Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New York

Re: Illegal apartments

Q. Do landlords have to supply appliances? if so which ones? (refridge.,stove., oven, etc.)

A. No. However, if appliances are available in the apartment the landlord must maintain same in working order.

Q. What to do when landlord threatens life (I know it may sound stupid but it happened by the landlords daughter and her name happens to be on the lease as a landlord)

A. To threaten anyone is a criminal act. You should contact either the local police or the District Attorney's office.

Q. If the landlord breaks the lease and does not fix a specified responsibility is the lease still valid?

A. The lease is still valid. However, after due notice (under the terms of the lease) is given by the tenant to the landlord, the tenant has the option to repair the damaged appliance and deduct that amount from the rent.

Q. In an illegal apartment is a lease valid at all?

A. In an illegal apartment the lease is not valid. Although the Landlord has the right to immediately evict the tenant, he may not seek back rent since the courts will not uphold an illegal agreement.

Mike.