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.

Non-Payment of Rent

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

Holdover Evictions

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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.

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.

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:

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:

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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  • 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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How the Law Office of Edwin Maria P.C. Can Help — FAQs

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

 

For Landlords

We guide landlords through both non-payment and holdover eviction proceedings under RPAPL § 711, ensuring proper notice and compliance with Manhattan Housing Court procedures. The law requires, among other elements, a 14-day written rent demand notice to the tenant prior to filing.

Yes — we craft and evaluate leases to protect your interests and align with relevant NYC regulations, reducing the potential for disputes later.

We assist landlords with DHCR processes, including rent registration and IAI submissions, helping ensure compliance and reduce risk of penalties.

When tenants fall behind, we pursue unpaid rent through litigation or negotiation to protect your financial interests effectively and efficiently.

For Tenants

We oppose unlawful evictions by drawing on protections such as the Good Cause Eviction Law — enacted in April 2024 — which limits evictions and excessive rent increases unless landlords prove "good cause."

Absolutely. We hold landlords accountable for unsafe or unhealthy living conditions, assisting with claims to secure repairs and possible rent adjustments.

 We investigate and pursue unjust overcharges in rent-stabilized residences, potentially including treble damages and a six-year look-back window under the HSTPA.

Yes — we review and negotiate lease terms on your behalf, ensuring they reflect fair treatment and protection under tenant laws.