

The landlord does have a right to know who is living in the apartment. But he does not have a right to play these games.

And live your life as a normal person. Don't let their intimidation games control you.

You are welcome to a consultation at no fee at my offices at 42 west 44th st., NY,NY. Please call for an appointment first. (646) 591-5786

Read more
Answered on 9/25/03, 11:19 pm
Steven Czik CZIK LAW PLLC

Re: Refused my rent?

The landlord has no right to lock you out of any apartment that you have a right to or permission to be in. They are most likely just trying to intimidate you. do not let them, we are very experienced in these types of landlord tenant matters and you are welcome to contact us for a free consultation.

Law Offices of

STEVEN J. CZIK

The Soho Building

110 Greene Street, Suite 605

New York, New York 10012

(212) 413-4462

[email protected]

The information provided by The Law Offices of Steven J. Czik (LOSJC) is for general educational purposes only. There is no attorney-client relationship established by this communication and no privilege attaches to such communication. LOSJC is not taking and will not take any action on your behalf and will not be considered your attorney until both you and LOSJC have signed a written retainer agreement. There are strict deadlines, called statutes of limitation, within which claims or lawsuits must be filed. Therefore, if you desire the services of an attorney and decide not to retain LOSJC on terms acceptable to LOSJC, you are advised to immediately seek the services of another attorney.

Read more
Answered on 9/26/03, 2:10 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Landlord & Tenants questions and answers in New York