Attorney General Files Suit After Investigation into Tenant Harassment

In partnership with Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Tenant Protection Unit, a subpoena was issued in 2014 to investigate Marolda Properties and different landlord companies concerning allegations of tenant harassment and business practices.

In partnership with Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Tenant Protection Unit, a subpoena was issued in 2014 to investigate Marolda Properties and different landlord companies concerning allegations of tenant harassment and business practices.

On November 1, a lawsuit was filed by New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, against landlords and property management companies alleging that they harassed residents in Chinatown and the Lower East Side. The harassed tenants occupied rent regulated apartments. According to Crain’s New York Business, the landlords and management companies wanted these residents out of the building to bring in higher paying tenants to increase profits.

Marolda Properties, a party listed in the complaint, owns and manages upwards of 70 buildings with approximately 1,700 apartments throughout Westchester County and the five boroughs.

According to the complaint, Marolda Properties and landlords of different limited liability companies intimidated residents “by accusing them of not living in their unit.” They threatened the tenants with an eviction proceeding if they did not leave voluntarily. According to Crain’s, the property manager and landlords filed suit in housing court against tenants without any evidence to their claims in many cases.

According to the Attorney General, Marolda, who is a stakeholder in many of the buildings, turned off the gas to some units at a building in the Lower East Side and failed to make basic repairs in an attempt to make the tenants leave. Marolda has not turned the gas back on according to Schneiderman.

One example cited by Crain’s is that when Marolda “ripped out the toilet used by elderly residents in August and never replaced it.” The elderly tenants “had to climb three flights of stairs to use a different restroom.”

Marolda Properties has not yet commented on the allegations.

If you believe your rights as a tenant have been violated, contact Tanya Hobson-Williams, P.C. to learn about the protections available to you under New York State Law.

Author: Tanya Hobson-Williams

Appointed to the bench by the Board of Trustees in 2008, and elected in 2009, Tanya Hobson-Williams was the first African-American Female Justice in the Incorporated Village of Hempstead. Tanya Hobson–Williams obtained her B.A. in Government and Politics from St. John's University and her law degree from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Tanya Hobson-Williams has an active elder law practice assisting senior citizens in obtaining Medicaid for Home Care and Nursing Home Care. She routinely lectures at senior citizen centers, assisted living facilities, law schools and counsels families on a variety of topics of concerns to families caring for the elderly.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

Testimonials

“I want to take this time to thank Tanya and Keith for their professionalism and their ability to keep me calm during this process. Tanya was very helpful in explaining the whole guardianship process and my next steps. Despite my numerous emails, I never felt ignored or that they were growing weary of me. Even after being granted guardianship when I had an issue with the bank releasing money Tanya stayed calm and found a way to get what I was entitled to. I hope I never need to do this again but if I do, I will definitely come back to Tanya and her team. Thank you Thank you Thank you. Love from Bermuda.”

-K. Durham.
(An attorney in Bermuda transferring a Bermudian guardianship to NY)

Read More »

  • Elder Law Attorney Serving Queens Bronx Brooklyn

    Elder Law

    Elder Law encompasses a broad range of legal matters. It is important for everyone, regardless of age or health, to plan for the future.

  • Guardianships Attorney Serving Queens Bronx Brooklyn

    Guardianships

    The legal system recognizes that some adults, whether due to disease, dementia, mental deterioration, or disability, are unable...

  • Medicaid / Medicare Fraud Attorney Serving Queens Bronx Brooklyn

    Medicaid / Medicare Fraud

    Medicaid is a joint state and Federal program that provides insurance to individuals based upon their income and resources, while Medicare...

  • Reverse-Mortgage Foreclosures Attorney Serving Queens Bronx Brooklyn

    Reverse-Mortgage Foreclosures

    Reverse mortgages are becoming an increasingly popular way for aging homeowners to refinance...

  • Landlord-Tenant Attorney Serving Queens Bronx Brooklyn

    Landlord-Tenant

    Landlord Tenant law can be a complex and confusing subject. Disputes over leases and rent payments are often emotionally...

  • Business Law Attorney Serving Queens Bronx Brooklyn

    Business Law

    From the initial startup of your business to any issues you may encounter along the way, you can rely on Hobson-Williams, P.C. for effective...

  • Collections Attorney Serving Queens Bronx Brooklyn

    Collections

    Hobson-Williams, P.C. has a full-service debt collections department, with experienced debt-collection attorneys who will...

  • Real Estate Transactions Attorney Serving Queens Bronx Brooklyn

    Real Estate Transactions

    Many people question why they need an attorney to purchase or sell a home.

Litigator of the Year
Women-Owned Law Firm
Long Island's 50 Top Women
Minority-Owned Law Firm
Brooklyn Bar Association
Queens County Bar Association
New York State Bar Association
Lawyers of Distinction
Outstanding Women in Law

24 hour service
Call Toll-Free:
24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

Phone: 1-866-825-1LAW
Phone: 1-866-825-1529

Queens Office:

  • 87-01 Midland Parkway, Lobby A
    Jamaica Estates, New York 11432
  • Phone: 718-210-4744
  • Fax: 718-928-2210

Brooklyn Office:

  • By Appointment Only
  • Phone: 718-210-4744
  • Fax: 718-928-2210
Skip to content