Skip to main content

Eviction Lawyer in Queens Secures Possession after Rent Default



An eviction lawyer Queens represented a residential landlord seeking to recover possession of a multi unit property after a tenant failed to pay rent for several consecutive months.

The matter required strict compliance with New York Real Property Law and the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law, commonly referred to as RPAPL.

Through a structured nonpayment proceeding and careful documentation of lease violations, the court awarded a judgment of possession and authorized the lawful removal of the tenant.

Contents


1. Eviction Lawyer in Queens Case Overview


An eviction lawyer Queens was retained by a landlord who owned and managed a multi family dwelling in Queens County, New York.

The tenant had stopped paying monthly rent and remained in possession despite repeated written demands.

The legal strategy focused on enforcing lease rights while ensuring full procedural compliance under New York housing law.



Client Background and Lease Structure


The client was a property owner who leased one apartment unit to a tenant under a written residential lease agreement. 

 

The lease required fixed monthly rent payments due on the first day of each month. After several timely payments, the tenant began to accumulate arrears and failed to cure the default.

 

The landlord initially attempted informal resolution. However, although the tenant expressed an intention to pay, no concrete payment plan or partial remittance followed. 

 

As the arrears extended beyond five months, the landlord faced ongoing financial loss and uncertainty regarding recovery of the premises.



Escalating Rent Arrears and Occupancy without Payment


The tenant remained in physical possession of the apartment while failing to tender rent. Under New York law, continued occupancy without payment constitutes grounds for a nonpayment eviction proceeding. 

 

The eviction lawyer Queens carefully reviewed the rent ledger, payment history, and all communications to establish a clear evidentiary record.

 

Because New York courts require strict adherence to statutory notice requirements, the attorney ensured that a proper rent demand notice was served in accordance with RPAPL § 711 and applicable service rules. 

 

When the tenant failed to respond or cure within the statutory period, a summary nonpayment proceeding was commenced in Queens Housing Court.



2. Eviction Lawyer in Queens Legal Grounds for Eviction


An eviction lawyer Queens must demonstrate both the existence of a valid lease and a material breach, such as nonpayment of rent.

The landlord’s right to recover possession arises once the tenancy is properly terminated or rent remains unpaid after demand.

In this case, the court examined the procedural and substantive compliance with New York eviction standards.



Statutory Basis for Possession Claim


In New York, a landlord may initiate a summary proceeding to recover possession for nonpayment under RPAPL Article 7.

 

The landlord must first serve a written rent demand that clearly states the amount owed and provides the tenant an opportunity to cure. If the tenant does not pay, the landlord may file a petition and notice of petition in Housing Court.

 

The eviction lawyer Queens structured the pleadings to include:

A copy of the executed lease agreement.

A detailed rent ledger showing monthly arrears.

Proof of proper service of the statutory rent demand.

An affidavit of service confirming compliance with procedural rules.

 

This documentation allowed the court to verify that the landlord satisfied all statutory prerequisites before seeking a judgment of possession.



Court Findings and Judgment


During the proceeding, the tenant did not dispute the existence of the lease or the amount of rent owed. 

 

The court found that the landlord had properly served the rent demand and timely filed the petition. Because the arrears remained unpaid, the court entered a judgment of possession in favor of the landlord.

 

The judgment authorized the issuance of a warrant of eviction, which could be executed by a New York City Marshal after the required notice period. 

 

Importantly, the eviction lawyer Queens ensured that enforcement followed all procedural safeguards, thereby minimizing the risk of delay or dismissal.



3. Eviction Lawyer in Queens Strategic Approach


Effective eviction litigation in Queens requires more than filing paperwork. It demands accurate documentation, careful timing, and a clear understanding of tenant defenses.

An eviction lawyer Queens evaluates each case to determine whether negotiation, stipulation, or full litigation is the most efficient path to resolution.



4. Eviction Lawyer in Queens Landlord Guidance


Landlords in Queens must understand that self help eviction, such as changing locks or removing a tenant’s belongings without court authority, is unlawful in New York.

Only a court issued warrant executed by a marshal can lawfully remove a tenant.

Working with an experienced eviction lawyer Queens helps ensure that all actions comply with state and local housing regulations.


11 Feb, 2026


The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or relying on the contents of this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with our firm. For advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
Certain informational content on this website may utilize technology-assisted drafting tools and is subject to attorney review.

Book a Consultation
Online
Phone
CLICK TO START YOUR CONSULTATION
Online
Phone