Court orders Brooklyn New York landlord to let tenant live for free

Published On: Thursday, November 22, 2012 12:44 PM
By: Shifra Unger

Margaret Maugenest living rent free in Brooklyn New York

Citing a law dating back 30 years, the highest state court ruled in favor of a Brooklyn New York loft dweller, who was facing eviction for nonpayment of rent since 2003.

The Court of Appeals unanimously ruled that until the owner, Chazon LLC, does building improvements required under the loft law of 1982, the landlord legally cannot evict or collect rent from Margaret Maugenest.

The law sought to legalize hundreds of illegal lofts in the city, building owners were given deadlines to make improvements or to request extensions, if necessary. Three decades later, Chazon LLC has made no improvements, according to the court's decision on Thursday.
"In the absence of compliance, the command of the law is very clear," the court ruled.

The owner is not alone. Of the 914 buildings that fell under the loft law, 304 have not yet been brought into conformity.