In NYC, a landlord must first serve a proper legal notice (such as a Pay or Quit notice or a Notice of Termination), then file a petition in Housing Court. A judge will schedule a hearing, and if the landlord prevails, the court issues a warrant of eviction. The entire process can take weeks to months depending on the case.
NYC Landlord-Tenant & Real Estate Lawyer
NYC Real Estate Lawyer for Landlords & Tenants
Protecting property owners and tenants across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Expert legal representation in evictions, rent stabilization, and housing rights.
4
Boroughs served
100+
Cases handled
Free
Initial consultation
Legal services
NYC Landlord-Tenant Legal Services
Edwin Maria has been in NYC Housing Court since 2015 - handling non-payment evictions, holdover cases, rent stabilization disputes, and tenant rights claims across all four boroughs. He built this firm to represent both sides of the table, because understanding how a landlord thinks makes him a sharper tenant lawyer, and vice versa.
Landlord-tenant matters in NYC move fast. Court dates come up, deadlines pass, and the decisions made early shape the outcome months later. When you call this office, you get an attorney who’s been through the process - not just studied it.
Eviction Defense
Strategic tenant defense in non-payment and holdover proceedings. We protect your right to stay in your home.
Landlord Representation
Non-payment evictions, holdover cases, lease enforcement, and DHCR compliance for NYC property owners.
Rent Stabilization
Rent overcharge complaints, DHCR proceedings, succession rights, and preferential rent issues - for landlords and tenants.
Lease Negotiations & Enforcement
Residential and commercial lease drafting, review, breach of contract claims, and holdover proceedings.
Landlord Harassment Defense
Legal action against landlords who use illegal tactics - lockouts, utility shutoffs, threats - to force tenants out.
Commercial Property Law
Lease drafting, commercial evictions, and legal counsel for NYC commercial landlords and property management companies.
Residential Property Management
Legal support for NYC residential landlords - evictions, rent stabilization compliance, HPD violations, and Good Cause Eviction guidance.
Free Consultation
Every new matter starts with a free, confidential consultation. Understand your legal options before you commit to anything.
Service Areas
Serving All NYC Boroughs
Our attorneys appear in Housing Courts throughout New York City, providing skilled representation for landlord-tenant matters in every borough.
Manhattan
Expert landlord-tenant representation in Manhattan — non-payment, holdover, rent stabilization, and tenant rights.
Brooklyn
Full representation for landlords and tenants across all Brooklyn neighborhoods.
Queens
Legal representation for landlords and tenants across all Queens neighborhoods.
The Bronx
Representation for residential and commercial landlord-tenant matters across the Bronx.
Why Choose Us?
Nearly a Decade in NYC Housing Court
Admitted to the New York bar in 2015, Edwin Maria has spent his career in NYC landlord-tenant law - not as a generalist who handles housing on the side, but as an attorney who shows up in Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Bronx Housing Courts regularly. That consistency builds the kind of familiarity with local procedures and judges that actually affects case outcomes.
Strategic Representation
We fight vigorously in Housing Court and DHCR proceedings to protect your interests at every stage.
Thorough Legal Research
Every case is backed by deep knowledge of RPAPL, Rent Stabilization Code, and the latest NYC housing laws.
Client-Centered Approach
We keep you informed at every step and tailor our strategy to your specific situation and goals.
Free Consultation
Every new matter starts with a free, confidential consultation so you understand your options before committing.
Courtroom Experience
NYC Housing Court Representation
We regularly appear before judges in all NYC Housing Courts, including the Civil Court of the City of New York and the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR). Our familiarity with local court procedures and relationships with court personnel helps ensure efficient handling of your case.
4
Boroughs Served
100+
Cases Handled
Free
Consultation
Contact Us
Start With a Free Consultation
Every case begins with a conversation. Tell us what you’re facing and we’ll tell you exactly where you stand — no obligation, no pressure.
Free Consultation
Get Your Free Consultation
Facing an eviction, non-payment case, or housing rights issue? Don’t wait — speak with NYC real estate lawyer Edwin Maria today for a free, confidential review of your situation.
Available Across NYC
We’re Here When You Need Us Most
The Law Office of Edwin Maria provides expert legal representation for landlords and tenants throughout New York City. Whether you’re facing eviction, a rent dispute, or a DHCR proceeding — we’re ready to act fast on your behalf.
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Manhattan
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Brooklyn
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Queens
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The Bronx
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Landlord-Tenant Law
Tenants have the right to appear in court, present a defense, and request an adjournment if they need more time. They can also raise claims such as lack of repairs, harassment, or improper service of notice as defenses. Legal representation significantly improves outcomes.
Rent stabilization is a set of NYC and NY State laws that limit rent increases and protect tenants from arbitrary eviction in qualifying apartments. Generally, apartments in buildings with 6 or more units built before 1974 may be rent stabilized. Tenants in these units have additional rights, including lease renewal rights.
No. In New York State, a landlord cannot remove a tenant without a court order. Self-help eviction - such as changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities - is illegal and can expose the landlord to significant liability.
Case timelines vary widely. A straightforward non-payment case may resolve in a few weeks with a stipulation. Contested cases with hearings and motions can take several months. Cases before the DHCR can take even longer. Early legal counsel helps manage timelines effectively.
A holdover proceeding is a case filed by a landlord when a tenant remains in the apartment after the lease has expired, was terminated, or was never properly renewed. Unlike non-payment cases, holdover cases focus on possession rather than money owed.