Summary
In Jazilek, the parties had resolved an earlier holdover proceeding with a stipulation providing that the respondent (described variously as an illegal subtenant or roommate of a primary tenant who had vacated the rent-stabilized apartment), would become the primary tenant at an agreed upon rent.
Summary of this case from Liggett v. Lew Realty LLCOpinion
Decided July 1, 2008.
APPEAL, by permission of the Court of Appeals, from an order of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in the First Judicial Department, entered June 5, 2007. The Appellate Division (1) reversed, on the law, an order of the Supreme Court, New York County (Judith J. Gische, J.), insofar as it had denied defendant's motion to dismiss the complaint, (2) granted defendant's motion, and (3) dismissed the complaint.
Jazilek v Abort Holdings LLC, 41 AD3d 124, reversed.
Sokolski Zekaria, P.C., New York City ( Robert E. Sokolski of counsel), for appellant.
Anthony F. LeCrichia, New York City, for respondent.
Before: Chief Judge KAYE and Judges CIPARICK, GRAFFEO, READ, SMITH, PIGOTT and JONES concur in memorandum.
OPINION OF THE COURT
The Appellate Division order should be reversed, with costs, and the case remitted to Supreme Court for further proceedings in accordance with this memorandum.
After tenant-of-record surrendered possession of a rent-stabilized apartment, landlord entered into a so-ordered stipulation with tenant, who had been subletting the apartment, for an unregulated lease purporting to fix rent at a sum that exceeded the legal limit under the Rent Stabilization Code. Although tenant was not "of-record" upon entering the agreement, the so-ordered stipulation violates the Rent Stabilization Code and is void as against public policy ( see Riverside Syndicate, Inc. v Munroe, 10 NY3d 18; Rent Stabilization Code [9 NYCRR] § 2520.13). Tenant was not required to proceed in Housing Court in this instance ( see Riverside; see also Teitelbaum Holdings v Gold, 48 NY2d 51, 54).
On review of submissions pursuant to section 500.11 of the Rules of the Court of Appeals ( 22 NYCRR 500.11), order reversed, etc.