Brooklyn Landlord-Tenant Disputes

Navigating landlord-tenant disputes in Brooklyn requires a deep understanding of New York City’s intricate rental laws and the borough’s unique housing dynamics.

The Law Office of Edwin Maria is your trusted ally, providing expert legal representation for landlords and tenants throughout Brooklyn. From non-payment disputes to eviction proceedings and habitability issues, our seasoned attorneys are committed to protecting your rights and achieving favorable outcomes in the Brooklyn Housing Court and beyond.
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Why Brooklyn’s Rental Market Stands Out

Brooklyn’s rental market is notably diverse, characterized by:

  • A varied housing stock, including historic brownstones, modern high-rises, and a significant number of rent-stabilized units, which are subject to strict regulations.

  • A large and diverse population, including a mix of long-term residents and newcomers, leading to a wide range of tenant needs and disputes.

  • The Brooklyn Housing Court, located at 141 Livingston Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201, serving as the primary venue for resolving landlord-tenant disputes.

This diversity creates a complex environment where disputes can range from routine non-payment cases to intricate rent stabilization conflicts, necessitating specialized legal expertise.

Key Landlord-Tenant Laws in Brooklyn

Landlord-tenant relationships in Brooklyn are governed by a robust legal framework applicable across NYC, with specific relevance to the borough’s housing market

Rent Stabilization

Governs buildings with six or more units built before January 1, 1974, among other criteria. Tenants benefit from lease renewal rights and protection against excessive rent increases, overseen by the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR).

Eviction Procedures

Eviction Procedures: Regulated by RPAPL § 711, requiring landlords to provide proper notice and secure a court judgment for evictions.

Warranty of Habitability

Mandates safe and livable rental units under Real Property Law § 235-b. Landlords must maintain essential services, and tenants can seek remedies for violations.

Security Deposits

Capped at one month’s rent, with strict rules for handling and returning deposits, including interest requirements for buildings with six or more units.

The DHCR enforces rent-regulated apartment policies, while the Brooklyn Housing Court handles most disputes, making local procedural knowledge essential.

Common Landlord-Tenant Disputes in Brooklyn

Brooklyn’s varied housing landscape leads to a range of disputes, including

 

Non-Payment of Rent

Tenants fail to pay rent, prompting landlords to initiate eviction proceedings.

Late payments, disputes over rent amounts, or tenant financial hardship.

Holdover Evictions

Tenants remain in the property after lease expiration or termination. Lease violations, refusal to vacate, or disputes over lease terms.

Habitability Issues

Tenants report unsafe or uninhabitable conditions, such as leaks or lack of heat. Landlord delays in repairs, disagreements over responsibility, or tenant withholding rent.

Rent Overcharges

Tenants claim rent exceeds legal limits in rent-stabilized apartments. Improper rent calculations, failure to register rents with DHCR, or disputes over lease renewals.

These disputes often require prompt action to prevent escalation, especially given Brooklyn’s busy Housing Court schedule.

Recent Updates in Brooklyn Landlord-Tenant Law (2025)

In 2024, New York introduced significant housing law changes that likely remain relevant in 2025, impacting landlord-tenant disputes in Brooklyn:

Good Cause Eviction

Implemented in 2024, this law applies to many unregulated apartments in NYC, requiring landlords to show a valid reason for eviction and capping rent increases at 5% plus the Consumer Price Index or 10% of the existing rent, whichever is lower. It is set to remain in effect until 2034, as noted in Holland & Knight’s analysis.

Individual Apartment Improvements

Landlords can now permanently increase rent for renovations in vacant apartments, with caps at $30,000 (or $50,000 for units with long-term prior occupancy or recent vacancies). This reverses 2019 restrictions, offering landlords more flexibility but requiring DHCR documentation.

These updates underscore the importance of compliance for landlords and awareness of new protections for tenants. Our firm stays current with these changes to provide informed legal counsel.

 

 

How the Law Office of Edwin Maria Can Help

We offer comprehensive legal services tailored to Brooklyn’s unique landlord-tenant landscape, representing both landlords and tenants with dedication and expertise.

For Landlords

  • Eviction Proceedings: We guide you through non-payment and holdover evictions, ensuring compliance with RPAPL § 711 and Brooklyn Housing Court procedures.

  • Lease Drafting and Review: We craft leases that protect your interests and comply with NYC regulations, reducing the risk of future disputes.

  • Rent Stabilization Compliance: We assist with DHCR requirements, including rent registration and IAI applications, to avoid penalties.

  • Recovering Unpaid Rent: We pursue civil litigation or negotiations to recover arrears, safeguarding your financial interests.

For Tenants

  • Wrongful Eviction Defense: We challenge unlawful evictions, leveraging protections under the Good Cause Eviction law and other statutes.

  • Habitability Claims: We hold landlords accountable for unsafe conditions, securing repairs and potential rent reductions.

  • Rent Overcharge Recovery: We investigate and pursue claims for overcharges in rent-stabilized apartments, seeking treble damages when applicable.

  • Lease Negotiation: We review and negotiate lease terms to ensure fair treatment and compliance with tenant rights.

Our attorneys have extensive experience in Brooklyn’s Housing Court, delivering results through aggressive advocacy and a client-centered approach.

 

Why Choose Us for Brooklyn Disputes

  • Brooklyn-Specific Expertise: We understand the borough’s diverse rental market, from its high concentration of rent-stabilized units to the nuances of local Housing Court procedures.

  • Up-to-Date Knowledge: We stay informed on legislative changes, such as the 2024 housing law updates, to provide cutting-edge advice.

  • Personalized Service: We tailor our strategies to your unique case, ensuring clear communication and dedicated support.

  • Proven Success: Our firm has successfully resolved numerous landlord-tenant disputes in Brooklyn, earning the trust of clients across the borough.

 

Contact Us for Immediate Assistance

Landlord-tenant disputes in Brooklyn are time-sensitive, and delays can weaken your case. Whether you’re a landlord seeking to recover unpaid rent or a tenant fighting an unlawful eviction, the Law Office of Edwin Maria is here to help. Schedule your free consultation today to discuss your case with an experienced Brooklyn landlord-tenant attorney.

Limited-Time Offer: Book your consultation within the next 48 hours to secure your free session!

Contact Information

  • Phone: (718) 555-1234

  • Email: info@edwinmarialaw.com

  • Address: 123 Legal Street, Suite 100, Brooklyn, NY 11201

  • Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM

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Serving All NYC Boroughs

Landlord-tenant disputes, from evictions to habitability claims, demand swift action. Delay can weaken your case or cost you financially.
 
Contact the Law Office of Edwin Maria now to secure your free consultation and let us fight for you.
 
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