Tenant Proves He Had Lease with Landlord

LVT Number: #22853

Landlord sued to evict tenant after sending a 30-day termination notice. Landlord claimed that tenant was month-to-month. Tenant claimed that he had a lease and asked the court to dismiss the case. Landlord argued that he was unaware of any lease and claimed that his wife gave tenant a lease without his knowledge or authorization. The court ruled for tenant. Tenant proved that a broker hired by landlord negotiated the lease with tenant, that the lease was signed, and that when the lease was signed, the rent was reduced from $2,000 to $1,500 per month.
Landlord sued to evict tenant after sending a 30-day termination notice. Landlord claimed that tenant was month-to-month. Tenant claimed that he had a lease and asked the court to dismiss the case. Landlord argued that he was unaware of any lease and claimed that his wife gave tenant a lease without his knowledge or authorization. The court ruled for tenant. Tenant proved that a broker hired by landlord negotiated the lease with tenant, that the lease was signed, and that when the lease was signed, the rent was reduced from $2,000 to $1,500 per month. Landlord, on the other hand, didn't present any details supporting his claim that there was no lease.
Montalbano v. Grimaldi: 53534/09, NYLJ 1202464429805 (Civ. Ct. Richmond; Mundy, J; 7/30/10)