Good Cause Eviction (L. 2024) applies to most residential apartments in NYC that are not already rent-stabilized or rent-controlled, with certain exemptions (owner-occupied buildings of 10 units or fewer, condos, co-ops, newly constructed buildings for 30 years). Whether your units are covered depends on building size, use, and construction date. We can help you assess your portfolio.
For Landlords & Property Management Companies
NYC Residential Property Management Lawyer
Legal counsel for residential landlords and property managers across New York City: evictions, rent stabilization compliance, lease enforcement, and tenant rights issues.
What we handle
Residential Property Legal Services in NYC
Managing residential property in New York City means navigating some of the most tenant-protective laws in the country. We help landlords and property managers in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx stay compliant, minimize risk, and take decisive legal action when needed.
Residential Eviction Proceedings
Non-payment and holdover proceedings in NYC Housing Court. We handle the full process (rent demands, petitions, hearings, stipulations, and warrants of eviction) for landlords and property managers with single units or entire portfolios.
Rent Stabilization Compliance
Rent-stabilized apartments are subject to strict DHCR regulations. We advise on lawful rent increases, Individual Apartment Improvements (IAI), preferential rent agreements, succession rights, and deregulation proceedings. See landlord resources →
Lease Drafting & Enforcement
Residential leases in NYC must comply with numerous statutory requirements. We draft and review lease agreements, enforce lease terms, and pursue breach of contract claims when tenants violate their obligations.
HPD Violations & Housing Court Defense
HPD violations can trigger rent withholding, repair-and-deduct rights, and Housing Court proceedings. We defend landlords against HPD orders and help resolve violations efficiently to protect rental income.
Good Cause Eviction Compliance
Under NYC's Good Cause Eviction law (L. 2024), many market-rate apartments now require "good cause" to evict or refuse lease renewal. We help property managers understand which units are covered and how to comply.
Property Management Company Counsel
Ongoing legal support for NYC property management companies, including portfolio-wide compliance reviews, tenant communication strategies, standardized lease programs, and representation in Housing Court matters.
Key legal framework
NYC Residential Property Law: What Every Manager Must Know
New York City has some of the most complex residential landlord-tenant laws in the United States. These are the key statutes affecting your portfolio.
HSTPA
2019
Housing Stability & Tenant Protection Act
Fundamentally changed eviction proceedings, security deposit rules, rent increases, and stabilized apartment deregulation. It applies to virtually every NYC landlord.
GCE
Good Cause Eviction 2024
Good Cause Eviction Law
Extends eviction protections to many unregulated apartments. Limits rent increases and requires landlords to show "good cause" (as defined by statute) to evict or decline lease renewal.
RSL
Rent Stabilization Law & Code
Rent Stabilization Law & Code
Governs approximately 1 million NYC apartments. Strict rules on rent increases, renewal leases, preferential rents, succession, and tenant buyouts. DHCR enforcement is strategic.
HMC
NYC Admin Code § 27-2000
Housing Maintenance Code
Defines minimum habitability standards. HPD violations (Class A, B, or C) can affect eviction proceedings, trigger inspections, and reduce your negotiating leverage.
Who we represent
Residential Property Clients We Serve
01
Individual Landlords
Whether you own one building or one unit, we help you navigate NYC's tenant-protective laws, handle problem tenants efficiently, and avoid the legal pitfalls that can expose small landlords to costly liability.
02
Multi-Family Building Owners
Legal strategy for owners of 5–50+ unit buildings across NYC, covering stabilized portfolio compliance, mass eviction management, IAI filings, and DHCR proceedings.
03
Property Management Companies
Ongoing counsel for companies managing residential portfolios, covering standardized legal processes, Housing Court representation, compliance audits, and escalation support for complex tenant matters.
04
Real Estate Investors
Legal due diligence on rent-stabilized portfolios, tenant buyout agreements, deregulation analysis, and post-acquisition eviction strategy for investors entering or expanding in the NYC market.
Related services
Also Looking For…
Where we practice
Residential Property Legal Services Across 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
Schedule Your Free Residential Property Consultation
Managing NYC residential property requires experienced legal counsel. 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 residential property owners and managers throughout New York City. Whether you're facing eviction proceedings, HPD violations, or rent stabilization compliance, we're ready to act fast on your behalf.
FAQ
Residential Property Management: Frequently Asked Questions
You must first serve a written 14-day rent demand. If rent remains unpaid, you file a non-payment petition in NYC Housing Court. A hearing is scheduled; if the tenant fails to appear or pay, a judgment and warrant of eviction are issued. The full process typically takes 4–10 weeks, longer if contested.
HPD violations can be used by tenants as defenses in eviction proceedings or as the basis for rent withholding. The best approach is to address violations promptly, document all repair efforts, and have legal counsel manage the Housing Court calendar to prevent violations from derailing your case.
Yes, through an Individual Apartment Improvement (IAI) application with DHCR. Post-HSTPA rules limit IAI rent increases significantly. You can only recover 1/168th of the improvement cost (1/180th for buildings with 35+ units) per month, and there are caps. We advise on IAI filings and strategy.
Under HSTPA (2019), residential security deposits are capped at one month's rent for all apartments. Deposits must be returned within 14 days after tenant vacates, with an itemized statement of deductions. Landlords who fail to comply can lose the right to claim deductions entirely.
Yes, in some circumstances. Property management companies that execute leases, collect rent, or manage maintenance can face liability under the Housing Maintenance Code, consumer protection statutes, and tenant harassment laws. Proper legal structure and clear agency agreements help manage this exposure.