Case Type

Other

Housing Type

Rent Stabilized

Court

Supreme Court of the State of New York

County

New York County (Manhattan)

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

651793/2022

Slip Opinion Number

35088(U)

Petitioner

Timothy C. Caster

Respondent

Chelsea Hotel Owner, LLC

Judge

Kotler, Lynn R.

Decision/Order Date

2025-12-29

Posture

Post-answer Motion by Landlord

Disposition

Motion Granted for Landlord

Winner

Landlord Substantially Won

Synopsis

The Supreme Court granted the landlord's motion for summary judgment, dismissing the tenant's complaint. The tenant sued for breach of contract, seeking a leasehold in an adjacent unit, and for breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Both claims were dismissed due to the tenant's lack of evidentiary proof and the duplicative nature of the covenant claim. The tenant's harassment claim, based on alleged failure to repair and service disruptions, was barred by res judicata and collateral estoppel, as these issues were fully litigated as an affirmative defense in a prior non-payment action. The harassment claim also lacked predicate violations and evidence of intent to cause the tenant to vacate.

Keywords

Breach of Contract; Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing; Res Judicata

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