Tenant Dispute Legal Guidance

Summary

In New York, landlords must maintain habitable conditions, and retaliation against tenants is illegal. Document all repair efforts and interactions with tenants. Prepare a detailed timeline of events, gather medical records, and witness statements for court. Consider free or low-cost legal aid services if you cant afford a lawyer. Present evidence clearly and stay calm during proceedings. Courts will consider relevant information, including health conditions and stress factors.

Full Conversation

I have a holdover professional tenant in NYC... she is claiming that I harasser with calls...I never call......and that I threaten her life...I never did.
Cinzia, you may want to gather any evidence that can support your claims, such as phone records to show you didn't call or any witnesses who can confirm you didn't threaten her. Have you received any formal complaints or legal notices regarding these accusations?
I received housing court order
Hi Cinzia, you might want to consider the following steps:
- Gather all evidence, including phone records and witness statements.
- Document any interactions with the tenant.
- Review the court order carefully.
Have you already responded to the housing court order or sought legal advice?
No... we were told to wait until the court date
Hi Cinzia, you should prepare for your court date by gathering all your evidence and considering consulting with a lawyer for advice on how to present your case effectively. It's essential to be well-prepared for the court proceedings. Have you considered seeking legal advice before the court date?
Yes, but I cant afford what the lawyer wants
Cinzia, you might want to consider free or low-cost legal aid services in New York. The NYC Bar Association offers a Legal Referral Service that could help you find affordable or pro bono legal assistance. Have you tried reaching out to any legal aid organizations for support?
yes.. they do not answer....or tell me that only help tenants.
Hi Cinzia, I'm sorry to hear about your situation. You might want to try contacting the Legal Aid Society or the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) for help. They offer free services to individuals who need legal support. Have you tried reaching out to them?

Legal Aid Society


Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.legal-aid.org

New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG)


Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.nylag.org
DO you have the pro Bono number?
You can contact the NYC Bar Association's Legal Referral Service for pro bono assistance. Here are the details:

NYC Bar Association Legal Referral Service


Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.nycbar.org
Have you tried reaching out to them yet?
They do not answer.
Cinzia, it can be frustrating when you can't get through to the services you need. You might also try the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts in NYC. They sometimes offer pro bono services as well.

Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts


Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.vlany.org

Would you like more information on how to prepare your case for court?
Can I tell you what happened?
Sure, Cinzia, I'd be happy to hear what happened. Please go ahead and share the details.
I was sick for a month a * /* with bronchitis then covid...my sister is * and has severe kidney disease....I called my nephew to come take my sister to the hospital....there was banging on the door....I opened it was the non paying tenant complaing about camera above her door......I had long COVID and extreme anxiety I yelled at her to get away ..I yelled that she is trying to kill ME and to get away or I will call the police. She made up a story that I threaten to kill her..
No.please read what I wrote.
Hi Cinzia, thanks for sharing those details. It's important to document everything, including your health condition and the incident with the tenant. Given the accusations, it might strengthen your case to have medical records and any witnesses (like your nephew) testify on your behalf.
Have you considered preparing a detailed timeline of events and gathering any relevant evidence, like medical records or witness statements, to present at your court date?
yes..I have the records...I went * x to emergency and 2x to urgent care.
Cinzia, having medical records and evidence is crucial. You should prepare a detailed timeline of events, and gather witness statements, including from your nephew. Additionally, consider bringing any documentation regarding your health condition and interactions with the tenant to court.
Would you like more advice on how to organize your evidence for the court date?
She also claims we are not fixing * plugs and drafty window as relatialtin...but she never complained until we served her notice to vacate.
Hi Cinzia, it sounds like you have quite a complex situation. Here are some key points that might help:
- In New York, landlords are required to maintain habitable conditions (warranty of habitability).
- Retaliation against tenants for complaints is illegal.
- Document all maintenance requests and any attempts to fix issues.
Do you have records of any maintenance requests or repairs you've attempted?
We have made many repairs...on our own volition thought the year.....we cannot fix the small violations because we have no money due to not having rent........and please take note.. these are small violations that were only brought up AFTER we asked them to vacate......
Hi Cinzia, it's important to document all your repair efforts and any interactions with the tenant. Here are some steps you can take:
- Gather and organize all repair receipts and records.
- Document the timeline of events, including the tenant's complaints.
- Bring medical records and witness statements to court.
Would you like more tips on preparing for your court date?
yes
Hi Cinzia, here are some tips to help you prepare for your court date:
- Organize all repair receipts and records chronologically.
- Create a detailed timeline of events, including the tenant's complaints and your responses.
- Bring all medical records and witness statements (e.g., from your nephew) to court.
- Prepare a statement explaining your health issues and their impact.
Would you like more information on what to expect during the court proceedings?
yes
Hi Cinzia, here are some things to expect during the court proceedings:
- Presentation of Evidence: Both parties will present their evidence. Make sure your documents, receipts, and medical records are well-organized.
- Witness Testimony: Witnesses, such as your nephew, can testify on your behalf.
- Cross-Examination: Both you and the tenant may be asked questions by the opposing side’s attorney.
Would you like more details on any specific part of the court process?
DO I have to have a lawyer?
You are not legally required to have a lawyer, but having one can significantly help your case, especially given the complexities involved. If you can't afford a lawyer, you can represent yourself, but be well-prepared with all your documents and evidence.
Would you like more tips on self-representation in court?
yes...but please....note these are professionla tenants they even broke something to report it.
Hi Cinzia, here are some tips for self-representation in court:
- Organization: Keep all your documents, medical records, and evidence well-organized and easily accessible.
- Practice: Rehearse your statements and responses to possible questions.
- Witnesses: Ensure your witnesses, like your nephew, are ready to testify.
- Calmness: Stay calm and composed during the proceedings.
Would you like more information on any specific aspect of self-representation or your case?
I have depressive illness , I was on Disabilty because of it.
Cinzia, it's important to highlight your medical condition and its impact on your situation. Here are a few more tips:
- Medical Documentation: Have copies of your disability and medical records ready to present.
- Preparation: Write down how your illness affects your daily life and ability to manage the property.
- Support: Consider bringing a trusted friend or family member for emotional support during the hearing.
Would you like any specific advice on presenting your medical condition in court?
A lawyer told mew that in NYC the courts do not care.
Cinzia, it can be discouraging to hear that, but presenting your case well is essential. Here are a few points to remember:
- Organize all your evidence, including medical records.
- Prepare witness statements.
- Stay calm and composed.
Would you like more advice on presenting your evidence effectively?
yes
Here are some tips for effectively presenting your evidence in court:
- Chronological Order: Arrange all documents, medical records, and evidence in the order of events.
- Clear Statements: Prepare concise and clear statements regarding each piece of evidence.
- Visual Aids: Consider using visual aids like charts or diagrams to explain your timeline.
- Practice: Rehearse your presentation and responses to potential questions.
Would you like more details on any specific part?
DO you think that my depression..and having COVID and bronchitis and my sisters age * with health issues ..and given the stress the courts will understand.. also the tenants have an associate that visits who seems to be high oin drugs all the time
Cinzia, the courts will consider all relevant information, including your health conditions and the stress they caused. Here are some points to focus on:
- Document your medical history and its impact on your abilities.
- Gather witness statements (e.g., from your nephew).
- Document the tenant's behavior and any suspicions about drug use.
Have you documented all instances of the tenant's associate's suspicious behavior?