Illegal Apartment Rental Dispute

Summary

Renting a space registered as a store for residential use may be an illegal conversion. Landlords must ensure properties are legally compliant. Tenants may not be required to pay rent for illegal units and could be entitled to compensation. If sued, tenants should attend court with evidence like correspondence, receipts, and inspector records. Consult a local attorney for personalized advice.

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Rented an apartment which doesn't have a CO landlord saod he would get * but its been months and still nothing i called the inspector niw hes taking me to court i did work in it using my own materials i dont think.it would oass i called the inspector once before and was told this is registered as a store not an apartment
It sounds like your landlord may not have legally rented out the space as a residential unit without a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). In New York, landlords are required to ensure the property is legally compliant.
Here are some points to consider:
- Illegal Conversion: Renting out a space registered as a store for residential use may be an illegal conversion. You might not be required to pay rent if the unit is illegal.

- Court Case: If your landlord is suing you, ensure you show up to court. Bring all evidence, like correspondence with the landlord, receipts for materials, and records of contacting the inspector.
- Tenant Rights: You may be entitled to compensation or a rent refund if the unit is uninhabitable or rented illegally.
Would you like to connect with a local lawyer to help you prepare for court?
Yes havent bern served papers for court yet
If you haven’t been served court papers yet, the case hasn’t officially started against you. Keep an eye out for any formal notice. Once served, review the documents carefully to understand the claims against you and the court date.
Would you like help finding a local lawyer to assist with this?
Got a paper saying he wants back rent
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Would you like to be connected to local lawyers who can better assist you with your case?
No thank you
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It seems everything is handled for now. If you need further assistance or clarification in the future, feel free to reach out. Good luck with your case!