Case Type

Non-payment

Housing Type

Rent Stabilized

Court

Civil Court of the City of New York

County

New York County (Manhattan)

L&T / Index / Case / Docket / Clerk's Number

L&T 315194-24/NY

Petitioner

3612 BROADWAY PARTNERS LLC

Respondent

PAULA MORENO

Judge

Ferdinand, Tracy E.

Decision/Order Date

2025-07-29

Posture

Pre-answer Motion by Tenant

Disposition

Motion Granted for Tenant

Winner

Tenant Substantially Won

Synopsis

A landlord's motion for a default judgment was denied, and the court granted a tenant's motion for leave to file a late answer in a non-payment proceeding. The court reasoned that a meritorious defense is not an essential element for a late answer motion when no default judgment has been entered. The court was persuaded by the short, eight-day delay between the tenant's counsel appearing and filing the motion. Citing a lack of prejudice to the landlord and the public policy of resolving cases on their merits, the court granted the tenant's motion.

Keywords

Leave to File Late Answer Granted; Short Turnaround Persuasive; Meritorious Defenses not Essential in Meeting the Standard for Filing a Late Answer

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