Case Type

Holdover-Lease Expiration

Housing Type

Rent Stabilized

Court

Supreme Court, Appellate Term, First Department

County

New York County (Manhattan)

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

App. Term No. 571174/25

Slip Opinion Number

2026 NY Slip Op 50643(U)

Petitioner

80 VARICK STREET GROUP, L.P.

Respondent

DARLENE LUTZ

Judge

James, P.J.; Brigantti, J.; Alpert, J. (Per Curiam)

Decision/Order Date

2026-05-07

Posture

Other

Disposition

Motion Granted for Tenant

Winner

Tenant Substantially Won

Synopsis

In this failure-to-renew holdover, the Appellate Term reverses the Civil Court and restores a 45-year rent-stabilized tenant to possession on conditions. The tenant was evicted on a default judgment entered within months of the proceeding commencing. The court finds the default was not willful — the tenant had temporarily relocated due to facade work and health issues — and that equity warrants restoration conditioned on signing the renewal lease and paying all arrears, noting the landlord had declined to accept a $150,000 certified check tendered by the tenant.

Keywords

Post-Eviction Order To Show Cause; Long-Term Rent Stabilized Tenancy; Tenant Restored To Possession; Default Not Willful; Equitable Relief; Failure To Renew Lease; Tenant Able To Pay Arrears

Share

COinS