Tenant Claims Freezer Needed Due to 'Panic' Disorder'

LVT Number: 9646

Facts:- Landlord sued to evict public housing tenant for violating her lease by installing a freezer in her apartment. Tenant claimed she suffered from a panic disorder which made it almost impossible for her to leave her apartment. Tenant was unable to do food shopping for her family. Two daughters lived with her. One was severely ill and the other worked and had her own child. The second daughter did the food shopping but wasn't able to do so on a weekly basis because she worked and took care of the others.

Facts:- Landlord sued to evict public housing tenant for violating her lease by installing a freezer in her apartment. Tenant claimed she suffered from a panic disorder which made it almost impossible for her to leave her apartment. Tenant was unable to do food shopping for her family. Two daughters lived with her. One was severely ill and the other worked and had her own child. The second daughter did the food shopping but wasn't able to do so on a weekly basis because she worked and took care of the others. Tenant's psychiatrist confirmed her condition and tenant appeared very distressed when she appeared in court. Tenant also was willing to pay additional rent for use of the freezer.

Starret City v. Adamson: NYLJ, p. 30, col. 5 (4/12/95) (Civ. Ct. Kings; Gould, J)