Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New York
pets in no-pets lease building
I was hoping you can help me address my building management regarding the letter they wrote me requesting the removal of my cat.
I've been a tenant in one of the K & R reality's rental unit in NYC for 6 years. I've had the cat for at least 5 years in the apt and it has been at least 3-4 years since the super of the building knew about it. This is the first time, written 8/21, 2006, that the management has addressed the issue. Our lease is ending on 9/31, 2006 and we have renewed the lease and signed it before the removal letter was written.
Would you please help me to navigate this issue so that I can keep my cat in the apt.? I have other neighbors who've kept parrots, cats in the same building and it would help us all greatly to not have to remove our beloved pets.
Thank you so much!
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: pets in no-pets lease building
Please do not get rid of your pet or move.
NYC has a pet law that protects tenants like you.
If the landlord knew you had a cat (whether or not he told mgmt), you fall w/i the pet law which states that the landlord has waived the "no pet clause" in your lease.
I would be happy to send you a copy of the law and discuss further. You are welcome to e-mail me.