I have been renting my Apartment for over 6 years and have always been given the option to renew my annual lease by the LL year after year.
Back in Feb of 2010, I agreed to a "Stipulation of Settlement" at NY Civil Court where I agreed to pay back-rent that was owed on a monthly basis for 3 months (Feb, March, April) in addition to my monthly rent to get caught up on rent and prevent any kind of eviction. I completed all requirements with the court and paid everything off by end of April. Since that time, my lease has expired and I have been reluctantly on a month-to-month rent with the LL. I have requested several times that I want to renew my lease and he agreed that if I paid up and met all my requirements of the Stipulation he would renew my lease but still hasn't to this date. I have been up to date and paying my monthly rent on time since.
I recently received a notice on my door that states that "The LL has elected to terminate my month to month tenancy at the Premises effective August 31st, 2010 and I am hereby required to quit, vacate and surrender possession thereof, or the landlord will commence an action of proceeding in a court to recover possession of the premises".
I immediately called and asked again to renew my lease telling him that he agreed to do this once I completed my requirements on the Stipulation. He is now telling me that I have over $4,700 in legal fees that are owed by his lawyers from notices given to me over the years and he will only renew my lease if I agree to pay all of the legal fees immediately! Otherwise I must vacate by August 31st!
Please help... not sure what my rights are. Feeling a little blackmailed here!