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How Do I Find Out Who the New Landlord of My Building Is?

How Do I Find Out Who the New Landlord of My Building Is?

Full question:

I NEED LEGAL HELP! I LIVE IN AN SECTION 8 APARTMENT I MOVED IN 2 MONTHS AGO BUT! THERE IS NO LANDLORD NOW, THE PREVIOUS OWNER SOLD THE BUILDING AND WE DO NOT KNOW WHO THE BUILDING BELONGS TO. I AM A 74 YEAR OLD MAN AND MY WIFE. I BEEN HOSPITALIZED 3 TIME SINCE THIS HAPPEN I AM EMOTIONALLY A SICK MEN. AND CAN NOT DEAL WITH STRESS. I HAD APPLIED FOR AN APARTMENT A YEAR AGO, AND I JUST WAS CALLED FOR AN INTERVIEW I QUALIFIED AND NOW I NEED A NEW VOUCHER BEFORE FRIDAY 30, 2010 TO BRING TO THE OFFICE FOR THIS NEW APARTMENT, AND SECTION 8 IS NOT HELPING, PLEASE HELP!

Category: Landlord Tenant
Date: 04/07/2025
State: New York

Answer:

The Multifamily Housing Complaint Line is a service provided by HUD's Multifamily Housing Clearinghouse (MFHC) that enables residents of HUD-insured and -assisted properties and other community members to report complaints with a property's management concerning matters such as poor maintenance, dangers to health and safety, mismanagement, and fraud. It can be accessed by dialing 1-800-MULTI-70 (1-800-685-8470).

"Automated City Register Information System" (ACRIS) allows users to search property records and retrieve documents such as deeds and mortgages in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island. You may use ACRIS to locate a property owner at the following link:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dof/html/jump/acris.shtml

You need to use the property address to retrieve the property's block and lot number (BBL). Click on "Find Addresses and Parcels."

In the "Property Address" section input the following information: Borough, Street # and Street Name. Click "Find BBL."

If you have entered a valid address, the BBL will now appear in the "Property Borough/Block/Lot Section." Click "Document Search by BBL."

This will take you to a screen labeled "Search By Parcel Identifier." There are various classes of documents to choose from. "All Document Classes" is pre-selected, but if you wanted to limit your search you could use the drop-down menu to select from Deeds and Other Conveyances, Mortgages and Instruments, Other Documents, or UCC and Federal Liens. If you are just searching for the property owner, you can select "Deeds and Other Conveyances." Click submit.

If the property was sold post-1966, you will see a list of available deeds for the property. Find the most recent deed on the list and click "IMG" to pull up an image of the actual deed. You can now review the deed to determine the current property owner.

Please see also:

http://www.oag.state.ny.us/bureaus/real_estate_finance/pdfs/tenants_rights_guide.pdf

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What is considered negligence by a landlord?

Negligence by a landlord occurs when they fail to maintain the property in a safe and habitable condition. This includes not fixing dangerous conditions, ignoring repair requests, or not complying with health and safety codes. If a landlord's inaction leads to injury or damage, they may be held legally responsible. Tenants can document issues and report them to local housing authorities or seek legal assistance if necessary.

Who do you report landlords to in Kansas?

In Kansas, tenants can report landlords to local housing authorities or the Kansas Department of Health and Environment if there are health or safety violations. If the issue involves discrimination or unfair treatment, the Kansas Human Rights Commission can also be contacted. Tenants may also seek legal help to address serious landlord issues.

How to deal with an irresponsible landlord?

To deal with an irresponsible landlord, start by documenting all issues and communications. Notify the landlord in writing about the problems and give them a reasonable time to respond. If they fail to act, you can report them to local housing authorities or seek legal advice. Depending on the severity, you may also consider withholding rent until repairs are made, but consult an attorney first.

What to do about a negligent landlord?

If you have a negligent landlord, document all issues and attempts to contact them for repairs. Send written notices outlining the problems and request action. If the landlord still does not respond, you can report them to local housing authorities or seek legal assistance. In some cases, you may have the right to withhold rent or terminate the lease, but it's important to consult with a legal professional before taking such steps.

What is an unscrupulous landlord?

An unscrupulous landlord is one who engages in unethical or illegal practices, such as refusing to make necessary repairs, charging excessive fees, or discriminating against tenants. They may also violate lease agreements or housing laws. Tenants facing issues with unscrupulous landlords should document their experiences and seek legal advice to understand their rights and options.

What is the security deposit law in Nebraska?

In Nebraska, landlords must return the security deposit within 14 days after the tenant moves out, along with an itemized list of any deductions. The maximum amount a landlord can charge for a security deposit is equivalent to one month's rent. If the landlord fails to comply, tenants may be entitled to recover their deposit and possibly additional damages. It's advisable to keep all receipts and documentation related to the deposit.