roommate advice

[heatherik]

I think I posted in the wrong category so I will repeat myself here:

I need some advice... I have been renting an apartment for 8 years. My LL insists that any new roommate be on the lease. My problem is that I have a roommate from hell who refuses to move. I don't think I have any rights. I can't offer her money to leave. Do I have to give up my great apartment to her because I cannot stay living with her? Any suggestions?

[consigliere]

You have the right to renew your lease in your name alone. If the landlord refuses, file a complaint with DHCR about the landlord's failure to offer a proper and timely renewal lease. This will also delay the effective date of the rent increase.
 
The landlord probably wants to add your roommate to a renewal lease because that would trigger a vacancy increase of 20% for a two-year lease, instead of a 4% increase for a renewal lease.
 
To get rid of your roommate, you will have to evict her in housing court. You will first have to get her served, by a third party or by a process server, with a notice of termination.