The landlord must first serve a proper written rent demand giving the tenant time to pay. If the tenant does not pay, a non-payment petition is filed at Manhattan Housing Court. The court will schedule a hearing. An attorney can handle all filings, service, and court appearances on your behalf.
Manhattan Landlord-Tenant Attorney
Manhattan Landlord-Tenant Lawyer
Expert legal representation for landlords and tenants in Manhattan. From non-payment evictions to habitability claims, rent stabilization, and tenant rights.
Manhattan rental market
The Manhattan Rental Market - What You're Dealing With
Manhattan is the most competitive rental market in New York City, with a dense concentration of both market-rate and rent-stabilized apartments across neighborhoods including Harlem, Washington Heights, Inwood, Hell's Kitchen, the Upper West Side, and the Upper East Side. Non-payment proceedings, holdover cases, and rent stabilization compliance matters are a constant reality for Manhattan landlords and tenants alike. Experienced legal counsel with deep familiarity with Manhattan Housing Court proceedings is essential for protecting your rights and interests.
Legal framework
Key Landlord-Tenant Laws in Manhattan
These statutes govern every landlord-tenant matter in Manhattan. Understanding them is the foundation of effective representation.
Rent Stabilization
Governs permissible rent increases, lease renewals, and tenant succession rights for stabilized units across Manhattan.
RPAPL § 711
Defines the lawful grounds for eviction proceedings - including non-payment and holdover - in Manhattan Housing Court.
Real Property Law § 235-b
The warranty of habitability requires landlords to maintain safe, livable conditions. Violations are a defense in eviction proceedings.
Security Deposit Cap
Under the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act (2019), security deposits are capped at one month's rent for most residential leases.
Legal services
How We Help Manhattan Landlords & Tenants
Non-Payment & Holdover
Eviction Proceedings
Non-payment and holdover proceedings handled from start to finish - proper notice service, petition filing, court appearances, and warrant of eviction. For landlords pursuing possession and tenants defending their homes.
Warranty of Habitability
DHCR Proceedings
Rent Stabilization & DHCR
Rent overcharge complaints, IAI applications, succession proceedings, and preferential rent disputes before the Division of Housing and Community Renewal. Complex matters handled with precision. See landlord resources →
Admin Code § 27-2005
Illegal Lockouts & Harassment
Illegal lockouts and landlord harassment are actionable in NYC Housing Court. Tenants can seek emergency relief and civil penalties. We act fast to restore possession and stop ongoing harassment. See tenant resources →
Stay informed
2024–2025 Legal Updates Affecting Manhattan
Good Cause Eviction Law
- Enacted April 2024 - applies to many unregulated apartments in NYC
- Caps rent increases at 5% + CPI for covered units
- Requires landlords to show "good cause" before evicting or refusing lease renewal
- Significantly changes the landlord-tenant dynamic in Manhattan
IAI Caps (Individual Apartment Improvement)
- Standard IAI cap: $30,000 per unit for rent-stabilized apartments
- Extended cap: $50,000 if no IAI work in prior 15 years and tenant occupied 25+ years
- All IAI work must be documented and registered with DHCR
Why choose us
Trusted Manhattan Landlord-Tenant Representation
01
Deep Manhattan Experience
We appear regularly in Manhattan Housing Court - we know the local procedures, the judges, and what it takes to win. That familiarity translates directly into better outcomes for our clients.
02
03
Swift, Strategic Action
Housing Court timelines are tight. We file quickly, prepare thoroughly, and move your case forward without delay - minimizing your exposure and maximizing your leverage.
04
Free Initial Consultation
Understand your legal position at no cost. We'll assess your case, explain your options, and give you an honest evaluation before you commit to anything.
Helpful resources
Resources for Manhattan Landlords & Tenants
We serve all of NYC
Also Serving Other Boroughs
Get legal help in Manhattan
Schedule Your Free Manhattan Consultation
Need a landlord-tenant attorney in Manhattan? Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced NYC landlord-tenant lawyer.
FAQ
Manhattan - Frequently Asked Questions
An uncontested non-payment case in Manhattan typically resolves in 4–8 weeks. Contested cases with hearings can take 3–6 months. Holdover cases vary. We work to minimize delays at every stage.
Appear in court on your scheduled date. Do not default - a default judgment means immediate eviction. An attorney can review the case for procedural defects, assert habitability defenses, negotiate a stipulation with time to pay or move, or take the case to trial.
You have the right to lease renewal at legal regulated rents, succession rights for qualifying family members, protection from rent overcharges, and the right to a habitable apartment. Your landlord must follow strict DHCR procedures before any changes to your tenancy.
Yes. The Good Cause Eviction law (L. 2024) applies across all of NYC, including Manhattan. It protects many unregulated tenants from arbitrary eviction and caps rent increases. Whether your unit is covered depends on several factors - contact us to find out.
You can, but it is risky. Housing Court has specific rules, forms, and procedures. Landlords almost always have attorneys. Tenants without legal representation are far more likely to receive unfavorable outcomes. A free consultation costs nothing and could save your home or your property.