The threat of eviction is a serious one, and should not be taken lightly. People can lose their entire homes and be forced to leave the premises based on a number of factors. There are many cases in which you may be defended if you are in danger of eviction. Illegal evictions happen all the time, and sometimes it’s hard to tell what your rights are based on eviction laws in New York.
Eviction Laws in New York Say You Can Be Evicted for These Reasons
When you understand what you can and cannot do, you can protect and prepare yourself. Here are 5 ways to legally get evicted.
1.Non-Payment of Rent
If you don’t pay your rent, you don’t really have the right to stay in the location you are renting. However, in some cases, if the dwelling is determined uninhabitable, you are protected.
You may also be protected if the landlord is taking you to court for late fees. You cannot be typically evicted for unpaid late fees. The only reason to legally evict is your non-payment of the agreed-upon rent required for you to live in the dwelling.
2. Pets
If your lease says no pets, and you have been trying to hide your pet, you are in violation of your lease. Signing the lease means that you agreed to the terms, so this could be a legitimate cause for eviction.
3. Moving in Your (insert here).
Contrary to popular belief, you are not allowed to move people an at-will to your apartment. Most leases do you have restrictions against moving in unapproved occupants. This is because your rent and utility contribution was likely based on the number of people in your apartment. If you worked with an apartment complex or professional landlord, they may have also done a background check so that they were aware of the character of the person they were allowing in their space. An unauthorized person has not gone through the process and is therefore a possible reason for your landlord to evict you.
4. At Will Tenancy
If you are an at-will tenant, it means that you don’t have a lease. This protects you in some ways, as you are given more freedom with your apartment, but it also means your landlord can evict you without giving you any reason at all. This does not however, mean that your landlord can evict you without notice. In almost every case, a landlord must give you 7 or 30 days notice in writing in order to evict you. This is true even if you don’t have a lease.
5. Damage
If you could significant damage to the property or to your apartment and it was discovered by the landlord, they have every right to evict you. Of course, you also have rights and it should be prepared to defend these rights, especially if you are being falsely accused. Make sure that there is undeniable proof before you allow yourself to be evicted. Bring any proof to the contrary to your eviction hearing.
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