Landlord resources for professional rent dodgers?

Hi all, We have a neighbor who owns a multi-family building – been in the same family for many generations and they ended a couple of crafty rent-dodgers about two years ago. It is a rent stabilized building. Anyone have any suggestions or referrals for LL resources within the court system? These parasites are constantly breaking things then filing complaints with the DOB, refuse access for repairs and use this as a tactic to not pay rent. When they get to court, they ask for delays which are always granted. We all know how broken the court system is, but is there any hope for these poor people? It would be a shame to see the owners sell the building but it is almost coming to that.

bedstuytownhouse

in Landlord 11 years and 3 months ago

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brooklandings | 11 years and 3 months ago

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Contact DHCR, since rent stabilized. Another thing, rent that is withheld to the LL must be placed in a (proper) escrow acct, not just ‘not paid’. If the tenant does break systems/ disrupt bldg’s tenants’ “quiet enjoyment”; notify that tenant HOW you know they damaged the item(s) (they were seen on camera/by person/ deposition/ film–whatever method confirms their vandalism). Issue warning(s) (verbal, then written) and follow up. Document all. Take them to court and move to evict. They are creating unsafe situations/hazards/property damage and etc. Get a good attorney, pay the fee, and evict; don’t just roll over. Next time, be very selective. (I hope you’re a good LL, btw)

giraffedrd | 11 years and 3 months ago

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Our company has been managing rent stabilized properties for over 20 years. I strongly suggest documenting as much as possible such as tenant signatures on the HPD code enforcement form when repairs are completed. Tenants refusing access for repairs is not a legitimate for them to not pay or pull an OSC in court. You simply need to show that you attempted to gain access for repairs. I have even recorded video with my phone of tenants not allowing access or sent certified letters with dates and times available to schedule repairs. It is a violation of a rent stabilized tenant’s lease to not allow access for repairs. We also photograph in detail all repairs when they have been completed and you can take a tenant to small claims court for any damage they do to the apartment. Your friend needs a good L&T Attorney…Sperber Denenberg & Kahan (917-351-1335) are fantastic and we’ve used then for over 20 years. I would start a HOLDOVER CASE for chronic non payment which costs a little bit more but the court could place the tenants on a probation payment period for a year or more making it easier to evict them should they miss a payment. Hope this is helpful to your friend!

bedstuytownhouse | 11 years and 3 months ago

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Thank you…I have passed this along.

mrohrmann | 11 years and 3 months ago

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Try the Rent Stabilization Association, they have lawyers and consultants on staff to help with people like this. But screening tenants is worth a vacancy here or there bc of people like this, which is just another reason the RS rules and court system need to be changed or done away with.