August 16th, 2013
Q. Is it essential to retain copies of all renewal leases and documents for rent-stabilized apartments? I have been nervous about discarding old leases in case any legal disputes arise. What should I keep?
A. Rent-stabilized tenants should keep all leases going back to the beginning of the tenancy, according to Dov Treiman, a Manhattan lawyer who represents tenants. “The law requires that all lease renewals be on the same terms as of the original lease,” Mr. Treiman said. “So that first lease defines the entire relationship.” Subsequent leases are important as well, he said, because they will show whether rent has been correctly calculated.
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