When a tenant fails to pay rent on time in New York City, landlords must follow specific legal procedures before starting a nonpayment case in Housing Court. The first step in this process is serving a rent demand notice, which is a formal document that demands payment and gives the tenant a final chance to pay what’s owed.
Our New York City landlord lawyers have over 30 years of experience and focus on representing landlords who own buildings of six units or fewer. At Stark Law PLLC, we help landlords in the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens take the right steps to recover unpaid rent while protecting their rights.
If you need legal help taking action after a tenant stops paying their rent on your property, we’re here for you every step of the way. Call (718) 792-1200 or contact us online for a free initial consultation.
What Is a Rent Demand?
A rent demand is a written notice that tells the tenant they owe rent and gives them an opportunity to pay before the landlord can file a case in Housing Court. Under New York Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law (RPAPL) §711(2), this notice must include:
- The total amount of rent owed
- The time period for which rent is due
- A clear demand for payment within a specific time frame
Landlords can issue either an oral or a written demand, but written demands are far more common and strongly recommended because they provide clear proof of notice. The notice must be properly served in accordance with Housing Court rules before filing a Notice of Petition and Petition for nonpayment.
How Stark Law PLLC Can Assist You During a Nonpayment of Rent Proceeding in New York
Rent demand notices are more than just paperwork; they form the foundation of a landlord’s case. Our landlord attorneys in NYC can make sure your notices meet every legal requirement to stand up in Housing Court.
We can support you by:
- Preparing legally valid rent demands that meet all statutory and procedural requirements
- Serving notices properly in compliance with NYC Housing Court rules
- Calculating back rent accurately, including late fees and any additional charges
- Filing nonpayment petitions if the tenant fails to respond to the rent demand
- Representing you in court to obtain judgments for unpaid rent and possession
- Negotiating settlements or payment plans when appropriate to resolve disputes efficiently
Our lawyers have decades of experience litigating cases like these and know how the law works inside and out. You can feel confident that your case is in trusted, qualified hands if you hire us to represent you.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our New York City Landlord-Tenant Lawyers Today
If your tenant hasn’t paid rent and you’re ready to take legal action, contact Stark Law PLLC for help. We’ve built a stellar reputation for delivering results for small property owners across New York City.
Call (718) 792-1200 today or reach out online to schedule a free consultation and learn how our experienced landlord-tenant attorneys can help you serve a valid rent demand and recover the money you’re owed.