Queens Landlord-Tenant Disputes

Navigating landlord-tenant disputes in Queens demands 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 Queens. 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 Queens Housing Court and beyond.
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Why Queens’ Rental Market Stands Out

Queens’ rental market is notably diverse, characterized by:

  • A varied housing stock, including single-family homes, multi-family apartment buildings, and co-ops, with a significant number of rent-stabilized units.

  • A large and diverse population, including a substantial immigrant community, which influences tenant demographics and legal needs.

  • The Queens Housing Court, located at 89-17 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11435, 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 Queens

Landlord-tenant relationships in Queens 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

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.

Our attorneys regularly appear in Queens Housing Court and bring a client-focused approach to each case—grounded in current laws, procedural rules, and courtroom practices—to help landlords and tenants achieve practical and timely resolutions.

Common Landlord-Tenant Disputes in Queens

Queens’ varied housing landscape leads to a range of disputes, including:

Holdover Evictions

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

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.

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.

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 Queens’ busy Housing Court schedule.

Recent Updates in Queens Landlord-Tenant Law (2025)

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

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.

Why Choose Us for Queens Disputes

  • Queens-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.

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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 numerous landlord-tenant disputes in Queens, earning the trust of clients across the borough.

Contact Us for Immediate Assistance

Landlord-tenant disputes in Queens 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 Queens 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.
 
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How the Law Office of Edwin Maria Can Help – Queens FAQ

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

For Landlords

We guide landlords through non-payment and holdover eviction cases in Queens Housing Court, following RPAPL § 711 procedures and local court practices.

Yes—we draft and review leases to align with NYC laws and Queens market norms, helping minimize disputes and legal risk.

We assist with DHCR obligations including timely rent registration and legal increase processes—like Individual Apartment Improvements (IAI)—to help landlords meet regulatory standards.

We pursue unpaid rent through negotiations or court action—seeking judgments or evictions when necessary to preserve your financial interests.

For Tenants

We defend against evictions that don’t follow legal process, including challenging improper holdover or non-payment actions and enforcing tenant protections like Good Cause Eviction rules where applicable

Yes—we represent tenants filing habitability claims under the Housing Maintenance Code, requesting repairs, and seeking rent reductions or Housing Part remedies

We review rent-stabilized leases for overcharges and can pursue recovery, including possible treble damages under HSTPA-era rules.

We offer lease review and negotiation services to ensure your lease terms are fair and compliant with NYC tenant protections.