When tenants fail to pay rent, landlords must act quickly within the limits of New York law. A pay-or-quit notice, also known as a written rent demand, is often the first formal step in recovering unpaid rent and beginning a nonpayment eviction. Using this notice correctly can make the difference between a successful case and a costly delay.
Our New York City landlord attorneys focus on representing landlords who manage properties with six or fewer units, and we have exceptional success rates in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens. Stark Law PLLC is here to guide you through this process, aiming to help you achieve your desired result as best as we can under the law.
Call (718) 792-1200 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We’re confident that we can help you make things right.
What a Pay-or-Quit Notice Does
A pay-or-quit notice provides tenants with written notice that they must either pay overdue rent within a specified time period (typically 14 days) or face legal action. This notice is required before a landlord can file a nonpayment petition in Housing Court.
The document must include:
- The exact amount of rent owed, broken down by month
- The time frame in which the tenant must pay
- Instructions for payment and the landlord’s contact details
- A clear warning that nonpayment may lead to eviction proceedings
If the tenant pays within the 14-day period, the tenancy generally continues. If they do not, the landlord may file a nonpayment case in the appropriate borough’s Housing Court.
However, since New York’s rent-demand rules are strict, a single mistake in this process can result in the case being dismissed, forcing the landlord to restart the process.
Why Choose Stark Law PLLC To Help Me With My Landlord-Tenant Dispute in NYC?
At Stark Law PLLC, we exclusively focus on landlord-tenant litigation, and we know how to ensure every notice is both accurate and enforceable. We combine precision drafting with a practical, personalized legal strategy to help landlords resolve rent disputes efficiently.
Here’s why property owners, both residential and commercial, continue to trust Stark Law PLLC:
- Decades of landlord-focused experience handling nonpayment cases across NYC
- Proven track record of success in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens
- Comprehensive case management, from the initial rent demand through Housing Court proceedings
- Experienced negotiators who secure payment plans and settlements when appropriate
- Aggressive representation when eviction is necessary
- 10% discount for veterans and police officers
Ultimately, our goal is to recover your rent and protect your property rights with minimal delay. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about your best course of action.
Contact Our NYC Landlord Lawyers To Set Up a Free Consultation
If your tenant has stopped paying rent in New York, don’t wait to respond appropriately under the law. A properly served pay-or-quit notice is the key to enforcing your lease and maintaining control of your property.
Call Stark Law PLLC today at (718) 792-1200 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with a trusted NYC landlord attorney. We’ll ensure your rent-demand notice meets every legal requirement and help you move swiftly toward your desired resolution as best as possible.