Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New York
Landlord/Tenant Suit
Question: I have filed suit against my apartment's managing agent in NY Civil Court. Can I amend the figure I asked for? Can I recoup the monies I paid for experts/consulants/witnesses and possible attorney fees which weren't part of my original amount?
Thanks.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Landlord/Tenant Suit
You cannot amend for that purpose without the consent of the court or other party unless it is still within the time to amend as a matter of right. However, does the "boiler-plate" wording of your damage's clause include costs and expenses? Are those the type you meant? Also, your bill of costs will allow certain expenses by statute if you prevail.
Re: Landlord/Tenant Suit
1. You may petition to amend your request for relief (what you want the court to give you) at any time.
2. If the petition is after a particular date (30 days after filing) then you need the permission of the court.
3. If the court responds that the time to amend has passed (if the court confuses a petition to amend with a demand to amend as of right), then you can petition to extend the time to amend as of right.
You always have a right to ask the court for permission to amend and to make changes.
Good luck.