A non-payment proceeding in NYC Housing Court typically takes 4–8 weeks if uncontested. If the tenant raises defenses or the case goes to trial, it can take several months. Early legal action and proper notice service are key to minimizing delays.
For Property Owners
NYC Landlord Lawyer: Protecting Your Property and Revenue
From non-payment evictions to lease enforcement and DHCR compliance - experienced legal representation for New York City property owners.
What we handle
Landlord Legal Services in New York City
Comprehensive legal support for NYC property owners - from Housing Court filings to rent stabilization compliance and lease enforcement.
Eviction Proceedings
Non-payment and holdover proceedings filed and prosecuted in NYC Housing Court. We handle the full process - notices, petitions, hearings, and warrants of eviction.
Lease Drafting & Review
Protect your investment with airtight lease agreements. We draft and review residential and commercial leases tailored to NYC law.
Rent Stabilization Compliance
Navigate DHCR regulations, lawful rent increases, IAI applications, and deregulation proceedings with confidence.
HPD Violation Defense & Habitability
Defend Housing Maintenance Code violations and HPD orders while managing your legal exposure in Housing Court.
Security Deposit Guidance
Ensure proper handling of security deposits under NY law - collection, holding, deductions, and return timelines.
Key legal framework
The Laws Every NYC Landlord Must Know
Understanding these statutes is the foundation of every case we handle. We know how to apply them in your favor.
RPAPL
§ 711 - Eviction Proceedings
Primary Eviction Statute
The primary statute governing non-payment and holdover eviction proceedings in New York. Defines lawful grounds for summary proceedings and the procedures that must be followed - from notice to warrant of eviction.
RSC
Rent Stabilization Code
Rent Stabilization Code
Governs rent increases, lease renewals, preferential rents, and tenant succession rights in stabilized units. Updated annually by the Rent Guidelines Board. Non-compliance exposes you to overcharge liability.
HMC
NYC Admin Code § 27-2000
Housing Maintenance Code
Sets minimum maintenance standards for all NYC residential properties. HPD violations can affect your Housing Court case, stall rent increases, and expose you to civil penalties. Proactive compliance is the best defense.
DHCR
Division of Housing & Community Renewal
DHCR Regulations
The Division of Housing and Community Renewal oversees all rent-stabilized apartments. We handle DHCR filings, overcharge audits, IAI applications, and appeals - protecting your rental income at every step.
Why clients choose us
NYC Landlord Representation That Gets Results
01
Borough-Level Housing Court Experience
Edwin Maria has been appearing in NYC Housing Courts since 2015 - Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Not as a generalist who takes housing cases occasionally, but as an attorney who knows how each courthouse operates and what it takes to prevail there.
02
Assertive, Not Passive
We pursue your rights from filing to final judgment without unnecessary delays or premature settlements. When litigation is the right call, we're ready for it - and we tell you honestly when a negotiated resolution is the better move.
03
Both Sides of the Table
Edwin represents both landlords and tenants - which means he knows exactly how tenants argue their cases, what defenses get raised, and how to counter them effectively before they become a problem in your proceeding.
04
Built Around Your Situation
Every property and tenancy is different - the tenant's history, your financial exposure, what you want for the unit. We build around your specific circumstances, not a standard playbook that ignores the details that actually matter.
Where we practice
Serving All NYC Boroughs
Contact Us
Available Across NYC
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.
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.
FAQ
Landlord Legal Services - Frequently Asked Questions
Common grounds include non-payment of rent, holdover after lease expiration, unauthorized subletting, lease violations, and nuisance. For rent-stabilized tenants, grounds are more limited and strictly defined by the Rent Stabilization Code.
A non-payment proceeding is filed when a tenant owes rent. A holdover proceeding is filed when a tenant remains in the unit after the lease has expired or been terminated. Different rules, notices, and timelines apply to each.
For non-payment cases, a written rent demand (typically 14 days) is required before filing. For holdover cases, a notice of termination is required - the length depends on tenancy duration (30, 60, or 90 days for month-to-month tenants under Good Cause Eviction rules).
Yes, unauthorized subletting is grounds for a holdover proceeding. However, for rent-stabilized tenants, there are specific procedures and notice requirements. Courts scrutinize these cases carefully, so proper documentation is critical.
The Good Cause Eviction law (L. 2024) applies to many unregulated apartments in NYC. It limits rent increases to 5% + CPI and requires landlords to show "good cause" to evict a tenant or refuse lease renewal. It has significant implications for how you manage your property.