God-Son Not Formally Adopted

[RentControlNYC]

This is a real story, not a MOVIE. Rent control
lease succession.Rent control, original lease has two names (man and common-law wife). Common law
wife has paid faithfully for 15 years. Two years
ago, landlord was notified with my name as
god-son. ('Mom' has no other kids). Can I qualify
as 'family member' according to DHCR? Rec'd evict notice as illegal occupant.

Thanks and God Bless.

[Chimera]

God-Son is not something normally accepted as a family member in order to gain succession rights. You can qualify as a "non traditional family member" if you can prove to the courts that you have been functioning as a traditional family member. This includes financial intermingling, attending family functions as a traditional family member, and representing yourself as a family member, among other things. Do a search for "succession rights" on this website, it has been discussed many times on this forum alone.

[Cranky Tenant]

In addition to what Chimera said, you should be able to demonstrate that you've lived there for the past two years as a family member. If you have a copy of the letter sent to the LL two years ago that would be helpful. Any cancelled checks for rent, utilities, or your voter registration card, or other documents should be helpful.

Check the DHCR Fact Sheet #30 for Succession RIghts.

Landlords sometimes serve eviction notices in situations like this hoping the tenant will just give up and go away.