Question by Jess T: How long does a NYC landlord have to ask for back rent before eviction?
I have a friend of mine going through an dilly of a perdicament. She has been living in a rent stabilized unit for 10 years on the Upper West Side. Recently she received an eviction notice saying that she owed back rent from 1999.
They asked her to furnish proof of payment but could not (who keeps receipts that long?) So does anyone know anything about tenent law and if this is even legal? The total of monies they claim she owes is 00 – a pitance I know, but still – can they evel legally evict her for that?
Best answer:
Answer by bostonianinmo
She should consult with an attorney, or speak to the tenants’ rights folks at City Hall.
A debt that old may be uncollectible. Additionally, time is of the essense in eviction cases for non-payment of rent so something that old is not likely to be enforceable even if it is valid and collectible.
Most likely the landlord is trying to kick her out so that he can raise the rent. Such tactics are illegal in NYC though some sleazy landlords will still try.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
