At Anderson, Bowman, Wallshein PLLC, we have a unique depth of experience guiding clients through landlord-tenant proceedings. Our firm supports those on either side of these disputes, leveraging know-how in intersecting areas of law like landlord-tenant, real estate, contract, and litigation. When representing landlords, we work to be as helpful as possible, seeking compensation with minimal setbacks during legal processes. While representing tenants, we champion their rights and work to remedy infringements.
For landlords in Queens, housing disputes often arise in the context of broader financial or property concerns, such as pending foreclosure actions, refinancing difficulties, or the sale of investment property. Because our practice also encompasses mortgage foreclosure defense and complex real estate litigation, we can evaluate how a landlord-tenant dispute fits into your larger ownership goals and risk profile. This allows us to recommend practical options—such as negotiated move-out dates, repayment agreements, or court-approved stipulations—that protect rental income while minimizing the chance of future litigation or enforcement issues in Queens Housing Court.
Let us know more about your situation and what we can offer in a free consultation. Speak with a landlord-tenant attorney in Queens by calling (929) 590-5053 or contacting us online.
Common Landlord-Tenant Issues
With our team’s depth of experience, you can turn to us confidently for the following issues and any others you may face as a landlord or tenant in the five boroughs, Long Island, or elsewhere in the metropolitan area.
Landlords in Queens frequently come to us with questions before a dispute has fully escalated, wanting to know what they can and cannot do under New York’s landlord-tenant laws. We often review leases, rent ledgers, and prior notices to identify compliance gaps that could later be challenged in court. Taking this preventive approach can help a landlord avoid service defects, improper notice periods, or documentation problems that might otherwise lead a housing court judge to dismiss the case or delay a decision. For property owners with multiple units, this kind of early review is especially important to establish consistent procedures across different buildings in Queens and the surrounding boroughs.
Some of the landlord-tenant problems we regularly address include:
Eviction and holdover disputes where a landlord seeks to regain possession after non-payment, chronic late payment, or remaining after a lease expires.
Non-payment proceedings focused on collecting past-due rent while a lease is still in effect under New York law.
HP actions and repair issues involving allegations of uncorrected housing code violations or lack of essential services.
Lease and security deposit disagreements related to rent increases, alleged lease violations, or the return of deposits at the end of a tenancy.
Eviction & Holdover Actions
One of the most common landlord-tenant issues is eviction and holdover actions. As a landlord, you may need to evict a tenant for non-payment of rent, staying too long after a lease, or other reasons. Doing so typically begins with thirty-day, sixty-day, and ninety-day notices, depending on the case.
Once the tenant has been served with the notice, you must file the court papers indicating:
The type of property
The nature of the tenancy
Whether back rent is owed
That you are seeking possession of the property
You must follow many requirements when serving these notices and court papers. Any missing items can cause the case to be dismissed and force you to start over. This is why consulting a lawyer before seeking eviction or a holdover action is essential.
If you have been notified that your landlord is seeking eviction, you must “answer.” This means responding to the allegations and appearing in court. If you do not respond or appear, the landlord may get a default judgment against you, allowing them to proceed with the eviction.
In answering the notice, you get the opportunity to defend yourself. Having an experienced landlord-tenant attorney can greatly increase your chances of successfully halting eviction. In many situations, even landlords with an attorney do not follow the proper procedure, which your lawyer may be able to highlight.
Not sure where to start? Get a free consultation with our experienced attorneys to discuss your legal needs. We’ll provide you with clear guidance and expert advice, with no obligation.
This is a housing court action where a landlord seeks to recover unpaid rent while the lease remains active. Non-payment proceedings, like evictions and holdover actions, typically begin with the landlord serving thirty-day, sixty-day, or ninety-day notices to the tenant. These notices inform tenants of the alleged unpaid rent and outline the legal steps that may follow if the matter is not resolved. If you are a tenant and receive such a notice, you generally have the opportunity to pay the rent claimed as due to avoid further legal action.
However, disputes over the amount of rent owed are common in these cases. As a tenant, if you disagree with the landlord’s claim, you must appear in court to defend yourself and present evidence that supports your position. Navigating this process can be overwhelming, especially without a clear understanding of the rules and procedures involved. An experienced landlord-tenant attorney can be an invaluable ally in helping you gather evidence, assert your rights, and work toward a favorable resolution in housing court.
Landlords, on the other hand, must adhere to strict legal guidelines and timelines when initiating and pursuing a non-payment proceeding. Failing to meet these requirements can result in delays or even the dismissal of the case. With the right legal representation, landlords can follow New York’s landlord-tenant laws and take the steps needed to seek recovery of unpaid rent without costly mistakes. Whether you are a tenant seeking to challenge unfair claims or a landlord looking to enforce your rights, having skilled legal counsel can make all the difference.
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HP Action
If you are a tenant and your landlord is not providing essential services or making repairs required by law, you may need to file an HP action. This type of case is initiated in housing court and can lead to the landlord being ordered to repair, update, or otherwise alter a property to make it habitable. Courts may also impose penalties on them.
You may also initiate an HP action if your landlord has harassed you. According to New York City’s Housing Preservation and Development, harassment can involve acts or threats of violence, as well as the following:
Multiple interruptions of electricity, water, and other essential services
Baseless and repeated court actions against a tenant
While it is not required to have a lawyer to seek an HP action, having one on your side can increase the likelihood of achieving a successful outcome. Landlords often have an attorney, and you may need someone with legal knowledge to fight for your rights.
In Queens Housing Court, HP actions follow specific filing and notice procedures, and tenants are often asked to provide detailed information about the conditions in their apartment or building. We frequently help clients gather documentation such as photographs, correspondence with the landlord, and inspection reports to present a clear picture of the problem. For landlords, responding properly to an HP action is critical because court orders can affect access to the building, future rent collection, and potential fines from New York City agencies. Our familiarity with local housing standards allows us to guide both sides through this process in a way that protects their long-term interests.
Lease Disputes
Lease disputes can arise for several reasons, including disagreements over rent increases, security deposits, or lease violations. As a tenant, you may feel that your landlord is unfairly raising your rent or withholding a portion of your security deposit without justification. As a landlord, you may believe your tenant violated the lease terms and should be evicted.
In either case, navigating these disagreements without legal representation can be difficult. Our team at Anderson, Bowman, Wallshein PLLC has extensive experience handling lease disputes and advocating for our clients’ best interests. We understand the complexities of New York landlord-tenant laws and can work to secure an optimal resolution.
How We Help Landlords Protect Their Rights in Queens
Many property owners search for guidance only after a dispute has escalated, but working with a landlord rights attorney Queens early in the process can significantly change how a matter unfolds. We regularly advise landlords on structuring leases, preparing house rules, and documenting tenant communications so that, if a case reaches Queens Housing Court, the record clearly reflects lawful steps. Because we also handle foreclosure defense and complex real estate litigation, we are attentive to how decisions in a landlord-tenant case may affect financing, potential sales, or co-op and condo obligations tied to the building.
When a landlord retains our firm, we start by reviewing the tenancy history, prior notices, and any existing rent or repair issues to identify strengths and vulnerabilities in the case. From there, we outline practical options that may include carefully drafted notices, settlement discussions, or filing a proceeding when appropriate under New York law. Throughout this process, we remain focused on long-term ownership goals, whether that means stabilizing rent collection from a problematic unit, preparing to renovate or reposition a property, or resolving disputes that stand in the way of refinancing. Our familiarity with local court expectations in Queens allows us to anticipate procedural issues and help landlords move their cases forward efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Documents Should a Landlord Bring to Queens Housing Court?
Landlords are usually asked to provide a signed lease, rent ledger, copies of all notices served on the tenant, and proof that those notices were delivered according to New York requirements. It is also helpful to have any correspondence about repairs, complaints, or payment plans so the court can see the history of the tenancy. Bringing organized, legible copies of these records can make it easier for the judge to understand the dispute and for any lawyer assisting you to present your position clearly.
Can a Tenant Stop an Eviction in Queens by Paying Past-Due Rent?
In many non-payment cases, a tenant who pays all rent that is legally due before the court issues a final judgment may be able to prevent an eviction. However, the timing of the payment, the exact amount owed, and any other lease violations can change the outcome. Because the rules are technical and depend on the type of case filed, tenants and landlords often benefit from speaking with a housing law attorney to understand how the court is likely to treat a late payment.
How Long Does a Landlord-Tenant Case Usually Take in Queens?
The length of a landlord-tenant case in Queens varies widely depending on the type of proceeding, court scheduling, and whether the parties are actively negotiating. Some uncontested matters resolve in a few court appearances, while contested cases with multiple motions or hearings can last several months. Keeping complete records, responding promptly to court notices, and being prepared to discuss possible resolutions can help both landlords and tenants avoid unnecessary delays.
Involved in a Landlord-Tenant Dispute? Call Us.
Our experienced team at Anderson, Bowman, Wallshein PLLC stands ready to support landlords and tenants in any issue they may face. No matter how big, small, complex, or high-stakes the matter, you can count on us to provide highly personalized services that underscore this fact: we care about the people we serve. Thousands have put their trust in our firm. We welcome you to consult our Queens landlord-tenant lawyers to see why.
For landlords facing recurring rent issues, difficult tenant relationships, or questions about their rights under New York law, an early conversation with our office can be especially valuable. We regularly advise property owners in Queens on how to structure future leases, update house rules, and document communications so that, if a dispute does reach housing court, they are in a stronger position from the outset. By drawing on our work in foreclosure defense and real estate litigation, we can also alert landlords to risks that might not be obvious at first—such as how ongoing disputes may affect refinancing, sales, or co-op and condo board approval—so they can make informed decisions about both the immediate case and their long-term investment.
