Case Type

Non-payment

Housing Type

Other

Court

Civil Court of the City of New York

County

Bronx County (Bronx)

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

CV-006320-23/BX

Slip Opinion Number

2026 NY Slip Op 50150(U)

Petitioner

Parkchester Preservation Company LP

Respondent

Christina Frederick

Judge

Guglielmo, Dawn

Decision/Order Date

2026-02-09

Posture

Post-judgment Motion by Tenant

Disposition

Other

Winner

Landlord Substantially Won

Synopsis

A landlord commenced an action for unpaid rent against a tenant, resulting in a default judgment for approximately $20,000. The tenant moved to vacate the default judgment, claiming she believed the summons and complaint were a "fake bluff legal action." The Civil Court denied the tenant's motion, finding her explanation for the default did not constitute a reasonable excuse. The court noted the tenant had received multiple demand letters and was involved in prior legal proceedings, making her "fake action" claim unreasonable without diligent inquiry. Consequently, the court did not need to assess whether the tenant had a meritorious defense, and the default judgment against the tenant was upheld.

Keywords

Post-Surrender Action For Unpaid Rent; Default Judgment Upheld; Defendant's Belief That Proceeding Was “Fake” Is Not A Reasonable Excuse

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