Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New York

How do I know an apartment is illegal

''I don't know of any legal basement apartments in Suffolk County. Therefore, I would venture a guess that the apartment you are in is illegal.

'' How do I find out for sure that an apartment is illegal and what do I do if it is? Will I get in trouble if am in an ''illegal apartment'' even if am not aware? Should LL make tenants aware if their house is illegal?

Thanks for answering my previous question Mr. Markowitz.


Asked on 10/04/08, 10:29 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Markowitz Michael A. Markowitz, PC

Re: How do I know an apartment is illegal

If you go to the building department and look up the certificate of occupancy (c/o) for the house, if the c/o is for a 1 family house than the building is illegal since it has 2 families residing in same.

You will not get in trouble if you live in an illegal apartment. The landlord may have some problems. Ultimately, you will have leave the premises.

Should landlords make tenants aware if their house is illegal? I guess it would depend on the landlord.

Mike.

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Answered on 10/04/08, 12:22 pm


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