Landlord Gets $200,000 in Attorney's Fees

Landlord cooperative corporation sued tenant shareholder in 2008 for violating his proprietary lease. In 2007 tenant renovated his apartment and installed an air-conditioning unit and a television satellite dish on the exterior wall of the building. Landlord claimed that these alterations weren't authorized by a proper DOB permit and that the exterior installation of the satellite dish violated the building's house rules. After several years of litigation, the court ruled for landlord and ordered tenant to legalize the work done. Landlord sought "reasonable" attorney's and architect 's fees totaling approximately $305,000. Tenant claimed that the fees sought were excessive. The court agreed and ultimately awarded landlord $200,000 in attorney's fees and $3,233 in architect's fees.

60 E. 9th St. Owners Corp. v. Zihenni: Index No. 104135/08, NYLJ No. 1202607126905 (Sup. Ct. NY; 6/11/13; Engoron, J)