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Posted by Fred Lappert on October 17, 1998 at 21:02:59:

In Reply to: Re: Housing Court in Manhatten posted by Gerry on October 04, 1998 at 07:07:48:

: : My landlord's attorney informed me that he is beginning eviction
: : proceedings against me. We rent a Co-op from the sponser. Our lease
: : was up in July. We had extensions until the end of September.
: : We will be able to move out at the end of this month but LL doesn't
: : want to know. I would prefer to represent myself because of $.
: : What are the procedures? Any advice greatly appreciated.

: I just read the information on procedures at Housing Court. It was
: sounds very comprehensive and it would appear unnecessary to hire
: an attorney. From anyone's experience at Housing Court is there
: prejudice towards pro se defendants. What can I expect? Should I elect
: mediation, trial or an adjournment? Thanks in advance.

You can represent yourself in Housing Court, but it's becoming increasingly
pro-landlord. If the case is in any way complicated, it's best to
consult with a experienced tenant lawyer. Things happen quickly and
judges do give deference to lawyers (especially landlord lawyers). But
if you're just looking for a few weeks till the end of the month, you
can either negotiate that, or ask for an adjournment. Even if they get
a judgement of possession, that can take a minimum of three days, most
likely longer. You can surely drag it out a few weeks. Indeed, the landlord
is stupid to bring a case against you now if you plan to leave on your
own by the end of the month. Really stupid.

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Comments:
: : : My landlord's attorney informed me that he is beginning eviction
: : : proceedings against me. We rent a Co-op from the sponser. Our lease 
: : : was up in July. We had extensions until the end of September. 
: : : We will be able to move out at the end of this month but LL doesn't 
: : : want to know. I would prefer to represent myself because of $. 
: : : What are the procedures? Any advice greatly appreciated.

: : I just read the information on procedures at Housing Court. It was 
: : sounds very comprehensive and it would appear unnecessary to hire
: : an attorney. From anyone's experience at Housing Court is there
: : prejudice towards pro se defendants. What can I expect? Should I elect 
: : mediation, trial or an adjournment? Thanks in advance.

: You can represent yourself in Housing Court, but it's becoming increasingly
: pro-landlord. If the case is in any way complicated, it's best to
: consult with a experienced tenant lawyer. Things happen quickly and
: judges do give deference to lawyers (especially landlord lawyers). But
: if you're just looking for a few weeks till the end of the month, you
: can either negotiate that, or ask for an adjournment. Even if they get
: a judgement of possession, that can take a minimum of three days, most
: likely longer. You can surely drag it out a few weeks. Indeed, the landlord
: is stupid to bring a case against you now if you plan to leave on your
: own by the end of the month. Really stupid.


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