Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New York

NYC Coop Action

My brother passed away end of April. I went to his apt and found a letter under the door stating that rent was late for April and ''all rent is due on or before the 10th of the month''. There was another letter that stated an increase in rent started May 1. I paid his rent through the end of May directly to the COOP president. He lives in NYC, I live in PA. On June 2, I called the number on that original letter to schedule a meeting to pay June's rent. The number was disconnected. I went to the COOP on June 10 and the locks were changed - I left a note under the President door. She called and said as of 6/9 all contents were discarded and the apt. renovated. My sister was in the apartment two weeks prior to clean out the refrigerator. Our family has NO personal effects - nothing!! Is this a litigious issue because I am ready to take action? My brother has two daughters that he has not contacted in 30 years. He lived alone.


Asked on 6/21/08, 8:32 am

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

Re: NYC Coop Action

More information is needed. Specifically, did he own shares of the cooperative? The whole thing does not sound right since a cooperative cannot invade an apartment without judicial action.

If the cooperative illegally entered the apartment, the estate would have multiple causes of action.

If there is litigation, you must be appointed as an administrator for the estate (if no will). Money received from litigation is for daughters, although the administrator is entitled to take a fee.

Mike.

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Answered on 6/21/08, 1:07 pm


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