James G. Dibbini & Associates, P.C. provides full-service consultation and representation for landlords of residential and commercial properties throughout throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island.
Tips for Landlords
- Do more than a simple credit check on your prospective tenants. Check past references, check employment (ask for two months of pay stubs), and check for past evictions.
- Obtain a complete tenant application containing name, prospective occupants, social security numbers, dates of birth, employment information, banking information, credit cards, additional obligations such as child support, and obtain a photocopy of all tenants’ drivers’ licenses and social security cards.
- Memorialize all terms and agreements in writing. Consider the number of occupants living in the unit, whether pets are allowed, whether parking is allowed, whether use of an existing garage is allowed, or whether storage lockers are allowed.
- Take interior and exterior pictures of the premises prior to the tenant moving in and/or have a leasing check list completed and signed at the time posession is given to the tenant.
- Include late fee and attorney’s fees clauses in all leases.
- Keep organized, detailed records. Record all payments received and charges incurred. Give tenants prenumbered receipts for any cash payments and keep receipts and copies of all checks, money orders, etc. and how they were applied.
- Serve the appropriate notices (preferably in writing and pursuant to the lease or rent stabilization laws) upon the tenant before commencing an action.
- Do not wait several months before you decide to take action against your tenant. Delaying action may hinder your chances at success or further prejudice you as Courts generally provide tenants time to pay or move even if you obtain a judgment.
- Contact a lawyer who is familiar with landlord tenant law when a tenant begins to be a problem to ensure you take the proper steps moving forward prior to starting an eviction.
- If there are conditions that need repair in a tenant’s apartment, fix the issues immediately and document the repairs made so that the tenant does not have a defense to not paying the rent.
Learn More
We encourage you to learn more about our legal team, our office and our legal services. When you examine our firm more closely, you will find that we have a proven history of results and a dedication to ethical, diligent and caring service.
Contact Us
To speak with James G. Dibbini, Esq. call (914) 965-1011, or contact us by email at jdibbini@dibbinilaw.com.
