New York City
Landlord-Tenant Disputes

Landlord-tenant disputes in Manhattan requires specialized knowledge of New York City’s complex rental laws and the unique dynamics of the borough’s housing market.

The Law Office of Edwin Maria is your trusted partner, offering expert legal representation for landlords and tenants across Manhattan. Whether you’re dealing with non-payment issues, eviction proceedings, or habitability disputes, our experienced attorneys are here to protect your rights and secure favorable outcomes in the Manhattan Housing Court and beyond.

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Why Manhattan’s Rental Market Stands Out

Manhattan’s rental landscape is one of the most regulated and competitive in the world, characterized by:

  • A significant number of rent-stabilized apartments, governed by the Rent Stabilization Law, which limits rent increases and ensures lease renewals.

  • Rent-controlled units, primarily in buildings constructed before February 1947, with strict rent caps and eviction protections.

  • A high volume of cases in the NYC Housing Court at 111 Centre Street, where most landlord-tenant disputes are resolved.

  • Recent legislative changes, such as the 2024 updates to New York’s housing laws, which introduced new protections and requirements for both landlords and tenants.

These factors create a challenging environment where disputes can escalate quickly, making expert legal guidance essential.

Key Landlord-Tenant Laws in Manhattan

Manhattan landlord-tenant relationships are governed by a robust legal framework.

Rent Control

Rent Control: Applies to buildings built before February 1947, where tenants or their successors have lived continuously since before July 1, 1971. Rent increases are limited, and evictions are heavily restricted.

Rent Stabilization

Covers buildings with six or more units constructed before January 1, 1974, among other criteria. Tenants are entitled to lease renewals and protection against excessive rent hikes, enforced by the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR).

Eviction Procedures

Governed by RPAPL § 711, requiring landlords to provide proper notice and obtain a court judgment for evictions.

Security Deposits

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

Warranty of Habitability

Ensures rental units are safe and livable, as mandated by Real Property Law § 235-b. Landlords must maintain essential services, and tenants can seek remedies for violations.

The DHCR oversees rent-regulated apartments, while the Manhattan Housing Court is the primary venue for resolving disputes, making familiarity with local procedures critical.

Common Landlord-Tenant Disputes in Manhattan

Manhattan’s competitive rental market gives rise to a range of disputes. These disputes often require swift action to avoid escalation, particularly in Manhattan’s fast-paced legal environment.

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Non-Payment of Rent

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

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Holdover Evictions

Holdover Evictions

Tenants remain in the property after lease expiration or termination.

Lease violations, refusal to vacate, or disputes over lease terms.

 

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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.

 

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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.

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Security Deposit Disputes

Conflicts over the return of deposits at tenancy’s end.

Claims of property damage, unpaid rent, or landlord failure to provide itemized statements within 14 days.

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Recent Updates in Manhattan Landlord-Tenant Law (2025)


In 2024, New York implemented significant changes to its housing laws, directly impacting landlord-tenant disputes in Manhattan:

Good Cause Eviction (GCE): Effective in 2024, this law applies to many unregulated apartments in NYC, requiring landlords to demonstrate a valid reason for eviction and capping rent increases at 5% plus the Consumer Price Index or 10% of the existing rent, whichever is less. It remains in effect until 2034, as noted in Holland & Knight’s analysis.

Individual Apartment Improvements (IAIs): 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, providing landlords with more flexibility but requiring DHCR documentation.

485-x Program and Conversions: New affordability requirements for large developments and incentives for office-to-residential conversions may influence Manhattan’s rental market, potentially affecting rent prices and dispute patterns.

These changes highlight the need for landlords to stay compliant and for tenants to understand their expanded protections. Our firm is well-versed in these updates, ensuring that your case is handled with the latest legal insights.

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How the Law Office of Edwin Maria Can Help

We provide comprehensive legal services tailored to Manhattan’s unique landlord-tenant landscape, representing both landlords and tenants with equal dedication.

For Landlords

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

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

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

  • Recovering Unpaid Rent: We pursue civil litigation or negotiations to recover arrears, protecting 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.

 

Why Choose Us for Manhattan Disputes?

  • Manhattan-Specific Expertise: We understand the borough’s 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 countless landlord-tenant disputes in Manhattan, earning the trust of clients across the borough

Contact Us for Immediate Assistance

Landlord-tenant disputes in Manhattan are time-sensitive, and delay can jeopardize your case. Whether you’re a landlord seeking to evict a non-paying tenant or a tenant fighting for your rights, the Law Office of Edwin Maria is here to help. Schedule your free consultation today to discuss your case with an experienced Manhattan landlord-tenant attorney.

 

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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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