Landlord won't cash rent checks. What do I do?

[robob]

I am a rent controlled (not stabilized) tenant in a brownstone on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. I am the only remaining rent controlled tenant in the building (7 apartments, but the current landlord joined several so there are at present 5) Building is pre-war I believe but I don't know when it was built. It was completely renovated in 1965-66.

The Building Manager yesterday informed me that he no longer plans to cash my rent checks, obviously hoping to say I never paid the rent and have me evicted. What do I do? Also, does anyone know a GOOD, CHEAP TENANT's lawyer?

Much thanks to anyone who can help.

[mjr203]

get a lawyer worth his salt

I'd send all your rent checks via certified mail from now on?

have you had any previous problems with late rent payments? notices to cure? etc?

I am not that familiar with the particulars of RC protections but seems to me they should be substantial.

-POINTER

[ig0234]

umm, in order to make sure you dont spend the $$, go get yourself a money order every month, and make it payable to the Landlord.

don't sent them. let him take you to court.

Judge will ask you "why didnt you pay rent"?

you pull out the money orders and say "the landlord refused to accept them".

presto!

a) you didnt spend (blow) the money
b) you forced him to spend money on a lawyer/ court fees
c) you taught him a lesson!!

another advice would maybe be to deposit the checks directly into his bank account, if you have cancelled checks from the past. then youd have proof in court (cancelled checks) that you paid the rent. But option #1 is alot better in my opinion.