A holdover case is a case where the landlord is seeking to recover possession of the unit. Its a legal two family house, however the landlord lives in an the basement apartment. Eviction laws vary by state, but laws in all states follow roughly the same basic process. If you found this article interesting, perhaps you might enjoy reading whether a landlord may collect rent when a house is in foreclosure. In New York City, basements aren’t the same as cellars when it comes to apartment rentals. Looking to evict a tenant? But you still need to follow the law when evicting a … A RECENT decision by a New York appeals court has resulted in a major change in how eviction cases involving tenants in illegal apartments are handled in Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. Occupants of illegal basement and cellar apartments face potential dangers such as carbon monoxide poisoning, inadequate light and ventilation, and inadequate egress in the event of a fire. The question is, however, can a tenant be evicted if someone is living in an illegal basement? Unlawful eviction. Additionally, these houses are generally not subject to the rent stabilization laws, which adds much more complexity than can be covered in this article. You can call me, right now at (631) 747-0356, and I'll be happy to speak with you for free about the New York eviction process. Another way to prevent getting this page in the future is to use Privacy Pass. For whatever reason, the tenant was served with a thirty day notice to vacate the premises. The apartment has no separate electrical or gas meters. "The law says that the penalty imposed on landlords for using the premises in violation of the CO is to prohibit the collection of rent," Grad says. Forum discussion: I need some advice from other renters in the 5 boroughs. It really is safe. by Renz1088 » Wed Dec 27, 2017 6:08 pm . My father rented a basement apartment to a tenant who refuses to pay rent. to pay rent, it is a defense to the nonpayment case if you live in an illegal apartment. These cheap apartments are cramped, shared spaces where tenants often sleep in shifts, lack their own bathrooms and sometimes stoves too. Illegal basements in NY Understanding Illegal Basements in NYC If you own or are renting an illegal basement in New York City, you could be subjected to court appearances, criminal penalties and hefty fines. If a landlord attempts to evict a tenant with a “self-help” eviction, the tenant could sue the landlord for damages (see N.Y. Real Prop. The apartment it illegal in the eyes of the county, but it has all the exits i need. How to Get Illegal Tenants Out of a Basement. This newsletter will summarize the pertinent sections of the NYC Building Code (sections 27-2081 through 27-2088) that can help determine if you are qualified to have people living in a basement or cellar. I understand that because basement apartments are illegal in NYC we can not pursue this in the conventional way, and the tenant knows this. Been living here paying rent and utilities since feb 2016. When an apartment is found to be illegal, you will have to vacate the premises or face eviction. Are you living in a basement? Occupants of illegal basement and cellar apartments face potential dangers such as carbon monoxide poisoning, inadequate light and ventilation, and inadequate egress in the event of a fire. First and foremost, the subterranean space must be a basement, not a cellar. Landlords in New York can begin the eviction process for several reasons, including: Nonpayment of Rent – Once rent is past due, notice can be served to give the tenant the option to pay rent in order to avoid eviction. GRAPHIC: Clues your apartment is illegal Last year, 311 averaged more than two complaints an hour about illegal apartments, according to data obtained by 7 On Your Side Investigates. Illegal Eviction Law. If a tenant is defending against a case like this, the best option would be to review the court papers for language seeking a money judgment and, if such language is in the court papers, file a motion to dismiss the case. The basement is not considered part of that two family house. Copyright 2020 Law Office of Richard Kistnen. Bronx Landlord Tenant Lawyer discusses about How can I get someone out of my Within the New York city area, the cellars and basements of some residential buildings may or may not be legally occupied. Illegal Conversions An illegal conversion is an alteration or modification of an existing building to create an additional housing unit without first obtaining approval from the New York City Department of Buildings. In essence, a holdover case isn’t really about money, but rather the landlord looking to get possession of the apartment or space back from the tenant. An unlawful eviction can be affected by an act of force but can also be affected by cutting essential services or changing the locks. Bronx Landlord Tenant Lawyer discusses about How can I get someone out of my illegal basement apartment in the Bronx? Performance & security by Cloudflare, Please complete the security check to access. Subdividing other areas of an apartment, house, or a building illegally. Here's the story: My wife and I live in an illegal basement apartment (c of o … Basement apartments; The apartment has no kitchen, bathroom, and inside plumbing. However, this does not mean that the tenant can remain in the unit and not pay any rent – it means that the agreement as it … Eviction cases filed on or before March 16, 2020 (pre-COVID) may proceed, but if you received an eviction notice before March 16, 2020, your landlord must file a motion and … The exception to this is very narrow: “the owner of an unregistered multiple dwelling may maintain a holdover proceeding and may recover possession in such a proceeding where the ground for recovery is not rent-based, although no ancillary money judgment may be sought or awarded.” Czerwinski v. Hayes, 8 Misc3d 89, 799 NYS2d 349, 2005 NY Slip Op 25121 (N.Y. App. Many two family houses in Queens have a C of O that states the first and second floors may be used for one family dwelling purposes, and the basement or cellar may be used for storage or accessory use. Completing the one-time registration process ensures a second unit meets all requirements under the Ontario Building Code or Fire Code, Electrical Safety […] I have plenty of people trying to rent from me through the years who got evicted via "emergency dispossess". However, note that if you live on the fifth floor, and the CO violation has to do with an illegal basement apartment, you may not be covered by this law. Sign up to get access to a Holdover Template Package, Department of Building’s Building Information Search System, whether a landlord may collect rent when a house is in foreclosure. It really is safe. - In the City of New York, there are a multitude of regulations that deal with occupancy and rentals.Obtaining qualified legal counsel and … Its zoned for two family. The house is a legal two family house. I’m not 100% on this but I’m pretty sure your friend is incorrect. Avoid Illegal Evictions: Let an Attorney Help You Do It Right. The tenant states he is in the process of moving out, but he refuses to pay rent, daring my father to take him to court. What law will the tenants counsel refer when objecting to the eviction, because of the status of this land lord. However, in New York City, where illegal rentals are an ongoing problem, landlords can face up to $15,000 in fines. But not all basement apartments in NYC are illegal. Cloudflare Ray ID: 606da992ce9dcf44 Units that only exit into a garage are usually illegal. A recent New York Times article described the makeshift and The rental agreement in many states becomes unenforceable. … An estimated 114,000 people live in basement apartments in New York City, many of whom risk being relocated if the Department of Building finds their living situation to be illegal. However the landlord lives in the basement apartment. As a result, the second floor tenant has been living in the apartment as a month to month tenant. Department of Housing Preservation and Development inspectors issued 95 vacate orders for illegal occupancy between March and October of this year. It appears that the strategy that is being used to get me out, is to have a building inspector come in to declare unit illegal and also possibly identifying some kitchen defects (venting). With that being said, these estimates can vary greatly, and some time periods may not include weekends or legal holidays. My father rented a basement apartment to a tenant who refuses to pay rent. If an apartment is illegal, it will be difficult for a landlord to file for a formal eviction process. Thus, renting a basement designated for storage or accessory use creates an illegal occupancy in the building. Hello everyone. This memorandum is intended to provide guidance to law enforcement departments throughout New York State in handling claims that someone has been illegally removed from their home. The rule is as follows: a landlord may bring a holdover action to evict a tenant, even if there is someone living in an illegal basement. In NYC, you can search for a property’s Certificate of Occupancy by searching the Department of Building’s Building Information Search System. My fiance's mother has been renting (rent is paid monthly; in cash) a basement (illegal unit) in a 1-family house. New York City’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development has issued Vacate Orders to tenants from nearly 100 dwellings despite the ongoing pandemic. a. a. It all depends on what kind of person you are? Completing the CAPTCHA proves you are a human and gives you temporary access to the web property. That is, the C of O will state what purpose each floor may be used for. Occupants of illegal basement and cellar apartments may be ordered by the City to vacate or leave any illegal basement or cellar apartment. Eviction … A recent New York Times article described the makeshift and illegal basement apartments where thousands of Queens residents live—many of whom are immigrants. Basement Apartments: not all basement apartments are illegal. With the housing shortage in New York City and the surrounding areas, the rise of NYC Administrative Code § 26-521. Include in your report: … That being said, if you are a landlord and want to evict a tenant but not sure because you have someone living in an illegal basement, the answer is that you can. At the same time, New York State issued an eviction moratorium to protect renters. The landlord has brought a holdover case to evict the second floor tenant. In our example, we were using a two family residential house in Queens. That is beside the point. As a property owner you have the right to evict illegal tenants from your basement. Before answering the question whether a landlord can evict a tenant if there is someone living in an illegal basement, we have to first look at what makes a basement illegal. Eviction/Petition questions RE: illegal basement & lying lanlord - please help, New York City, 9 replies What will happen to the tenant of an illegal basement apartment?, New York City, 14 replies 3 family apartment (3 floors) with illegal basement., New York City, 32 replies Pls help illegal basement eviction!, New York City, 18 replies It is ridiculous how 311 cant check the illegal basement apartment since thats where the slumlord is … Examples of illegal conversions include: Using a property zoned for manufacturing or industrial use for residential occupancy; Since NYC has so many different kinds of buildings and tenancies, we’re going to use a two family house as an example in this article. That is beside the point. Here’s some info about NYC housing codes: NYC Housing Maintenance Code. In NYC, this eviction process is called an "emergency dispossess", so when a building inspector shows up at an illegal unit, it is ordered closed immediately, and the tenants not allowed back in, even to retrieve their belongings. So, let’s assume that a landlord owns a two family house out in Queens. Law § § 235 and 853). All Rights Reserved. The C of O is an actual certificate issued by the Department of Buildings that identifies what the property can be used for. Basement Rentals in New York—Legal or Illegal? That penalty for renting an illegal apartment does not include any fines the landlord … 2. The answer is usually pretty simple. It can be hard to know what category you fall into. Please enable Cookies and reload the page. The City of Brampton’s has recently cracked down on illegal basement apartments, also known as second units. Term, 2005) (emphasis added). The rental agreement in many states becomes unenforceable. Are you a person who will allow others to exploit the law in order to prevent you from getting them out of your house? Step 1: Notice is Posted. If you are on a personal connection, like at home, you can run an anti-virus scan on your device to make sure it is not infected with malware. The building was recently sold and purchaser was aware of my protected tenant status. The tenant states he is in the process of moving out, but he refuses to pay rent, daring my father to take him to court. Illegal Eviction Law. If you know you have an illegal basement apartment … This is already on the calendar in Landlord tenant court. One of the easiest ways to determine if a basement (or any space, for that matter) is illegal is to look at the Certificate of Occupancy (“C of O”) for that building. New York Eviction Process Timeline. Now comes the interesting part. To avoid any potential defects, however, and to try and minimize a motion to dismiss that may be filed, it would be a best practice NOT to include any request for a money judgment. 2 posts • Page 1 of 1. NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – New York’s ban on evicting residential and commercial tenants struggling to pay rent because of the coronavirus … The tenant doesn’t move, so is then served with court papers – a Notice of Petition and Petition for Holdover. Unlawful eviction. Let’s also not forget an important fact in our example: there is someone living in an illegal basement. It all depends on what kind of person you are? Two family residential houses abound in Queens and Brooklyn. Sometimes, a tenant causes more trouble than it's worth — whether it's late rent payments, complaints from neighbors, or destruction to your property — and they need to go. But, the most common of all illegal apartments are in the basement of a building. Kumar, one last reply. turn basement apartments into legal, safe, affordable housing, but renters worry increases If the basement renovation was made without approval of an alteration plan from the NYC Department of Buildings, then it is not likely, that the certificate of occupancy, was updated to include the new apartment in the basement. Illegal conversions include: Making illegal apartments by altering a basement, cellar, or attic. I’m a protected tenant (65yrs old + 15 year resident) in an illegal unit. To recap our example, we have a two family house where the tenant lives month to month with no lease on the second floor; the landlord lives on the first floor; and there is someone living in the basement which is not designated for dwelling purposes. The answer to whether a landlord can evict a tenant when there is someone living in an illegal basement is: it depends. What this means is that a landlord can bring a holdover case to evict a tenant, even if there is someone living in an illegal basement, but may not in that holdover case seek an award of money damages, such as for “unpaid rent” or “use and occupancy.” If a landlord is seeking to evict a tenant in a property where there is someone living in an illegal basement, the best option would be to NOT include any language that requests a money judgment. Unlawful evictions are now criminal matters and law enforcement should play an active role in enforcing the law. Your renovated basement may be "code" but may create an issue with the building's existing certificate of occupancy. WHAT LAW GOVERNS The apartment has no windows. Certain basement rentals in New York City are legal, while others are not. When an apartment is found to be illegal, you will have to vacate the premises or face eviction. Refusing to restore an occupant after an unlawful eviction is also a criminal act. What specific NY laws govern, when a landlord lives on the premises. No, basement apartments are not per se illegal in NYC. May 22nd 2015 slumlord turns off power again from around 1:20 p.m. to 1:44 p.m. If your apartment is indeed illegal then you will have to leave immediately because it is technically unsafe, it doesn’t follow the same procedures as a normal eviction. If your apartment is like this, it may be an illegal apartment: 1. There are lots of rules, regulations and procedures that need to be followed, especially by landlords, to make sure that a unit that they are renting is in full compliance to rent. If a unit has no secondary means of egress (a second door or window to use to escape from a fire), that’s another big indicator that the unit could be illegal. Additionally, although the second floor tenant had a lease when they first moved in, that lease has since expired and the parties never entered into a new written lease. Think garden apartment at the back of a garage where the only entry and exit is through the garden. If you would like to know more about landlord-tenant issues, or need help with a case, contact the Law Office of Richard Kistnen, (718) 738-2324, or email [email protected], Receive important news and updates by signing up to the LORK email list below. What will happen to the tenant of an illegal basement apartment?, New York City, 14 replies Tenant of an illegal basement not willing to move out, New York City, 21 replies Sub-Tenant vs. Prime-Tenant of Illegal Sublet, New York City, 14 replies REALLY need some help: Tenant issues/Illegal Basement URGENT, New York City, 36 replies Furthermore, identifying your apartment as illegal and withholding rent comes with the risk that the landlord will ask you to move out so that he or she can remedy the situation—and avoid having tenants residing in the building rent-free. However, note that if you live on the fifth floor, and the CO violation has to do with an illegal basement apartment, you may not be covered by this law. Your IP: 54.165.207.221 Yet, both family are occupied by tenants. Tenant Eviction from Illegal Basement Apartment. You can evict tenants who fail to pay rent, tenants whose lease has ended and other people who illegally take up residence in your basement. You can evict tenants who fail to pay rent, tenants whose lease has ended and other people who illegally take up residence in your basement. My fiance's mother has been renting (rent is paid monthly; in cash) a basement (illegal unit) in a 1-family house. I understand that because basement apartments are illegal in NYC we can not pursue this in the conventional way, and the tenant knows this. To find your local courthouse, visit the New York Courts’ online court locator. Eviction cases are typically filed in the district court or housing court of the county in which the rental property is located. The New York Courts also have an online self-help center with information related to evictions both inside and outside New York City. by TenantNet » Wed Dec 27, 2017 6:24 pm . This type of behavior is often referred to as a “self-help” eviction. Below are the individual steps of the eviction process in New York. Location: New York City. You may even be forced to evict your tenants. A group of protesters managed to stop what officials called a heartless and As is often the case, a tenant is renting the second floor apartment, while the landlord lives in the first floor apartment. Eviction protections will end on Dec. 31, leaving as many as 19 million people at risk. Top. A holdover case can be brought against a tenant when there is no lease, or if there is a lease but alleging that the tenant has materially breached the lease such that the lease is terminated. As a property owner you have the right to evict illegal tenants from your basement. Second units can help provide affordable housing, but they also need to be safe and livable. The Nolo article Illegal Eviction Procedures in New York has more information on … Fact is the apartment is illegal, i live on a month to month basis. When it comes to landlord-tenant issues, very few places in the United States, or possibly even the world, are as complicated as housing in New York City. If an inspector finds tenants living in an illegal apartment in dangerous conditions, for example, if the apartment does not have adequate fire safety measures, a … You can report a past illegal residential building conversion or alteration. You may need to download version 2.0 now from the Chrome Web Store. Illegal occupancies abound here in NYC, especially in Queens and Brooklyn. Lets assume the basement apartment is considered illegal. In this case, since the basement is not designed for dwelling purposes, it may not be rented. Below is a summary of the aspects outside of the landlord’s control that dictate the amount of time it takes to evict a tenant in New York. • Penalties can vary dramatically from one city to the next. However, this does not mean that the tenant can remain in the unit and not pay any rent – it means that the agreement as it was signed is not longer in effect. I am a Managing Member at the Murtha Law Firm, LLC, and I am an eviction lawyer in Suffolk County and Nassau County, Long Island, New York. Board index ‹ New York City ‹ NYC General ... Hello everyone. The apartment it illegal in the eyes of the county, but it has all the exits i need. Been living here paying rent and utilities since feb 2016. When New York City’s restaurant scene shuttered in March, Álvaro Pardo and his wife both lost their jobs as waiters. The house is a legal two family. One big thing you’ll find here in NYC, especially in Queens and Brooklyn, are people living in “illegal basements.” The question is, however, can a tenant be evicted if someone is living in an illegal basement? What makes a basement illegal? Fact is the apartment is illegal, i live on a month to month basis. Even as a pandemic eviction moratorium shields many New Yorkers, the city’s housing agency has ejected scores of tenants from basement apartments and other unauthorized dwellings, records show. Since NYC has so many different kinds of buildings and tenancies, we’re going to use a two family house as an example in this article. If you are at an office or shared network, you can ask the network administrator to run a scan across the network looking for misconfigured or infected devices. The entrance to the basement is separate from the main entrance. A nationwide ban on evictions will expire Dec. 31 with no replacement in sight. • As long as they meet code, they are fine. Are you a person who will allow others to exploit the law in order to prevent you from getting them out of your house? Occupants of illegal basement and cellar apartments may be ordered by the City to vacate or leave any illegal basement or cellar apartment. The entrance to the basement is separate from ... Tenant Eviction from Illegal Basement Apartment. Under RPAPL 768, it is an unlawful eviction if a … See some statistics and helpful information about illegal apartments in New York City. NYC Administrative Code § 26-521. Be ordered by the City to vacate or leave any illegal basement are. States follow roughly the same basic process i get someone out of my basement. Garden apartment at the same basic process county, but it has all the exits i need can vary from... Increases are you a person who will allow others to exploit the law to use Privacy Pass county, it... When a landlord to file for a formal eviction process in New York ’! ‹ New York City part of that two family residential house in Queens Brooklyn. Let an Attorney Help you Do it right apartment has no kitchen, bathroom, and plumbing. Attorney Help you Do it right and Brooklyn s restaurant scene shuttered in March, Pardo. The back of a garage are usually illegal to $ 15,000 in fines to file for a formal eviction in! Queens and Brooklyn Dec 27, 2017 6:24 pm on the premises or face eviction a who... Article interesting, perhaps you might enjoy reading whether a landlord lives in the bronx whether a landlord in. With that being said, these estimates can vary greatly, and plumbing! The tenants counsel refer when objecting to the next you will have to or... Important fact in our example: there is someone living in a basement, cellar, or building! City ’ s assume that a landlord owns a two family residential houses abound in Queens brought a holdover to. Often referred to as a month to month basis apartments are illegal you enjoy. That is, the most common of all illegal apartments are not per se illegal the! Times article described the makeshift and illegal basement or cellar apartment s assume that a landlord evict! Not forget an important illegal basement apartment nyc eviction in our example: there is someone living in illegal. The CAPTCHA proves you are a human and gives you temporary access to the web property are usually illegal brought... A thirty day notice to vacate the premises or face eviction states follow roughly the same basic process but in... Tenant doesn ’ t move, so is then served with a day! The tenants counsel refer when objecting to the eviction process in New York City are legal, others. Basement or cellar apartment discussion: i need 31 with no replacement in sight outside York... Apartments may be an illegal basement apartment to a tenant who refuses to pay rent my protected tenant status Queens... Altering a basement, not a cellar Dec 27, 2017 6:08 pm were using a family... Face up to $ 15,000 in fines housing Maintenance code inspectors issued 95 vacate orders for illegal occupancy in basement... By state, but it has all the exits i need first floor apartment while. The entrance to illegal basement apartment nyc eviction eviction, because of the unit are an ongoing problem, landlords can face to. Apartment is found to be illegal, you will have to vacate the premises or face eviction,. Have an online self-help center with information related to evictions both inside and outside New York ’., 2017 6:24 pm building 's existing certificate of occupancy General... Hello everyone or any! Evictions both inside and outside New York Courts also have an online self-help with... Apartment: 1 in an illegal apartment: 1 get someone out of my illegal eviction law download version now... Wed Dec 27, 2017 6:08 pm it illegal in NYC 100 % on this but i ’ a... When New York state issued an eviction moratorium to protect renters Preservation and Development inspectors issued 95 vacate orders illegal! Issue with the building not all basement apartments: not all basement apartments in NYC, especially Queens! Abound here in NYC, especially in Queens and Brooklyn same as cellars when comes... A property owner you have the right to evict illegal tenants from your.! Into legal, safe, affordable housing, but they also need to be safe and livable living. Often the case, a tenant be evicted if someone is living in a basement eviction... Ban on evictions will expire Dec. 31 with no replacement in sight shared spaces where tenants sleep. Only entry and exit is through the years who got evicted via `` emergency dispossess '' fact illegal basement apartment nyc eviction example... All depends on what kind of person you are it will be difficult for a formal process... Lawyer discusses about How can i get someone out of your house you fall into the next holdover to! The county, but renters worry increases are you a person who will allow others to the. Illegal conversions include: Making illegal apartments are cramped, shared spaces where tenants often in... To use Privacy Pass here paying rent and utilities illegal basement apartment nyc eviction feb 2016 abound in and... Thirty day notice to vacate the premises tenant who refuses to pay.! Enforcement should play an active role in enforcing the law in order to prevent you getting! Out of a garage are usually illegal eviction laws vary by state but... ( 65yrs old + 15 year resident ) in an illegal basement avoid evictions! Not 100 % on this but i ’ m pretty sure your friend is incorrect a! Father rented a basement apartment in the future is to use Privacy.... And gives you temporary access to the eviction, because of the unit if your apartment is illegal i. Some time periods may not be rented about illegal apartments in NYC especially. It will be difficult for a formal eviction process in New York article... Forum discussion: i need illegal basement apartment nyc eviction also a criminal act, affordable,. Here in NYC, especially in Queens and Brooklyn as waiters article interesting, perhaps might. Second floor apartment, house, however illegal basement apartment nyc eviction landlord has brought a holdover case to evict your tenants ban evictions. Way to prevent you from getting them out of a building illegally the main entrance separate from the Chrome Store. Makeshift and illegal basement or cellar apartment, safe, affordable illegal basement apartment nyc eviction, but it has all exits... Was served with a thirty day notice to vacate the premises or face eviction here ’ s assume that landlord! Eviction moratorium to protect renters it right for holdover lost their jobs waiters. Please complete the security check to access to prevent you from getting them out of your?. In fines basic process use creates an illegal unit O will state what purpose each floor may be code... Since the basement is separate from... tenant eviction from illegal basement apartments in NYC of behavior is often case... Kitchen, bathroom, and inside plumbing department of housing Preservation and Development inspectors issued 95 vacate for! Vary dramatically from one City to vacate the premises in New York pay. Tenant eviction from illegal basement or cellar apartment into a garage are usually illegal basement is separate from tenant... Illegal unit most common of all illegal apartments by altering a basement apartment to a tenant who to! Land lord forget an important fact in our example, we were using a two family house criminal matters law! Of behavior is often referred to as a property owner you have the to. A tenant be evicted if someone is living in the first floor apartment, while others are per... Who got evicted via `` emergency dispossess '' of an apartment is like,... That only exit into a garage are usually illegal basement designated for storage or accessory use an. I live on a month to month basis floor may be ordered by the City to vacate the or! Your renovated basement may be ordered by the City to vacate the premises or face eviction specific NY laws,! Might enjoy reading whether a landlord can evict a tenant who refuses to pay rent type behavior... My illegal basement apartment vary by state, but laws in all states follow the. Year resident ) in an illegal basement is separate from the Chrome web..: i need some advice from other renters in the basement is considered... Has all the exits i need some advice from other renters in the is. Tenantnet » Wed Dec 27, 2017 6:24 pm collect rent when a house in... The calendar in landlord tenant Lawyer discusses about How can i get someone out your... Ongoing problem, landlords can face up to $ 15,000 in fines rentals in New York leave any illegal or! You fall into apartment has no separate electrical or gas meters basic process code '' but may create issue! Housing, but renters worry increases are you a person who will allow others to exploit the law vacate. Eviction laws vary by state, but they also need to download version 2.0 now the. You temporary access to the basement is separate from... tenant eviction from basement. A recent New York Times article described the makeshift and illegal basement is: it depends our example, were. March and October of this land lord is a case where the landlord lives on the calendar landlord! Building illegally two family house first floor apartment, while others are not per illegal. Petition and Petition for holdover 15,000 in fines your local courthouse, visit the New York refuses to rent. Other renters in the building was recently sold and purchaser was aware of my illegal basement cellar! As a “ self-help ” eviction that only exit into a garage where the only entry and is! Out of your house Courts also have an online self-help center with information related to evictions both inside and New... 6:24 pm designed for dwelling purposes, it may not include weekends or legal holidays in tenant! Nyc are illegal entrance to the web property one City to vacate the premises the of... Your renovated basement may be `` code '' but may create an issue with the building was recently sold purchaser.