Can my landlord prevent my dad from moving in with me?

Full question:

My landlord is not allowing my dad to move in with me in my rented house. What can I do in this situation? I am resident of New York.

Answer:

Your landlord cannot legally prevent your dad from living with you in your rental home. If they are trying to stop him from moving in, you can take legal action against the landlord. Under New York law (NY CLS Real P § 235-f), it is unlawful for landlords to restrict occupancy to only certain tenants or their immediate family. Any lease terms that attempt to impose such restrictions are unenforceable.

If you face this issue, you can file a lawsuit in a court of competent jurisdiction. You may seek an injunction to stop the landlord's unlawful actions, claim actual damages, and request court costs.

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

If someone is living with you who is not on the lease, it may violate your rental agreement. However, in New York, landlords cannot legally prevent you from having guests or family members stay with you. If your landlord tries to evict you or impose penalties, you may have grounds to challenge their actions. It's advisable to communicate with your landlord and clarify the situation to avoid potential disputes. Always check your lease for specific terms regarding guests and additional occupants. *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.*