If you are a landlord in New York City or the five boroughs, there is a harsh practical reality you must consider when dealing with a problem tenant: the landlord-tenant courts are currently moving at a snail's pace. Inundated with a massive backlog of cases, the court system is experiencing severe delays. Because of this, we strongly advise our landlord clients not to wait more than a month or two before starting the formal eviction process. The Danger of "Working It Out" Mo

A landlord asks: "Can I reject a rental applicant because they have a criminal background or appear on the sex offender registry?" The short answer: It depends. When screening prospective tenants, landlords walk a fine line between protecting their property and complying with fair housing laws. Here is a breakdown of what landlords can—and cannot—do when reviewing an applicant’s background. The Rule Against "Blanket Bans" A landlord cannot maintain a blanket policy that autom

Tenants with physical or mental disabilities are protected against housing discrimination by a combination of federal, state, and local laws—including the Fair Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the New York State Human Rights Law, and local statutes like the Westchester County Human Rights Law and NYC Administrative Code. Under these laws, landlords have a legal duty to reasonably accommodate disabled tenants, provided the accommodation does not create a

In the internet age, do-it-yourself legal templates are everywhere. But when it comes to commercial real estate, relying on a generic form can cost you far more than you bargained for. Whether you are renting a retail storefront, an industrial fabrication shop, or a corporate office, a commercial lease is a voluminous and complex legal contract. It must be tailored to meet individual needs and properly negotiated. Here is a breakdown of the most critical lease components from

Buying or selling a home—whether it’s a single-family house, a cooperative apartment, or a condominium—should be an exciting milestone. However, without preparation, the process can quickly become stressful and overwhelming. While every real estate transaction is unique, understanding the road ahead is the key to a smooth deal. Here is a step-by-step overview of the process from both sides of the closing table. Phase 1: Preparation & Assembling the Team The earliest stages ar

For property owners and landlords, tenant screening is one of the most critical risk-management steps in the leasing process. However, navigating the intersection of applicant criminal history, prior landlord references, and strict state housing laws can easily expose property managers to severe liability. Reviewing New York's tenant screening standards highlights how heavily regulated the application process has become, particularly regarding unconvicted criminal charges, le