Landlord Tenant Lawyer Bronx NY | SRIS, P.C.
Bronx Landlord Tenant Lawyer — What Are Your Rights in a Housing Dispute?
A landlord tenant dispute in the Bronx, NY, can involve complex housing court procedures under the New York Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law (RPAPL). Whether you are a tenant facing eviction or a landlord dealing with a non-paying occupant, having a skilled landlord tenant lawyer in Bronx NY is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Understanding Landlord Tenant Law in New York
New York landlord tenant law is a detailed set of statutes and regulations that govern the rental of residential and commercial property. The primary legal framework includes the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law (RPAPL), which outlines eviction procedures, and the Real Property Law (RPL), which covers lease agreements, security deposits, and tenant warranties of habitability. These laws are enforced in specialized housing courts, such as the Bronx Housing Court, which has its own local rules and practices.
Last verified: April 2026 | Bronx Housing Court | New York State Legislature
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has built extensive experience in New York’s housing courts. Our background in complex litigation provides a strategic advantage in landlord tenant cases, where details in lease language, notice requirements, and procedural timelines often determine the outcome.
Key Legal Citations and Resources
For tenants and landlords, understanding the official statutes is the first step. You can review the New York State eviction process under RPAPL Article 7. For court-specific forms and procedures, visit the New York City Housing Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge in Bronx Housing Court
Bronx Housing Court operates with a high volume of cases. Judges and court attorneys are familiar with common defenses and landlord claims. Success often hinges on strict adherence to procedural rules, such as proper service of notices and timely filing of answers. A delay or missed step can result in a default judgment.
- Receive and Review Notice: Carefully review any legal notice from your landlord or tenant. For tenants, this is usually a “Notice of Petition and Petition” for eviction. The type of notice and the time you have to respond are legally defined.
- File an Answer: Tenants must file a written Answer with the court, and often with the landlord’s attorney, before the court date listed on the notice. This is not optional—it preserves your right to a hearing.
- Prepare for Conference: Most cases start with a settlement conference. Come prepared with all relevant documents: lease, rent receipts, repair requests, photos, and communication records.
- Present Your Case: If no settlement is reached, your case proceeds to a hearing before a judge or judicial hearing officer. Present your evidence and legal arguments clearly.
- Understand the Order: The court will issue an order. For tenants, this could be a judgment of possession for the landlord, a dismissal, or a “stipulation” setting terms to avoid eviction.
- Consider Appeals: Certain orders can be appealed to a higher court within a short timeframe, typically 30 days. An attorney can advise if an appeal is warranted.
Potential Outcomes and Ramifications
In the Bronx, a landlord tenant dispute can lead to eviction, monetary judgments for unpaid rent or damages, and, for tenants, the loss of one’s home. For landlords, it can mean lost rental income and costly repairs.
| Action | Legal Basis | Potential Outcome for Tenant | Potential Outcome for Landlord |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Payment Eviction | RPAPL § 711(2) | Judgment for owed rent; eviction if unpaid. | Recovery of rent; possession of unit. |
| Holdover Eviction | RPAPL § 711(1) | Loss of lease; must vacate. | Possession of unit; may seek rent for holdover period. |
| Warranty of Habitability Defense | RPL § 235-b | Rent reduction; repairs ordered. | Order to make repairs; possible rent abatement. |
| Security Deposit Dispute | General Obligations Law § 7-108 | Return of deposit plus penalties. | Must justify deductions with itemized receipts. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Bronx Housing Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We understand that a housing dispute is more than a legal issue—it’s about stability, home, and investment. Our approach is direct and strategic, focusing on the specific facts of your lease, the applicable law, and the practical realities of Bronx Housing Court.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our landlord tenant law firm in Bronx NY advocates vigorously for clients. We have successfully defended tenants against wrongful evictions, negotiated favorable lease terms for landlords, and resolved security deposit disputes. In one instance, we defended a tenant facing a holdover proceeding by proving the landlord failed to provide proper notice, resulting in the case’s dismissal.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Landlord Tenant Attorney Bronx NY | Contact Our Office
Our New York location is centrally located to serve the Bronx. We are accessible via major highways and public transit. If you need a landlord tenant lawyer near Bronx Housing Court or your rental property, we are here to help.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an eviction take in the Bronx?
It depends. A clear non-payment case with no tenant defense can take 3-6 weeks from notice to warrant. A contested case with hearings and motions can take several months. The timeline is heavily influenced by court backlogs and case complexity.
Can a landlord evict me without going to court?
No. In New York, a landlord must file a petition in housing court and obtain a judge’s order (a “warrant of eviction”) before a marshal can legally remove a tenant. Any “self-help” eviction, like changing locks, is illegal.
What is the “warranty of habitability”?
It is a New York law (Real Property Law § 235-b) that requires landlords to maintain rental units in a safe, livable condition. If they fail to provide essential services like heat, water, or repairs for serious defects, a tenant may have the right to withhold rent or sue for a rent reduction.
What should I do if I receive an eviction notice?
Do not ignore it. Note the court date and the deadline to file an Answer. Immediately gather your lease, rent payment records, and any communication with your landlord. Contact a landlord tenant lawyer in Bronx NY to review the notice and protect your rights before the court date.
Can I sue my landlord for not returning my security deposit?
Yes. Under New York law, a landlord must return a security deposit within 14 days of lease termination, with an itemized statement for any deductions. If they fail to do so without justification, you can sue in housing court for its return, plus up to double the amount as a penalty.
Related Practice Areas: If you are dealing with a commercial lease, you may need a commercial lease dispute lawyer in the Bronx. For other property issues, consider a Bronx real estate litigation attorney.
More Local Help: For representation in nearby areas, see our landlord tenant attorney in Queens, NY or our landlord tenant lawyer in Brooklyn, NY.
Last verified: April 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for up-to-date guidance.